Mysticism: A Study in Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness - Paperback

by Evelyn Underhill (Author)

2018 Reprint of 1930 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition software. This work 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. Richly documented with material drawn from such great mystics as St. Teresa, Meister Eckhart, St. John of the Cross, and William Blake, this remarkable study will be of immense interest to students, psychologists, theologians -- anyone interested in this extremely personal and powerful form of spiritual life.