Amazon.com Review Author Wayne Teasdale believes that we're entering the "Interspiritual Age," when a new civilization will be formed--a global culture based on common spiritual values. "Such a universal society will draw its inspiration from perennial spiritual and moral insights, intuitions, and experiences," Teasdale predicts. Throughout this ambitious book, Teasdale examines the world's religions and highlights the underlying beliefs and yearnings that will ultimately link humankind.
Nonetheless, Teasdale is also a proponent of spiritual diversity, urging readers to protect and study their own indigenous religions (or in many cases the religions of their childhoods) before rejecting them. In his glowing introduction, the Dalai Lama also speaks to the importance of preserving religions while simultaneously joining forces to create a more spiritually evolved and compassionate planet. In his final chapters, Teasdale offers ideas for cultivating a more spiritual life. Although his suggestions aren't startlingly original ("Gravitate toward silence," "Always leave the door of hope wide open.") they are tried and true and well worth the reader's time and investment. --Gail Hudson
Product Description
Drawing on experience as an interreligious monk, Brother Wayne Teasdale reveals the power of spirituality and its practical elements. He combines a profound Christian faith with an intimate understanding of ancient religious traditions.
Interspirituality is vital for the planet's futureJune 9, 2008 If you found Tolle's A New Earth Awakening to Your Life's Purpose or Carolyn Myss's Entering the Castle, then you will find this book very enlightening as well. It is a very easy, pleasant read, but very profound.
A TRSUTED GUIDE FOR LIFE'S GREATEST ADVENTUREApril 6, 2008 The Mystic Heart by Wayne Teasdale is a trusted resource for those persons beginning on an intentional spiritual journey as well as those well along the way and asking the many questions that inevitably arise. Wayne Teasdale draws on a profound knowledge of the world's spiritual traditions and orientations to help us better understand the shape and nature of our past travels as well as possibilities for the future. The volume is a store of wisdom into which one may delve again and again without fear of exhausting the richness of its contents. It has been my privilege to use this teaching tool with students in prison as well as seekers in upper-middle-class congregations. All were enthused and aided by such a splendid volume of spiritual wisdom.
Inter-Spiritual with Action Plans!May 7, 2007 I enjoyed reading how well-versed this earthly monk is concerning major religions. He offers a unique perspective on the role of love and kindness in widely different religious practices.
I suppose his greatest contribution to the individual reader is that he guides you in what it takes in character development to become more mystical in one's own heart. Not a book to be taken lightly - if you would reconcile your spiritual practice to those of the masters of love and kindness!
In MemoriamNovember 1, 2004 8 out of 9 found this review helpful
Wayne Teasdale passed away unexpectedly a few days ago.
The Mystic Heart is not heavy reading, but somewhat of a mysticism/interspirituality primer, more descriptive than prescriptive. It is certainly comprehensive and good for familiarizing oneself with the basic elements of mysticism and interspirituality, but it does not contain much practical guidance. The glossary is is fair. The recommended reading list is great.
How we can be oneNovember 4, 2002 17 out of 18 found this review helpful
The Second Vatican Council issued a document called Nostrae Aetate, which called for dialogue among all religions in terms of prayer and spirituality. The Cistercians and Benedictines were commissioned to lead this dialogue. Since that time there have been cross spiritual or interspiritual dialogue among Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Moslems and others. Wayne Teasdale is a Benedictine monk who has spent considerable time studying the religions of the east. In this book he writes of the different emphases of these religions as well as their commonality. He maintains that spirituality is the work of all religions and cultures. He blends insights from spiritual masters of the east and west. For Christians, Teasdale notes how some practices in eastern religions match those of Christianity. The devotion to the Sacred Heart is much the same as the eastern practice of being one with God in compassion. The united presence of all people and God relates to the Cathgolic devotion to the Eucharist.
Teasdale calls not for a bland homogenous spirituality, but one which does not cultural accretions to blind people to the beauty of prayer, devotions and mysticism available to all. This movement is not a denial of a particular religion, but a way in which all religions can benefit. Additionally, one can find support from one's own tradition. And yet receive insight from another that enhances one's own. This book offers hope that spirituality can unite humankind, not divide.
