The essentials of mysticism, and other essays by Evelyn Underhill
"The Essentials of Mysticism and Other Essays" by Evelyn Underhill is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. This work shines a light on various dimensions of mysticism, exploring its theoretical foundations, historical context, and practical implications. Through thoughtful analysis, Underhill seeks to distill the core essence of mystical experiences, transcending traditional forms and revealing universal truths central to mystical thought. The opening of the collection sets the stage
for Underhill’s inquiry into the nature of mysticism, questioning what constitutes a genuine mystical experience beyond cultural and historical variations. She emphasizes the need to differentiate between previous interpretations and the essence that remains constant across time and belief systems. Underhill asserts that at the heart of mysticism lies a profound consciousness of God, characterized by introspection and deep communion between the individual soul and the divine. This opening exposition highlights the complexity of mystical experiences, the importance of personal transformation, and the necessity of reinterpreting mysticism for contemporary understanding. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The essentials of mysticism -- The mystic and the corporate life -- Mysticism and the doctrine of atonement -- The mystic as creative artist -- The education of the spirit -- The place of will, intellect, and feeling in prayer -- The mysticism of Plotinus -- Three mediæval mystics: "The mirror of simple souls." The Blessed Angela of Foligno. Julian of Norwich -- Mysticism in modern France: Sœur Thérése de l'Enfant Jésus. Lucie-Christine. Charles Péguy.
Credits
Susan E, David King, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at www.pgdp.net. (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive.)
Reading Level
Reading ease score: 53.1 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
