Practical Mysticism: A Little Book for Normal People

Name: Practical Mysticism: A Little Book for Normal People
Author: Evelyn Underhill

By Evelyn Underhill

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Philosophy & Ethics Religion/Spirituality

About This Book

The author presents mysticism as a disciplined, practical path available to ordinary people, defining its aim as a deeper perception of Reality and an ordered life of contemplation. Chapters explain the preparatory moral and psychological adjustments, methods of recollection and meditation to train attention and will, and the roles of love and volition in spiritual growth. Three progressive forms of contemplation are described alongside guidance on integrating contemplative insight into everyday duties, emphasizing steady practice, self-control, and affectionate attention rather than sudden ecstasy. The closing material shows how contemplative habit can reshape conduct and sustain meaning amid active, challenging circumstances.

About the Author

Evelyn Underhill

Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941) was an English writer and theologian, renowned for her works on mysticism and spirituality. She is best known for her influential book "Practical Mysticism: A Little Book for Normal People," which seeks to make the concepts of mysticism accessible to a broader audience. Underhill's writings often explore the intersection of faith and experience, drawing on her deep understanding of various religious traditions. Her scholarly approach is evident in works such as "Ruysbroeck" and "The Life of the Spirit and the Life of To-day," where she examines the lives and teachings of mystics. Through her essays and lectures, Underhill contributed significantly to the discourse on spirituality in the early 20th century.