Prose Supplements - Shop now
$9.99 with 33 percent savings
Digital List Price: $14.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Wayne Teasdale
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Mystic Heart: Discovering a Universal Spirituality in the World's Religions Kindle Edition

by Wayne Teasdale (Author), The Dalai Lama (Foreword) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 154 ratings
See all formats and editions
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.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    320 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    New World Library
  4. Publication date
    October 6, 2010
  5. File size
    4.9 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
Next slide of product details

Editorial Reviews

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

From Publishers Weekly

Teasdale is a sannyasa, or Hindu monk, who also practices Roman Catholicism and serves on the board of trustees of the Parliament of the World's Religions. Here, he proclaims the advent of a new movement toward "interspirituality"--one that claims as its heritage all valid spirituality from any and all faiths. Teasdale distinguishes "spirituality" from "religion," explaining that "Being religious connotes belonging to and practicing a religious tradition. Being spiritual suggests a personal commitment to a process of inner development that engages us in our totality." For the author, religion is a potential means to the greater end of genuine spirituality, which is highly mystical. Teasdale identifies what he considers the main elements of true spirituality and their manifestation in various religious traditions. Although he is Catholic and the book appeals to the unity underlying all traditions, most of his terminology derives from Buddhist and Hindu sources. Teasdale's style is gentle and winsome. Those who disapprove of eclecticism in religion will at least find this a clear presentation to react against, while those who share Teasdale's optimistic vision of the coming age as fostering spiritual unity among diverse peoples will consider the book an inspirational guide. (Nov.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004CYF39S
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ New World Library (October 6, 2010)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 6, 2010
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.9 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 157731140X
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 154 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Wayne Teasdale

Wayne Teasdale

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
154 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book's spiritual content enlightening and profound. They describe it as an excellent product that is easy to read and navigate. Readers praise the writing quality as well-crafted and relevant to current trends.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

Spiritual contentReadabilityEase of useWriting quality
16 customers mention "Spiritual content"16 positive0 negative

Customers find the spiritual content in the book inspiring and enlightening. They appreciate the profound exploration of meaningful prayer and the integration of mystic traditions. The book provides information about religions and spiritual practices in an easy-to-read, yet profound manner.

"...divine experience with the white light I call God so it was an interesting read." Read more

"This book was the result of many years of study and interfaith dialogue as well as a dedicated regular practice of various forms of prayer such as..." Read more

"...the mystical path to God knows no limits, and I rejoice in his brilliant exploration of the mystical aspects of each of the world's religions...." Read more

"There really is no other book on inter-spirituality, the new millennium of religious experience. One of the most important books I’ve ever read." Read more

12 customers mention "Readability"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read. They describe it as an excellent product and delivery.

"This book was a great read. It’s basically about interspirituality and how certain practices can help us reach enlightenment...." Read more

"...of their own views, and Teasdale does so generously, accurately and honestly...." Read more

"This book is the epitome of books for all who are seeking to understand mysticism and the connection of all world religions, and also what is..." Read more

"The Mystic Heart is an exceptional book for an average reader who is interested in things spiritual...over and over again Teasdale points out the..." Read more

3 customers mention "Ease of use"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and profound. They say it's a pleasant, didactic read that is organized in a methodical way.

"...of the mystic traditions and ties them together in a smooth and methodical manner." Read more

"...It is a very easy, pleasant read, but very profound." Read more

"Tedious and didactic..." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and relevant to current trends. They say the author is interesting and well-rounded.

"...This was still a very good read especially for those that don’t understand the middle path towards enlightenment...." Read more

"This is an exceptional book by an interesting and well rounded author...." Read more

"Very well written and pertinent to current trends" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • When I originally received my copy the book had a little damage, but I was able to get a replacement easily. This is a great illustration reference book on alchemy & mysticism to have in your collection. I wish it were a little bigger, but I still love it.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book was a great read. It’s basically about interspirituality and how certain practices can help us reach enlightenment. By the middle of the book I could tell that the writer did not have the divine light enlightenment encounter, but he has experienced something. It could be enhanced psychic abilities or understanding consciousness. This was still a very good read especially for those that don’t understand the middle path towards enlightenment. I have had this divine experience with the white light I call God so it was an interesting read.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • David Stump
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exploring religious pluralism from a Christian perspective
    Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    This book was the result of many years of study and interfaith dialogue as well as a dedicated regular practice of various forms of prayer such as the Rosary, Lectio Divina, Centering Prayer, and the Eucharist. There is an enthusiasm and exuberance in Br. Teasdale's ongoing communion with God that he is eager to share with the world -- not as a boast but as a gift. To show that such faith, hope and love is accessible to all. He takes the affirmation of Vatican II, that all major faiths contain their own take on the greater truths of life and death, very seriously. His exploration of other religions is done from the perspective of someone who is rooted in his own tradition, and while he presents his own synthesis of how he interprets other faiths, he doesn't force this on those from other religions. Everyone, religious and irreligious, interprets other religions and beliefs through the lens of their own views, and Teasdale does so generously, accurately and honestly. His vision isn't one of a sloppy, indistinct mush made up of pieces of various religions that is so generic and bland as to be useless. In fact Teasdale writes so lovingly of the structures and liturgical gems each tradition has inherited that one suspects he would find such an indiscriminate merger of religions to be a tragedy. His view for an inter-spiritual age is based on the idea that each tradition is a complete system which can interact with and learn from others without losing its distinctiveness. I purchased this book many years ago and have re-read it several times, and each time I find something I didn't notice or fully appreciate before. It is a wonderful companion to have on your spritual journey.
    18 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Dr. R. B James
    5.0 out of 5 stars The World needs more Mystics!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Brother Wayne has shared an important gift to the world with this book where he demonstrates his deep love of The Divine as found in every belief system. His vision of the mystical path to God knows no limits, and I rejoice in his brilliant exploration of the mystical aspects of each of the world's religions. This is a must-read for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of how the Ultimate Reality is pursued in nearly every spiritual tradition.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • LarryD
    4.0 out of 5 stars Mysticism and the "Final Integration"
    Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Mysticism (as Teasdale tells it) would make better sense if it was shown clearly in relation to the "final integration" that is referred to at the end of chapter 9. If you look at mysticism as a duality of self and non-self, it suggests that it is a state that waits for resolution. I see mysticism as a transitional state, a sort of halfway house of being before becoming whole. I do not see the spiritual destination as the mystical life but rather the final integration. To romanticize the mystical state of being is to lock one in place. I recall one women I was corresponding with who said she was relieved to no longer be a mystic. The resolution of the mystical life is a happy moment as one is finally free to live an ordinary life.

    The mystical state still retains the narrative of one's culture and that narrative separates us from others in other cultures who hold different narratives. The duality of mysticism does not rise above these cultural narratives, in fact it is the narrative that helps gives one direction. The final integration is not only self-transcendence but also transcendence of the narrative as well. At that point I think we could start to talk about interspirituality. It seems premature to approach it from the unresolved mystical state.
    8 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Soulseeker2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Important book
    Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    There really is no other book on inter-spirituality, the new millennium of religious experience. One of the most important books I’ve ever read.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Susan Winters Smith
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Only Book You'll Ever Need on A Spiritual Journey
    Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This book is the epitome of books for all who are seeking to understand mysticism and the connection of all world religions, and also what is happening in terms of spiritual growth within their own minds and souls. I happened to order it on a friend's recommendation just before I landed in the hospital and nearly died. I had amazing experiences and when the book arrived while I was in the hospital, it validated everything I was going through. Truly Amazing.
    8 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • David W. Beach
    5.0 out of 5 stars A TRSUTED GUIDE FOR LIFE'S GREATEST ADVENTURE
    Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2008
    Verified Purchase
    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.
    8 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Colton Somerville
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read, very informative.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I have yet to read it all yet, but so far I am very pleased at how well this book presents many of the mystic traditions and ties them together in a smooth and methodical manner.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • M. J. Robinson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Blessed interspiritual thought
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 22, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    Wayne Teasdale scans across many faith traditions extracting the mystical core of them all. Refreshing,well- researched and a tremendously powerful call to unity in a fragmented world.

    There is no attempt to show any faith as the best to the exclusion of all others which I am afraid I often encounter. This book reflects on the opportunity for us to engage in 'interspirituality' i.e. a way of extending our arms and heart to embrace and understand other traditions. This doesn't mean we lose or lessen the strength and depth of our own. In fact by understanding the techniques and philosophy of other traditions we can only deepen and refresh our own. And if you think about it if God is in everything then the idea that any one tradition has it all is absurd. All mystical traditions whether Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Sufi,the Kabbalah etc offer an openness and oneness to an all encompassing vision of the world.

    The author, being a Catholic monk, of course makes many references to the Catholic faith and draws on the writings of that tradition quite extensively (St John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Thomas Merton, Thomas Keating to name a few) but he also writes knowledgeably about other traditions and shows how ultimately all spiritual practice is universally about inner development that reaches 'fruition in selfless love, compassion, mercy, and kindness'. True spiritual practice then is known by its fruits no matter what tradition it comes from.

    The fruits of the spiritual journery include OPENNESS, PRESENCE, LISTENING, BEING, SEEING, SPONTANEITY, JOY AND PROFOUND PEACE.

    In chapter 10 Teasdale suggests that we should open our hearts and consider the all encompassing idea of a universal mysticism where we commune and practice a spirituality as ONE. In so doing we will begin to heal our divisions through being contemplative, interspiritual, intermystical, socially engaged, environmentally responsible, holistic and integrating. Meditation and contemplation appear to be key to working on changing our inner world so that we can commune with others in action with more compassion and love.

    This openess is the kind of attitude we need in our fragmented world. Excellent. A very hopeful vision of the future. Lots more I could say but don't want to spoil an enlightening and thought-provoking read that leaves one feeling quite buoyant.
    Report
  • Marsha Eger
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of those important books to pay attention to for anyone interested in spirituality and how we can come together in the world towards peace.
    Report
  • John3v16
    2.0 out of 5 stars ... no stars or one star as this is 'I hate it' and certainly that is not what I would ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 28, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I can't give the book no stars or one star as this is 'I hate it' and certainly that is not what I would wish to express. It is indeed informative and the author intelligent and very able in expressing his ideas. .. of a supposed universal spirituality, within which he recognises the conflict between theistic and non theistic 'spirituality' but believes that man will advance to a higher state to find the universal truth inherent in all spiritualities and hence interspirituality.The author and many from a contemplative/inner conscientiousness /inner light background (including Thich Nhat Hanh) fail to understand the God of biblical Christians and his offer of a much simpler way to find absolute truth ( a theme of the author)..... by His grace and entering into a personal relationship with us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. A simple reading of the gospel of John would easily demonstrate the belief that Jesus had that He was the Way, the Truth and the Life and that no one comes to God except through Him. This is the essence of Christian belief as recorded in the bible rather than the philosophical ‘christian?’ murmurings and humanistic pseudo spirituality of those such as the author who regard the orthodox good news of life in Christ as exclusive and fundamentalist.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report