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

The Second Vatican Council issued a document called Nostrae Aetate, which called for dialogue among all religions in terms of prayer and spirituality. The Cistercians and Benedictines were commissioned to lead this dialogue. Since that time there have been cross spiritual or interspiritual dialogue among Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Moslems and others. Wayne Teasdale is a Benedictine monk who has spent considerable time studying the religions of the east. In this book he writes of the different emphases of these religions as well as their commonality. He maintains that spirituality is the work of all religions and cultures. He blends insights from spiritual masters of the east and west. For Christians, Teasdale notes how some practices in eastern religions match those of Christianity. The devotion to the Sacred Heart is much the same as the eastern practice of being one with God in compassion. The united presence of all people and God relates to the Cathgolic devotion to the Eucharist. Teasdale calls not for a bland homogenous spirituality, but one which does not cultural accretions to blind people to the beauty of prayer, devotions and mysticism available to all. This movement is not a denial of a particular religion, but a way in which all religions can benefit. Additionally, one can find support from one's own tradition. And yet receive insight from another that enhances one's own. This book offers hope that spirituality can unite humankind, not divide.

As one who practices in the mystic tradition of dzogchen, I greatly appreciate the insight and effort of Teasdale to articulate a universal perspective of spirituality. I share his approach to integrating core understandings of the great traditions and his desire to transcend (though not eliminate) differences. Far from "tedious," as one reviewer saw it, I thought that it was well written and easy to follow. Two reviewers criticized the book for failing to articulate each of the various traditions' or mystics' perspectives. They are correct. It does not. Yet that is not his purpose. There are other sources if that is what one is seeking. Rather, he is illustrating the interspirituality found in these diverse mystical traditions. Granted that his perspective is colored by his own Catholic tradition, but he is clearly open to and appreciative of what other traditions bring to the table. I thoroughly enjoyed the the book, one of the best I have read outside of those in my own tradition (my own bias showing here ), and I highly recommend it!

Brother Wayne Teasdale's book is an inspiration for all readersinterested in learning about the commonalities between religions,in an attempt to find a common ground on which to build fruitfulinter-religious dialogue and appreciate the mystic core of all the major religious traditions. This book is affirming and helpful because it points to a future possibility and present reality in which cooperation, love, respect, and understanding of the mystic heart of all spiritual traditions is one and the same.Most wars that have been fought throughout history have been religious wars. If the human family can begin to nurture its spiritual and religious commonalities, then I believe that we will have less war and more peace. The Mystic Heart eloquently and optimistically speaks of the infinite spiritual potential of the human family that can be realized. This book is so critically important for readers to ponder, read, and pray--especially in this post September 11 world we inhabit. A member of the Parliament of the World's Religions, Teasdale offers readers a glimpse into a new understanding of the enormous potential of the human family to transcend religious devisions and strive toward higher levels of spiritual awareness. As the old adage says, "There are no fences in heaven," Mystic Heart speaks about the possibility of having no fences on earth between religions, but rather gates where there is potential for mutual understanding, sharing, and living, in harmony with one another and the cosmos. I highly recommend this book for all readers interested in cultivating their mystic heart of understanding!

I love this book and I really enjoyed sharing some time with Bother Wayne to talk about some of the many, many insights and information he presents in his book. It is lucidly written and is organized very logically. However, rather than plow through it, I found myself pausing frequently to ponder or contemplate various points or observations Wayne shares.If you accept the story of creation as the true myth it is (a myth being a story that expresses a truth that cannot be known directly), then when Eve and Adam ate from the tree of knowledge, humanity suddenly developed self-reflexive awareness. Humanity realized that it is separate from God and separate from the environment as represented by the Garden of Eden. This consciousness is what pushed us out of Eden forever. Mystical experience and the mystical path is what leads us back into true union with God/The Ground of All Being/ The Void From Which All Things Come. We only exist in relation to others, most importantly, the Other. By restoring that ultimate relationship and living indrawn, we can evolve and become ever more able to practice love, ecology, and so forth -- healing our selves, others, and the environment. The Mystic Heart presents this problem and solution very clearly, in part by providng specific information on how to become an everyday mystic in our busy world.I am rereading portions of the book, and have also recommended it to some of my friends. It is a great reference and "workbook". As well, both the Foreward and Preface were exciting to read. I enthusiastically recommend this book.

Review by Bill Williams, Hartford Current, CT, USA January 8, 2000 Submitted by Gary T. MallalieuWayne Teasdale calls this "the interspiritual age" and predicts that interspirituality will become "the religion of the third millennium." The author, who grew up in Windsor (CT) and now lives in Chicago as a Catholic lay monk, offers an inspiring vision of a world where people draw from the wisdom of all the great spiritual traditions.He begins with the assertion that" every one of us is a mystic" capable of "direct contact with the divine, or ultimate mystery." As well as any recent writer, Teasdale draws on the insights of Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism to shed light on the spiritual journey. He sketches a vision that is at once practical and uplifting. He discusses social action, solitude, nature, solidarity with all living beings, nonviolence, simplicity, and other attributes of the spiritual quest.The goal of any spiritual journey is to "prepare ourselves to be receptive and sensitive to the divine presence by slowly awakening our spiritual senses." This is a landmark book in the field of interreligious dialogue, written with sensitivity and deep respect for all the great traditions.