This ambitious anthology of spiritual autobiographies steps toward "building the foundation for a viable spirituality that can serve to unite rather than divide humanity for the countless millennia ahead." This lofty goal is an evolved passion of Teasdale (The Mystic Heart
), a member of the Parliament of the World's Religion's Spiritual Life Circle that spearheaded this publication. Filled with short accounts by diverse contributors, many under 30 years old, this volume celebrates "the collapse of boundaries that have separated the religions and cultures for millennia... [through the] rediscovery and recovery of the mystical dimension universally present in all the great world traditions." Most of the stories recount the lives of those who experienced some version of an early spiritual awakening. They also express the fruits of first-hand exposure to other traditions through experiences of practice and dialogue. These heartfelt stories reveal an openness of spirit unafraid to be informed and transformed by new experiences and can be enjoyed by the spiritually sympathetic as well as the curious or even cautious. Blank pages invite readers to write their own spiritual autobiography, a worthwhile endeavor complementing the book's quest. (Aug.)
Forecast:
This balanced and loving book will be launched at the Barcelona Parliament of the World's Religion this July.
