Description
Book SynopsisThe book provides an introduction to mystical philosophy and the concept of inner development by looking at a number of its great schools. Mystics concur in saying that we are in some way "asleep" and must recognise this to awaken. A considerable attempt to identify the nature of this "sleep" is made in the earlier part of the book, with the particular help of the teaching of Gurdjieff. Also studied are ways of the past and present, including the Mystery Schools, Gnosticism, Alchemy, Zen, the Fourth Way, and the Way of the Sufi. It is also made apparent that the Way of Jesus, until it was overlaid by "Christianity", was once understood as one of these "waves" or teachings for the development of human being and consciousness. The resonance of this teaching with all other mystical teachings is a significant theme. The purpose of the book is to inspire the reader to ascend the "Stairway to the Stars"!
Table of ContentsCHAPTER ONE - Prelude
CHAPTER TWO - The message of the mystic
CHAPTER THREE - Towards the recognition of sleep
CHAPTER FOUR - The meaning of esotericism
CHAPTER FIVE - The inner circle of humanity
CHAPTER SIX - The way
CHAPTER SEVEN - The mystery schools
CHAPTER EIGHT - The Gnostics
CHAPTER NINE - The art of alchemy
CHAPTER TEN - Zen
CHAPTER ELEVEN - Gurdjieff, enemy of sleep
CHAPTER TWELVE - The way of the sufi
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