Eye of the Heart: A Spiritual Journey into the Imaginal Realm

by Cynthia Bourgeault

The modern-day mystic and beloved author of The Wisdom Jesus shares the evolution of her spiritual journey, offering a bold interpretation of Christian mysticism, energy, and our collective reality In Eye of the Heart, Cynthia Bourgeault investigates the imaginal realm—an energetic realm well known to the mystical traditions but often forgotten in our own times. It is invisible to the physical eye, but clearly perceptible through the eye of the heart. The imaginal realm has long been associated with the personal world of dreams, prophecy, and oracles, and it also points toward a higher vision of our human purpose that is both evolutionary and collective. Bourgeault explores both aspects of imaginal reality and shows readers how we can cooperate more fully with its guidance in our lives. Expertly blending her own lived experiences with research on the imaginal realm, Bourgeault explores how her personal relationships have helped to bring these teachings into sharper focus and the role this realm plays in Christian and other mystical traditions. She delves into the connections between our inner consciousness and what happens in the world, exploring the transformative energy and governing conventions that make the manifestation of this realm possible. Eye of the Heart presents Bourgeault’s spiritual journey with the imaginal realm and encourages readers to attune their hearts for the well-being of the world.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion, Psychology, Theology

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 8, 2020

About the author

Modern day mystic, Episcopal priest, writer, and internationally known retreat leader, Cynthia Bourgeault divides her time between solitude at her seaside hermitage in Maine, and a demanding schedule traveling globally to teach and spread the recovery of the Christian contemplative and Wisdom path.

She has been a long-time advocate of the meditative practice of Centering Prayer and has worked closely with fellow teachers and colleagues including Thomas Keating, Bruno Barnhart, and Richard Rohr. Cynthia has actively participated in numerous inter-spiritual dialogues and events with luminaries and leaders such as A.H. Almaas, Kabir Helminski, Swami Atmarupananda, and Rami Shapiro.

Cynthia is a member of the GPIW (Global Peace Initiative for Women) Contemplative Council and recipient of the 2014 Contemplative Voices award from Shalem Institute. She is a founding Director of both The Contemplative Society and the Aspen Wisdom School. She continues to contribute to The Contemplative Society in her role as Principal Teacher and advisor.

Cynthia is the author of eight books: The Holy Trinity and the Law of Three, The Meaning of Mary Magdalene, The Wisdom Jesus, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, Mystical Hope, The Wisdom Way of Knowing, Chanting the Psalms, and Love is Stronger than Death. She has also authored or contributed to numerous articles on the Christian Wisdom path in publications such as Parabola Magazine, Gnosis Magazine, and Sewanee Theological Review.

Cynthia Bourgeault is currently one of the core faculty members at The Living School for Action and Contemplation.

from http://www.contemplative.org/cynthia-...

Reviews

[Joy Matteson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynthia Bourgeault is not a writer to take up on a whim. Her words of wisdom require patience, deep reflection, and seeing with the eye of the heart, as this title suggests. I think I need to read it again to glean all the wisdom here, but her ideas about the imaginal realm (truly, you must use your imagination to understand it) were fascinating and made a deep impression on me. If you love Fr. Rohr's works, Cynthina Bourgeault is like Contemplative Religion 2.0 compared to his writings, which is exciting, but also can be quite daunting!

[Elizabeth Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all consciously or unconsciously live according to an internal map, formed by culture, religious upbringing, lived experience, and our deliberate spiritual seeking. Every once in a while, something causes us to see that map, and thus call it into question.

EYE OF THE HEART, Cynthia Bourgeault's latest, exposed my own cosmology and offered another, one that allows for more love (and greater responsibility) than I've thought possible. Each time Cynthia posits a theory about how the world functions, I react with skepticism--"How could she (or any of the spiritual masters or great faith traditions she leans on) know THAT?" Then, sitting with this new worldview, I watch as irreconcilable experiences I've had (encountering the essence of loved ones after they've died, being profoundly shaped by scenes I've imagined, sensing energetic aliveness transforming me from the inside out, watching the silent communion of a prayer group ripple into a larger congregation) fall into place.

Sure, any map we make is a flawed construction. But some maps create space for more good, growth, healing, connection, and possibility than others. It doesn't matter whether or not it's accurate. What matters is whether working with this map brings life and light, into my own life and through my life into the world. I'll be studying EYE OF THE HEART and Cynthia's source material for the rest of my days.

[Patrick Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bourgeault is a modern-day mystic operating on a level way beyond much of human awareness. She is either brilliant or cray-cray in her mapping and explanation of an entirely alternative view of spiritual reality. She grounds her theories and frameworks using her deep knowledge of the works of Gurdjieff, Boehme, even Shakespeare, and a myriad of other mystics from all traditions. If you're open-minded and seeking, Cynthia will take you on a mind-bending journey into the imaginal realm where the heart knows a way that the rational mind cannot understand.

[Marlene M. Oaks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but...

There are some fascinating tidbits, and I'm glad I read it. However, it seems to me over-thought, oozing with name dropping, pseudo intellectual with a myriad of references. She seems to take herself too seriously in this book. It is not that complicated. One of the reasons people have fallen away from the spiritual path, it seems to me, is that theologians and philosophers make it way too complicated, erudite, and confusing.

[Trey Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fringe, esoteric, unorthodox metaphysical remapping, drawing on Teilhard, Gurdjieff, Sufism, the Bard, Keating, and other mystical/nondual partners. Probably not the most interesting or helpful reading for the dispositionally skeptical or the “absolutely certain” of any theological tradition. At times I found myself rolling my eyes; at times I found myself caught up in a luminous, wondrous, loving unknowability. But why does it matter what I think, anyway?

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn't recommend picking this up if you haven't already read books by Cynthia Bourgeault.

If you've already started reading her work, this is a mind-blowing addition. It lays out the map of the years-long journey she's been taking herself, and been taking us all on. I'll be re-reading after I take a few months to ponder these ideas. It's a lot to take in at once.

[Soroush · Rating 3 out of 5]

Until about 2/3 of the book, I was quite enjoying the exploration of the Imaginal Realm, World 24. However, starting from the chapter "Putting it All Together", I started to notice that many anecdotal "evidence" were used to justify the construction of a specific framework for being engaged with the Imaginal Realm. I did not care much for that framework. It wasn't justified properly. For example, the notion that the deceased can work with the living to continue their spiritual ascension was not robustly explained or defended.

As I kept reading, I wondered, how much of this framework is built, as it's built, due the author's wishes to continue contact with a deceased beloved. Her desire to stay connected, and for her connection to be real and not imaginary, may have influenced her writing and theory; post-hoc and ad-hoc reasoning to quench a passionate thirst with a deceased beloved who is not really there anymore. At the end, she may have conflated the Imaginal with the imaginary.

Nevertheless, as stated, I did enjoy the exploration of the Imaginal Realm, and if you're curious about this realm, which can be found in multiple traditions, then you may want to read this book.

[Prakash mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, I loved it clarified Gurdjieff's Ray of Creation for me in a way that I couldn't get it from the Master himself thank you Cynthia for an amazing adventure into the imaginal realm

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging, affirming, essential reading for frontline spiritual seekers. Bold writing, clear distillation of complex cosmological concepts, brilliant vision.

[Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Rohr mentioned Cynthia Bourgeault in one of his presentations. I was not familiar with the name and viewed some of her short presentations on YouTube. I asked for some of her works at the local bookstore and the only book they had was "Eye of the Heart...".

Personally, I found it to be a difficult book to read. It was well written. The language was precise and the presentation followed a logical order.

But comprehension was elusive. That is not unusual. The koans of Zen Buddhism, the metaphors Christ used, and other elusive references are not readily understood because they point to spiritual truths that need to be explored repeatedly in order to be fully understood.

Books referencing spiritual growth are generally beyond my reach. This book is no exception. I lacked the foundation of thought that may have enabled me to understand it more fully. Furthermore, Ms. Bourgeault presented new concepts and a fundamentally different world view of the cosmos that I was not familiar with. It is quite unique. The concepts will need to percolate for some time and when I deem myself ready, I hope to re-read it with eyes open.

[Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Imaginal Realm is a Fascinating subject and the author uses her own personal experiences as well as studies to shine a light into this energetically subtle spiritual realm.
Certain parts of the book were very challenging to understand as the author delves deeply into esoteric and metaphysical subjects (ie., Gurdjieff’s Ray of Creation, and chiastic forms) .
For me, this book will require a second read just for starters, and then further readings as I attempt to grok more of what she is pointing to.
I was most partial author sharing her own experiences as those examples of connecting with the Imaginal realm were more accessible for someone like me, new to this subject.
Others have notes that this book was daunting and challenging and I would agree, as the author is extremely intellectual. Fortunately, there are also gems within that even someone completely outside of the esoteric (Gurdjieff etc) realm , like myself, could discover.
Not for the faint of heart. 😉

[Sooz]

This is not a book I would have chosen. I probably would not even be curious enough to pick it up and glance through it. It was given to me by a friend .... a friend who is currently reading it and suggested that -if I started it now- we could email our thoughts to each other. I liked that idea so here I am, trying to keep an open mind and not get hung up on terminology or concepts I don't understand. And while Bourgeault does use words and combinations of words I don't grasp there is lots that is interesting and after just the first chapter I was able to write a substantial email filled with thoughts her writing had provoked.

And it continues on in exactly this vein. Chapter two is like 'whaaaaat????'. Chapter three she leans into ideas that support consciousness as the fifth universal force (along with gravity, electromagnetism, the strong and weak nuclear forces) and I'm right there with her.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A snowy day was the perfect space to finish this book. My mind was not fraught with things I needed to finish or start. Only that I complete this book once and for all.

There are tidbits in this book to further explore. I took good notes to further my understanding what it means to see with your heart and to guard your heart above all else. Our brain cannot function without the heart and neither can our life be saved without acknowledging how dear life is to our soul. The soul is inexplicably entangled in the heart.

The book can be difficult to follow at times. Try drawing a map for yourself as you read. It may help you navigate the imaginal worlds your heart embraces.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first real introduction to metaphysics, this book was helpful but also a real stretch. I found myself regularly having to look up the meaning of words. I come from a Reformed Protestant background, so much of the material was a challenge for me... particularly the idea of a continued spiritual growth/ladder after death, which seems like works-righteousness to me.

I think I will be ruminating on this book for quite a while. I am glad that I read it.

[Barbara Tellman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fascinating, but, because I knew nothing about Gurdjieff, was confusing as well. I read it because I am doing an online class on the book and concepts. I hope they become clearer as I ponder them.

[Agatha Glowacki · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this complicated and hard to follow and counldt' connect with it.

[Leigh Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an excellent book. I will read anything by Cynthia Bourgeault -- I've been reading her books for 15 years or so, never read a bad one. This one started out like it was going to be the first "bad" book I'd read by the author, but I just kept going, having faith that I would somehow begin to understand -- and I did! I have never read Gurdjieff (or basically any of the sources quoted by the author) having always considered them basically either hoo hoo or boring hoo hoo. But the author's explanation and extrapolation on metaphysical ideas, made it seem not just understandable, but there were many "ah hah" moments where I thought, from my own experience, this is exactly as it must be. I do need to re-read it again in the future to thoroughly understand. Listening to an audiobook while driving to and from work made it impossible for me to look up certain words, various sources, etc. The worlds mutually feeding one another and a lot of other things just rang so true to me.

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed quite a few books from Cynthia Bourgeault, so this one took me a bit by surprise. I LOVED hearing her love story and am definitely not opposed to the idea of otherworldly energies. I find all of that super intriguing. I didn’t realize this book would be so heavily influenced by Gurdjieff, so without realizing it this was the second book this year that I’ve read about his work. And for someone who generally loves stuff like that, his work literally makes no sense to me. I had the same experience as she was describing it in this book that I felt in that first book I read (“In Search of the Miraculous” by P. D. Ouspensky). Maybe this is how other people feel when I try to get them to learn about the enneagram and spiral dynamics?! 😆 I don’t know, I’m not opposed to the idea that I’m just not “evolved” enough yet to understand “the work,” and perhaps one day I will be. But Gurdjieff holds zero appeal to me at this point in my life.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

very grateful for this book in this time, in these months and days. Concepts the author has addressed elsewhere come through here in a straight up transmission, sweet and clear. The intimate and personal impetus to the work brings the reader heart forward to meet her. I feel settled and focused, practice centered, as though the reading of this writing is an experience of "apprivoiser" (a French word the author quotes from Saint-Exupery's use) itself.

Note that cautious curious folks could listen to her recent interview about this book here: https://goop.com/the-goop-podcast/a-d...

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is almost beyond my descriptive ability to adequately convey how this book confirmed my deepest intuitions about the spiritual life we aspire to and will eventually lead as we grow through our efforts and our sorrows.
I look forward to rereading this book many times. I feel that my first reading just scratched the surface of the writer’s knowledge while it began in me a transformation of all my spiritual perspectives.
I can not recommend this book highly enough. Get it and give it away!

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a profound exploration of the imaginal realm—a concept that bridges the gap between the physical and the spiritual. Cynthia Bourgeault delves into this energetic realm, offering insights that resonate deeply with those on a contemplative path. Her writing is both accessible and deeply spiritual, making complex ideas feel personal and transformative. It's a journey that invites readers to see with the "eye of the heart," opening up new dimensions of understanding and connection.

[Lucy G. DE Llaguno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynthia es una mística moderna y leer el camino que toma en su búsqueda por vivir otra dimensión de la existencia mientras vive en la tierra, me inspira. Su historia muestra una alma en evolución. Se desliza entre complejas teorías del imaginario para regresar a la simpleza del camino del Amor y , por supuesto, del Misterio.

[Phil Chiappetta · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stars 🌟 may increase on future readings, if they happen. Deeply interesting at times but the reader needs extensive spiritual, theological, esoteric background/training to grasp the system Cynthia B is proposing. However, there is no doubt her writing is rigorously grounded intellectually - it bears no flakiness or phoniness. It is genuine in its genius.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a challenging read, but very thought provoking. Its my first introduction to Cynthia Bourgeault and I'll be going back in time to read her other books. I'm interested in reading about her thoughts and the progression that led her to this book.

[AV Singer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in personal growth, becoming who you were meant to be, and a twin flame explanation, this is the book for you. She explains in spiritual terms the path of being quantumly entangled with other. Her insight is sharp and loving at the same time.

[Leanne Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting blend of personal memoir and spiritual manual. It teaches an alternative way of reading events; not from a linear, cause-and-effect perspective but from a chiastic, ripples-in-a-pond perspective. I learnt a lot about Gurdjieffian cosmology and the wisdom tradition.

[Danielle Shroyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still digesting this one. As usual Bourgeault is brilliant and insightful, though she can be difficult to follow if you’re not well read in the circles she’s in. But if raising consciousness is your thing, this one is worth reading. (Fair warning- it’s pretty woo woo!)

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended for serious spiritual pilgrims, especially during this chaotic time of endless crises and conflicts.

[Kay Sterner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Bourgeault brings an intellectual heft to her musings on the wisdom tradition within Christianity.

[Cheryl Lafferty Eckl · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exquisite book that I need to read again. Amazing insights and scholarship. I have always loved Bourgeault's work. She has really outdone herself with Eye of the Heart. I couldn't put it down.