Evelyn Underhill Knihy

The work of a noted British authority on mysticism, it is divided into two parts: the first provides an introduction to the general subject of mysticism and its relation to metaphysics, psychology, theology, magic, and symbolism. The second and longer part contains a detailed study of the nature and development of spiritual or mystical consciousness, including such topics as the awakening of the self, the purification of the self, voices and visions, introversion, ecstasy and rapture, the dark night of the soul, and the unitive life. An interesting appendix provides a historical sketch of European mysticism from the beginning of the Christian era to the death of Blake.

Co je v duchovní zkušenosti tím podstatným prvkem. Který z mnoha stavů a zjevení, jež mystici popisují, jsou její integrální součástí, a co se z těchto stavů a stupňů stane, když je popíšeme současným slovníkem a svlečeme je z mnišských rouch, do nichž jsou obvykle oblečeny? Které prvky jsou plodem toho, co nám sugeruje tradice, vědomé nebo nevědomé symboliky, chybného výkladu citů, tužeb přicházejících z nižších center, nebo přestrojeným vyplněním nevědomého přání? Co je pravá podstata mystiky? Když odstraníme rysy, které někteří mystici přijímají a jiní odmítají – všechno, co pochází jen z tradice, temperamentu nebo nevědomky přijaté symboliky –, co zbude jako nutný a stálý rys každé pravé mystické zkušenosti? Vyplatí se tuto otázku klást. Neboť pozornost byla věnována jednou historické stránce mystiky, jindy (daleko méně) její praxi, ale chybělo jasné pochopení rozdílu mezi jejími podstatnými a náhodnými rysy – mezi tradičními formami či metodami a věčnou zkušeností, kterou zprostředkovávají. V mystické literatuře se často slova míchají s věcmi a symboly se skutečnostmi, takže velká část této literatury jako by mluvila o nějakém uzavřeném a vzdáleném snovém světě, ne o dosažení univerzální pravdy.

Light of Addresses Given at the House of Retreat Pleshey, in May, 1932

This book is a study of how Christian worship, viewed in its deepest sense, is a response of the human to the Eternal. There is first an examination of the basic characteristics, in ritual, symbol, sacrifice, and sacrament. The nature and significance of the Eucharist are thoroughly treated. In the second part of the book there is a detailed discussion of selected traditions of worship, including Reformed, Anglican, Catholic, Eastern, and Western churches. Recognized as both a historical study and a spiritual classic of our time, Worship has had a long series of editions since it was first published in 1936.

Exploring the essence of Traditional Christian Mysticism, this comprehensive volume showcases insights from renowned saints and Protestant leaders, emphasizing that spirituality is integral to human existence rather than an isolated pursuit. Evelyn Underwood illustrates how practical mysticism enhances personal growth and effectiveness in daily life. With over 600 pages, it serves as an extensive guide for those seeking to deepen their spiritual journey and achieve a fuller understanding of their capabilities through mystical practices.

The title of the book, Abba , is the term used in more than one place in the New Testament for addressing God as Father and it is with the ‘Our Father’ prayer that these meditations are concerned. At first sight it might be thought impossible to say anything fresh on something so familiar to all Christians as the Lord’s Prayer. Yet the inexhaustible depths of meaning to be found in it may, by the very fact of familiarity, all too easily escape notice and understanding.

Evelyn Underhill was an English Anglo-Catholic writer and pacifist known for her numerous works on religion and spiritual practice, in particular Christian mysticism. This book contains in an expanded form the four addresses on the Spiritual Life which were given by Underhill in 1936. The are published in response to numerous requests from listeners and in the hope that they will be found suitable for Lenten reading. The spiritual life is here considered, not as an intense form of piety peculiar to saints, but as the living heart of all religion, and therefore of vital concern to ordinary men and women. Its essence is held to consist in a growing communion with God, a growing cooperation with Him, inspiring and transforming every kind of action from the most routine to the most heroic. Essays are: What is the Spiritual Life The Spiritual Life as Communion with God The Spiritual Life as Co-operation with God Some Questions and Difficulties. -- Provided by publisher

Exploring the essence of mysticism, this book delves into the evolution of human spiritual awareness and consciousness. It offers a comprehensive overview of mysticism, examining its fundamental principles and the transformative journey of individuals seeking deeper spiritual understanding. Through detailed analysis, it highlights the significance of mystical experiences and their impact on personal growth and perception of reality.

This book serves as a practical guide for modern seekers, offering clear techniques for spiritual illumination and poetic insight without dogma or tradition. Evelyn Underhill presents concepts like contemplation and surrender with humor, making it accessible and engaging, though applying its principles may require dedication.

A poet, novelist, pacifist and mystic, Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941) spent her life deeply immersed in the things she wrote about. At first an agnostic, Underhill became drawn to Catholicism, though her husband, a Protestant, tried to dissuade her. Instead of taking the traditional Christocentric view held by most Anglo-Catholics, Underhill gravitated toward a more intellectual side of religion. With her work "Practical Mysticism", Underhill expounds on her views of spirituality from a secular standpoint, arguing that spiritual life is innate in all humans, a part of human nature, and that all of life is sacred. A product of the Edwardian era, Underhill's works are romantic and unashamedly sensuous. A prominent figure in her field of interest while she was writing, Underhill remains a respected writer on religion and spiritual practice.