Mystical Dogs

This book is a great gift for humanity.A former President of the American Association of Humanistic Psychology, Jean is a prolific writer and multi-talented teacher in the field of human potential,sacred psychology,spiritual pathways,consciousness and inner awareness. Her work involves the intertwining of disciplines on the quest for spiritual renewal within the whole development of the individual.In this her nineteenth book, Jean shares her profound knowledge and wonderful sense of humour, about her experiences with the dogs that have been her companions throughout her journey from early childhood.She describes eight stages of the spiritual or mystic path which each dog enhanced for her. She calls her dogs, friends of our spirit and guardians of the soul. Advocating the deep spiritual connection between humans and animals that can help us on our path to become one with nature and the divine.Fans of the author, and those not yet familiar with her writings will have their minds expanded, their spirits filled with wonder and their hearts and souls uplifted as they are touched by the sheer genius and simplicity of this 'breath of fresh air' book.I am going back to my Tonkinese cats to thank them for what they teach me! As Dr Doolittle did, let's talk to the animals -more!

You're thinking, "mystical dogs? Yeah. Right." You're thinking, "Forget dogs. Cats (hampsters, pigeons, nemotodes) rule." Or,"mystical what???" If so, you're apt not to be alone. There's a big "however" here: HOWEVER, Mystical Dogs is one read to hang your inner-child's hat on. The book boasts the intricate simplicity which hallmarks genius. Fact is, if you have, or have had, a canine buddy and know the joys, the wonders such kinship brings, you'll be revisiting a much-loved realm. If -- and there's that word again -- however, your idea of a dog coincides with a four-legged type that bummed a ride with Noah, strolled off the ark straight into your hydrangea bush, you will indeed be revisioning your untutored little perception. Chances are, when you read this book, you are going to go and, I might add, gleefully, to the dogs.Fact is: Jean Houston has given us a gift. She has yanked spirituality off its high-falutin pedestal, framed it in compelling language and winsome anecdote. She has placed Spirit at eye-level. This vantage point lets us discern that which might otherwise elude us: numinous gleanings, transcendent knowings and ineffable intimations. Thanks to the author's lack of pretense, we readers become enlightened even as we encounter the dearest of creatures, the funniest of situations. Fact is: dogs, uh-huh, dogs (!) have something to teach us. Those unlikely teachings are, Houston demonstates, unsurpassed by human prayer or pilgrimage.

This is an ingenious and ingenuous book. The author does a magnificent job in bringing together glorious stories of her life with dogs and illuminating the stages of the spiritual path --and at the same time! As both a dog lover and one who follows a spiritual path, I found myself to be both inspired and greatly entertained by this profound and often very funny book.

This is an extraordinary book on so many levels. Jean Houston, through her great love of dogs, weaves a masterful tapestry of what her four-legged friends have taught her through her life. All animal people know their pets have much to teach. I have had many wonderful "dog people" in my life. Each has taught me something. After reading this book, I thought about each of the dogs I was blessed to have in my life and wrote down what I learned from them--it was an amazing insightful experience. You do not have to be a dog lover or pet owner to appreciate this book and find it fascinating reading. Animals have had a long history of standing beside us as protectors, guardians, companions and most of all loving extensions of our true inner selves. The way we treat animals is the way we will treat each other. There are many lessons in this book that will serve us well to learn. Jean Houston, in her beautiful and touching writing, makes it easy to learn and understand these lessons. This is a must read. I intend to order several copies to give as gifts--for that is what this book is--a transforming, charming and truly loving gift.

Go out at once and buy this book for any animal lover who believes in the warm and giving spiritual life of their pets...which includes almost every animal lover you know. Jean Houston's remarkable life as teacher, mystic and cultural anthropologist has been shared since her early childhood by several sensitive dogs. She writes of each one with rapture. It is an intimate and sweet book, and deeply wise. I predict it will make its way steadily and surely through the book world and will be a favorite gift this season and those to come.