Practical Mysticism: A Little Book for Normal People

Evelyn Underhill was one of the greatest spiritual writers of the twentieth century. For her true mysticism is first of all active and practical an organic life process in which the whole self is engaged rather than simply an intellectual apprehension. Underhills little book on the topic deservesto be read since it is still used in most courses that discuss mysticism and still attracts contemporary spiritual seekers. In this work she explores meditation spirituality mindfulness recollection contemplation and mystical life.Begin with Evelyn Underhill a journey of peace today on the path to a better more balanced life.LARGE PRINT EDITIONExcerpt: Therefore it is to a practical mysticism that the practical man is here invited: to a training of his latent faculties a bracing and brightening of his languid consciousness an emancipation from the fetters of appearance a turning of his attention to new levels of the world. Thus he may become aware of the universe that the spiritual artist is always trying to disclose to the race. This amount of mystical perception---this ordinary contemplation as the specialist call it ---is possible to all men: without it they are not wholly alive. It is a natural human activity no more involving the great powers and sublime experiences of the mystical saints and philosophers than the ordinary enjoyment of music involves the special creative powers of the great musician.Contents: PREFACE CHAPTER I. WHAT IS MYSTICISM?CHAPTER II. THE WORLD OF REALITYCHAPTER III. THE PREPARATION OF THE MYSTIC CHAPTER IV. MEDITATION AND RECOLLECTIONCHAPTER V. SELF-ADJUSTMENTCHAPTER VI. LOVE AND WILLCHAPTER VII. THE FIRST FORM OF CONTEMPLATION CHAPTER VIII. THE SECOND FORM OF CONTEMPLATIONCHAPTER IX. THE THIRD FORM OF CONTEMPLATION CHAPTER X. THE MYSTICAL LIFE