Table of Contents

1: Introduction 2: Hinduism 3: Buddhism 4: Chinese and Japanese Traditions 5: Jewish Traditions 6: Christian Traditions 7: Muslim Traditions 8: Mysticism among Oral Peoples 9: Conclusion Index

Reviews

"A brilliant and moving overview of representative moments in the mystical tradition of the world's major religions....More than introducing us to the sacramental, metaphorical language of the mystics and providing a refreshing, liberating, and kaleidoscopic guide to creative self-transformation, Denise and John Carmody share their own spiritual sensitivity with us."--Leonard J. Biallas, Division of Theology and Philosophy, Quincy University
"The best single-volume, popular book to date on mysticism east and west. Erudite, concise, nuanced, balanced, and pellucid, it captures both the mind and heart of the world's great mystical traditions." --Harvey D. Egan, Professor of Systematic and Mystical Theology, Boston College
"A comprehensive study of the mystical dimension of the world's major religions....An acridly written work of impeccable scholarship. It will serve as an invaluable resource for those interested in the mystical element of religion."--Monos
"This book serves a need for the area of world religions. Too often the area of holiness and mysticism is somewhat neglected in general textbooks."--Arita Dopkins, Viterbo College
"The Carmodys have done an excellent job of contextualizing the history of mysticism in the major religions of the world. Their style as well as vocabulary is readable for undergraduates. This is a good reference work for professors and graduate students."--Dr. Shawn Madigan, College of St. Catherine
"This is a comprehensive and well-written book that covers essential topics in major mystical traditions."--Mehdi Aminrazavi, Mary Washington College
"A balanced and wide-ranging text that introduces the mystical traditions in a fair-minded way."--Charles A. Kimball, Furman University
"By far the best introductory book on mysticism available in the last decade."--Allen Podet, Buffalo State College
"A helpful overview, building on the Carmodys' vast reading and research. Thanks!"--Doug Bain, Blue Mountain College
"What I find immensely attractive about the book is the fair-minded way in which it sets forth the various options for thinking about religion and mysticism. The authors are acquainted with all the academic fads and arguments, but they are not dazzled by them. Their voice is moderate and humane."--Carol Zaleski, Smith College
"Much needed update on global perspectives on mysticism. A useful and well-written text ideal for undergraduate students." --Ulrike Wiethaus, Wake Forest University
"Vast scholarship coupled with rare teaching: it simplifies without falsifying."--George T. Leonard, San Francisco State University
"I particularly appreciate the way in which the spiritual-mystical traditions are rooted in the basic teachings of the religious traditions. This gives the book a unique value for introductory explorations for graduate students in other disciplines such as psychology."--Ronald Kidd, Illinois Institute of Professional Psychology

"A brilliant and moving overview of representative moments in the mystical tradition of the world's major religions....More than introducing us to the sacramental, metaphorical language of the mystics and providing a refreshing, liberating, and kaleidoscopic guide to creative self-transformation, Denise and John Carmody share their own spiritual sensitivity with us."--Leonard J. Biallas, Division of Theology and Philosophy, Quincy University "The best single-volume, popular book to date on mysticism east and west. Erudite, concise, nuanced, balanced, and pellucid, it captures both the mind and heart of the world's great mystical traditions." --Harvey D. Egan, Professor of Systematic and Mystical Theology, Boston College "A comprehensive study of the mystical dimension of the world's major religions....An acridly written work of impeccable scholarship. It will serve as an invaluable resource for those interested in the mystical element of religion."--Monos "This book serves a need for the area of world religions. Too often the area of holiness and mysticism is somewhat neglected in general textbooks."--Arita Dopkins, Viterbo College "The Carmodys have done an excellent job of contextualizing the history of mysticism in the major religions of the world. Their style as well as vocabulary is readable for undergraduates. This is a good reference work for professors and graduate students."--Dr. Shawn Madigan, College of St. Catherine "This is a comprehensive and well-written book that covers essential topics in major mystical traditions."--Mehdi Aminrazavi, Mary Washington College "A balanced and wide-ranging text that introduces the mystical traditions in a fair-minded way."--Charles A. Kimball, Furman University "By far the best introductory book on mysticism available in the last decade."--Allen Podet, Buffalo State College "A helpful overview, building on the Carmodys' vast reading and research. Thanks!"--Doug Bain, Blue Mountain College "What I find immensely attractive about the book is the fair-minded way in which it sets forth the various options for thinking about religion and mysticism. The authors are acquainted with all the academic fads and arguments, but they are not dazzled by them. Their voice is moderate and humane."--Carol Zaleski, Smith College "Much needed update on global perspectives on mysticism. A useful and well-written text ideal for undergraduate students." --Ulrike Wiethaus, Wake Forest University "Vast scholarship coupled with rare teaching: it simplifies without falsifying."--George T. Leonard, San Francisco State University "I particularly appreciate the way in which the spiritual-mystical traditions are rooted in the basic teachings of the religious traditions. This gives the book a unique value for introductory explorations for graduate students in other disciplines such as psychology."--Ronald Kidd, Illinois Institute of Professional Psychology