Practical Mysticism: A Little Book for Normal People

Rating:
Summary: distilled synthesis of mystic experience
Review: Evelyn Underhill wrote numerous books about mysticism, an amazing number of which are still in print (click on author name to see). In this little book, published just at the start of WWI, Underhill attempted to distill a summary of the mystical pursuit in simple language.

Addressing an imaginary "practical man", Underhill attempts first to justify the validity and value of the pursuit of mystical experience; then explains the stages of the mystic's quest in several chapters. These chapters represent a synthesis of the works of dozens of mystic authors from all ages and traditions.

The writing style is lyrical: at times quite beautiful and striking, at other times crossing the line to become pretentious and old-fashioned.

Is this actually a book for the (modern) "practical man"? I think not. Underhill's instructions in how to begin meditating are quite vague and could easily mislead a beginner into fruitless paths. Also, the descriptions of the stages of mystical progress are strongly influenced by the Christian mystics of the middle ages -- Underhill clearly had studied few, if any, primary sources on Eastern traditions. That's understandable; relatively few Buddhist or Hindu documents had been translated at the time of writing. But it reduces the value of the book for modern readers.