By: Smith, Huston
Perry, Whitall
Pub. Date: 10/00
Publisher:
Binding: Trade Paper
ISBN:1887752331
Our Price: 45.95

Related Books: Comparative Religion

This magnificent collection of texts taken from all of the orthodox sources was originally inspired by the need for a summa of the Philosophia Perennis. There is no other book comparable in scope to the present work, which forms a truly magisterial compendium of spiritual doctrine spanning four ages and the hemispheres. In the words of the anthologist, the reader is invited to enter upon a spiritual journey. In this book he will encounter the heritage he shares in common with all humanity, in what is essentially timeless and enduring and pertinent to his final end. Huston Smith, author of The Religions of Man, believes this book to be "foundational to the school of thought that affirms and explores the primordial tradition at the heart of all the great religious and philosophical traditions."

A Treasury of Traditional Wisdom is foundational to the school of thought that affirms and explores the primordial tradition at the heart of all the great religious and philosophical traditions, popularized by Aldous Huxley as the perennial philosophy. Perry's is the essential reference work, and it affords rich and vital reading. --Huston Smith, author of The World's Religions 

The reader, taken on a journey from the creation of the cosmos and the individual soul to final re-absorption in the Divine Source, is presented with the traditional stages of the soul's transformation. No matter which aspect of the Way is a concern, one is treated to such focused counsels as are found in Eckhart, Philo, Rumi, the Talmud, Shakespeare, Rama Krishna, Black Elk, The Psalms, the Tao Te Ching, and Milarepa, among so many others. 

Regarding the dissolution/death of the ego, such issues encountered are the explication of separation, sin, suffering, illusion, detachment, humility--which are then followed by modes of spiritual combat, leading to metanoia. 

Upon reaching the second stage of mercy and love, faith, prayer, meditation, contemplation, grace, charity, and ecstasy lead on to the state of Peace and Beauty. And, finally, the station of Union, Truth, and Knowledge is attained. Each of these topics and countless others are profoundly clarified by the contributions of the finest minds and hearts to have emerged from the world's many great civilizations. 

A Treasury of Traditional Wisdom assists the reader in encountering the heritage shared with all humanity. For any person intent on truth, this compendium is both a source of reference and inspiration, offering what is essentially timeless, enduring, and pertinent to understanding the one, same Reality. 

In our technological age where man's energies are directed almost solely toward what is either merely utilitarian or else frivolous (there being a close connection between the two), it is of the highest importance for those who can still think or reflect in what St. Augustine calls that "wisdom uncreate, the same now as it ever was, and shall be forevermore". It is the Wisdom which is man's priceless birthright, and that same Wisdom which shines forth in the pages of this book. 

A Treasury of Traditional Wisdom is presented in three main divisions and six parts which are arranged in accordance with fundamental spiritual perspectives, and the chapters in each part carry further developments of different possible approaches to the Truth. 

"Indeed, everyone is not fit or capable of the knowledge of the eternal and temporal nature in its mysterious operation, neither is the proud covetous world worth to receive a clear manifestation of it; and therefore the only wise God (who giveth wisdom to everyone that asketh it aright of him) has looked up the jewel in his blessed treasury, which none can open but those that have the key; which is this, 'Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:' The Father will give the Spirit to them that ask him for it." --From the Introduction