Mysticism

Evelyn Underhill was one of the greatest spiritual writers of the twentieth century. Her legacy as a pivotal figure in Christian mysticism endures today. For her, true mysticism is first of all active and practical, an organic life process in which the whole self is engaged, rather than simply an intellectual apprehension. Underhill‘s magnum opus on the topic merits a reexamination since it is still used in most courses that explore the experience of God called mysticism and still attracts contemporary spiritual seekers.

With 910 dynamic endnotes.

Excerpt: This book falls naturally into two parts; each of which is really complete in itself, though they are in a sense complementary to one another. Whilst the second and longest part contains a somewhat detailed study of the nature and development of man’s spiritual or mystical consciousness, the first is intended rather to provide an introduction to the general subject of mysticism. Exhibiting it by turns from the point of view of metaphysics, psychology, and symbolism, it is an attempt to gather between the covers of one volume information at present scattered amongst many monographs and text-books written in divers tongues, and to give the student in a compact form at least the elementary facts in regard to each of those subjects which are most closely connected with the study of the mystics.

Contents:

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION

Part I THE MYSTIC FACT

I. The Point of Departure

II. Mysticism and Vitalism

III. Mysticism and Psychology

IV. The Characteristics of Mysticism

V. Mysticism and Theology

VI.Mysticism and Symbolism

VII. Mysticism and Magic

Part II THE MYSTIC WAY

I. Introductory

II. The Awakening of the Self

III. The Purification of the Self

IV. The Illumination of the Self

V. Voices and Visions

VI. Introversion. Part I: Recollection and Qui

VII. Introversion. Part II: Contemplation

VIII. Ecstasy and Rapture

IX. The Dark Night of the Soul

X. The Unitive Life

CONCLUSION

APPENDIX: HISTORICAL SKETCH OF MYSTICISM