For Lovers Of God Everywhere: Poems Of The Christian Mystics PDF

Transcription

1 For Lovers Of God Everywhere: Poems Of The Christian Mystics PDF

2 &#160 ; Roger Housden, author of the best-selling Ten Poems to Change Your Life, celebrates the growing popularity of mystical poetry with this beautiful compilation from the Christian contemplative tradition. Although the writings of the Sufi mystics (Rumi and Hafez) and the Indian mystics (Mirabai and Kabir) have reached a wide audience in recent years, the poetry of the Christian mystics has yet to be discovered by a general audience. For Lovers of God Everywhere, a collection of nearly 100 poems from both historic and contemporary writers, heralds the reemergence of the great spiritual voices of the Christian tradition a tradition with its own love songs to God, cries of longing, and bliss of union. &#160 ; In this collection, Roger introduces us to some of the foremost poets of both the Eastern and Western Christian traditions. He takes us from the wisdom of the Desert Fathers to the passion of St. Augustine, through the medieval ecstasies of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Catherine of Siena, to the subtleties of St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila; and on to contemporary voices such as Rainer Maria Rilke, T.S. Eliot, and Mary Oliver. Roger s insightful commentary on each poem inspires us to take its words more deeply into our souls and shows how the mystical tradition transcends sectarian divides and speaks to the heart of humanity. Paperback: 240 pages Publisher: Hay House; 53161st edition (November 1, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: ISBN-13: Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.6 x 8.4 inches Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 starsâ Â See all reviewsâ (18 customer reviews) Best Sellers Rank: #129,132 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #34 inâ Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Literature & Fiction > Poetry #106 inâ Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Theology > Mysticism #128 inâ Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Themes & Styles > Inspirational & Religious

3 One doesn't have to be strongly religious or even a Christian to enjoy this book and the insight it to life it can help you explore. I say that easily as I am not a Christian but rather a Zen Buddhist. While the poems may be those of Christian mystics, their messages are universal. I learned of this book at Zen monetary retreat that was led by Paul Haller, the abbot, and Brother David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk. Often when a question came up, they would start their reply with a poem from this book which always seemed to be appropriate. And those poems would led us in to further and often deep discussion of the nature of spirituality. For each poem, Roger Housden provides his own commentary. And while his commentary is useful [particularly on the background of the poet] his readings of the poem may not necessarily be yours or mine. But this what poetry is about: it opens your mind and gives it a general, but not precise, path for your spiritual thinking and understanding of your place in this wonderful, but troubled, world. For my many Christian friends, these poem can have, if you allow them, the same power as a Zen Koan. This collection of Christian mystic poetry, is one of the finest books of mystical poetry of any and all kinds, I have come across. Every single poem is a jewel of (and to) the soul. I agree with another reviewer, that though it is a collection of poetry from Christian sources, it is perfectly universal in theme and flavor. The type is aethetic and somehow illuminates the paradoxical spareness and fullness of the words of the various writers. The poems strike like brief but brilliant lightning bolts, which are easily sat with in meditative fashion. I find myself reflecting silently and wordlessly with each poem. This is unusual for me, since I tend to be rather restless and eagerly "rushing" to the next poem or page of writing. Yet this work, compiled with commentary on each poem by the author, draws one to take one's time and savor each word for what they reveal of the truth and beauty behind the words. I am a lover of the mystic poets, from Rumi, to Mirabai, to Hafiz, to St John of the Cross, but this book has a special place in my heart, to which I repeatedly return often for spiritual refreshment. This book was recommended to me by a friend who is far better read than I, and highly educated. I confess that I was quite skeptical, because I find most poetry does not measure up to the standard set by Shakespeare, and so I discard it. For better or worse, I am a prose person. But I'm also blessed to have had several mystical experiences, and to have learned the Christian contemplative prayer techniques. This book resonates with me. The poems are well chosen, they are helpful to the reader, and they keep me engaged. I highly recommend the book, even to prose guys. In addition, I want to recommend the Kindle edition. My Kindle is the original Fire, which fits in my slacks, or in

4 my sport coat. Thus, I always have this poetry available, to access in all sorts of situations, for inspiration, for a resource, for simple pleasure. Housden's subtitle, Poems of the Christian Mystics, seems a bit subjective, since poets are included that I have not seen in any other lists or books of mystics. That said, the poetry Housden has selected is spiritual, deep, and powerful. Further, his brief commentaries on the poems often cause me to reread the poet with new eyes. For example, "I am, oh anxious one." in one of Rilke's poems now seems to be a poem written in God's voice.if poetry speaks to you, this book is sure to delight you. This lovely book contains exquisite poetry, written from timeless gifts of the spirit spanning the centuries. Whether penned by Saint Teresa of Avila or Saint John of the Cross, T.S. Eliot or Mary Oliver, Dante Alighieri or Denise Levertov, the poems in this collection lift spirits into a meditative, literary haven. I'm so sure you spiritually-minded readers will love it that I'd loan you my copy, but it's pasted with Post-A-Notes and scribbled with my responses to the poems. Besides -- it's time for me to read this anthology again. I keep this in the car to dip into at the traffic lights and other delays in my schedule, some of the verses and authors are benchmarks I return to, or contain favorite expressions. This wonderful selection of poetry is alive with enlightened imagery and is very uplifting, filled with observations from 'another life and time' it is immediate and evocative, even humorous, transforming my day and my life. Good compilation of poems, along with a brief commentary for each. I would have appreciated longer commentaries, but they were well written. If you are a poetry lover and also have a spiritual streak this is a really nice collection. I am not Christian identified but this poetry transcends any particular religion. For Lovers of God Everywhere: Poems of the Christian Mystics The New Testament and the People of God/ Christian Origins and the Question of God, Vol.1 (Christian Origins and the Question of God (Paperback)) Christian Mystics: 365 Readings and Meditations Mystics & Miracles: True Stories of Lives Touched by God God Is with Me Always and Everywhere Enduring Grace: Living Portraits of

5 Seven Women Mystics The Life of Mary As Seen By the Mystics Islamic Mystical Poetry: Sufi Verse from the Early Mystics to Rumi (Penguin Classics) Mystics, Mavericks, and Merrymakers: An Intimate Journey among Hasidic Girls Old Souls: The Sages and Mystics of Our World Madame Blavatsky's Baboon: A History of the Mystics, Mediums, and Misfits Who Brought Spiritualism to Ameri ca The Natural Mystics: Marley, Tosh, and Wailer What the Mystics Know: Seven Pathways to Your Deeper Self Crisis and Renewal: The Era of the Reformations (Westminster History of Christian Thought) (Westminster Histories of Christian Thought) (The Westminster History of Christian Thought) Cold Mountain Poems: Zen Poems of Han Shan, Shih Te, and Wang Fan-chih (Shambhala Library) The Resurrection of the Son of God (Christian Origins and the Question of God, Vol. 3) Dog Lover: Adult Coloring Book: Best Coloring Gifts for Mom, Dad, Friend, Women, Men and Adults Everywhere: Beautiful Dogs Stress Relieving Patterns Love You MOM: doodle & dream: A beautiful and inspiring coloring book for Moms everywhere Love You GRANDMA: doodle & dream: A beautiful and inspiring colouring book for Grandmas everywhere Best Practices for Graphic Designers, Color Works: Right Ways of Applying Color in Branding, Wayfinding, Information Design, Digital Environments and Pretty Much Everywhere Else