Meetings with the Archangel: A Comedy of the Spirit

I highly recommend the tape version that i listened to. Mitchell has an excellent understanding of the world and presents it in a very approachable way.

This was so fascinating and wonderfully written. I was glad that it was read by the author. I was pleased that it wasn't airy fairy, but showed the deep inquiring mind of the seeker. Enjoyed the way it twists and turned never knowing quite where it would go next. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that this was an authentic experience by the author. It was so rich in description that I could easily see how this can be made into a movie. The character's inner conflict(Stephen's)resulting in a comforting resolution was truly inspiring. I certainly plan to listen and/or read it again. Bhavani from Windham NH

I've read Mitchell's translations of Rilke (all of them); Rilke being my favorite poet, Mitchell has a place in my heart as my favorite translator. When I saw he had a bovel out, I decided to give it a whirl. Don't let "Comedy of the Spirit" fool you: there are some parts I found quite hysterical, but as a whole, I found myself reading the most comprehensible descriptions of Zen Buddhism I've ever read. This is a MUST for anyone who likes to think and feel deeply.

I knew I had to re-read this book even before I was halfway through the first reading. I found myself stopping to breathe between fantastically worded passages, only to dive in for more. The subtitle, A Comedy of the Spirit, best describes the book's unique voice. Meetings With the Archangel is the fictional autobiography of an author who pursues a meandering but intense path of spiritual training, from Hasidic Judaism to Zen training, with studies of numerous other writings on enlightenment and angels. The Archangel Gabriel visits him to reflect the author's own state of growth, as well as to amaze him with images of the heavens almost beyond comprehension. All this is done with unabashed passion and self-depricating humor. Even if you have little interest in angels, you will find a lot to chew on (and laugh about) from Gabriel's conversations. The character's exploration of the meaning of evil is also riveting and thought provoking. Stephen Mitchell balances mysterious thought-morsels with a light-hearted commentary that makes the consideration of spiritual journeys like playing frisbee with your soul. It is a goofy but rewarding challenge to catch what's being thrown at you.

I loved this book from the moment, go! Stephen Mitchell has a sure touch of the irreverent and absurd in the chapters where he recounts meeting the Archangel Gabriel. And even if angels really did all these things that Gabriel said they do (what? lovemaking in the heavens?), the ideas are innately profound and provocative. The other chapters where Mitchell dissects the process of his enlightenment are more discursive in tone, but there's plenty to be gleaned from here. And though some of the passages are as enigmatic as the koans that he provides as examples, one gets a wild sense of exhilaration in the joyous non-sense of it all. Heartily recommended for the searcher, as well as for those simply interested in what angels could possibly be up to.