The Divine Within: Selected Writings on Enlightenment
Product ID: 98335426
"A genius … a writer who spent his life decrying the onward march of the Machine." — The New Yorker Brave New World author Aldous Huxley on enlightenment and the "ultimate reality." In this anthology of twenty-six landmark spiritual essays and other writings, Aldous Huxley discusses the nature of God, enlightenment, being, good and evil, religion, eternity, and the divine. Huxley consistently examined the spiritual basis of both the individual and human society, always seeking, through the lens of the Perennial Philosophy, to reach an authentic and clearly defined experience of the divine. Featuring an introduction by renowned religious scholar Huston Smith, this celebration of "ultimate reality" proves relevant and prophetic in addressing the spiritual hunger so many feel today. This collection, gathering his most insightful writings on the spiritual life for the first time, explores the path to enlightenment through: The Nature of Consciousness: Huxley’s incisive analysis of the mind, from the "slavery of thought to life" to the potential for liberation from the ego. Mysticism East and West: An exploration of the common ground between spiritual traditions, from Christian mystics and the teachings of Meister Eckhart to Vedanta and Zen Buddhism. The Path to Enlightenment: A practical look at the role of meditation, contemplation, and self-transcendence in achieving a direct, unitive knowledge of the divine Ground. Religion and Reality: A brilliant critique of idolatry and the limitations of symbolic religion, arguing for an immediate, personal experience of "ultimate reality." Review: Easy read! - Such a wonderful read! Finished it in one day on cruise vacation. Review: insightful read. - So few writers talk about having a direct connection to the Divine, a personal experience where you feel something. As Carl Jung said, religion is designed to protect you from such experiences. A god in a box of ideas about god, rather than a direct connection. A direct experience is ego shattering, and unpredictable. You don’t control it, it’s much safer to talk about god, than to feel god.
| Best Sellers Rank | #144,003 in Kindle Store ( See Top 100 in Kindle Store ) #19 in Religious Essays #37 in History of Philosophy & Schools of Thought eBooks #70 in Eastern Philosophy (Kindle Store) |
N**H
Easy read!
Such a wonderful read! Finished it in one day on cruise vacation.
S**Y
insightful read.
So few writers talk about having a direct connection to the Divine, a personal experience where you feel something. As Carl Jung said, religion is designed to protect you from such experiences. A god in a box of ideas about god, rather than a direct connection. A direct experience is ego shattering, and unpredictable. You don’t control it, it’s much safer to talk about god, than to feel god.
G**M
Brilliant Man - Fascinating Insights
I’ve read the great Brave New World but never explored other AH works. These essays are wonderful and the writing has beauty and clarity. It surprised me in a very good way.
B**7
Shine A Light
This is a cool introspective little book. It rationalizes Christian Faith, and deconstructs the meanings behind the Lord's Prayer. Not being religious, though with a religious Christian background, and a desire to be more spiritual, this book has been very helpful, insightful and inspiring. I feel calmer and spiritually cleaner after reading it.
H**R
Excellent. Excellent.
Excellent book, easy to read, enjoyed each page.
A**Y
Huxley's takes from an earlier era are incredibly relevant today
you like Aldous Huxley? you like using your brain? If you answer yes to even one of those questions then get it. Huxley was not only brilliant but humble and respectful, making him well-suited to tackle religious & spiritual topics. Several of the essays touch on the Nationalism that gripped the world during the 1940s and 50s. Good thing the world has evolved past this silly pseudo-religion *wink wink*. Of course, I don't agree 100% with everything Huxley opines about religion and spirituality, but it's hard to argue with his overall views. I'm grateful that he shared parts of his journey for spiritual enlightenment. it's a treasure and I plan on revisiting regularly throughout my life.
D**N
One never goes wrong when purchasing a classic
Aldous Huxley is never hit and miss. And this book is new to me. I think everyone should broaden their horizons His approach to seeing life is a timeless adventure that I hope more people devote some energy into exploring.
K**R
Books like this one and others...
If you're reading material like this you should also be reading Robert Monroe's trilogy. Not so much for learning how to OBE, but for what Robert learns from his experience. This books have changed my life.
C**E
one of my favorite
i always carry it with me when i have long flights
E**Z
Five Stars
Excellent
D**Y
delivered on time
Well articulated Timeless notions of human value and conduct
P**I
Great Book with excellent concepts for Divine Seekers.
Great Book with excellent concepts for Divine Seekers.
J**.
Five Stars
Excellent read
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