One expert tells him that it is simply Catholic piety, another that Walt Whitman was a typical mystic a third assures him that all mysticism comes from the East, and supports his statement by an appeal to the mango trick. He will discover that it emancipates him from all dogmas-sometimes from all morality-and at the same time that it is very superstitious. He will learn that mysticism is a philosophy, an illusion, a kind of religion, a disease that it means having visions, performing conjuring tricks, leading an idle, dreamy, and selfish life, neglecting one's business, wallowing in vague spiritual emotions, and being in tune with the infinite. On the other hand, the genuine inquirer will find before long a number of self-appointed apostles who are eager to answer his question in many strange and inconsistent ways, calculated to increase rather than resolve the obscurity of his mind.

In these important works, Underhill brings an often esoteric subject onto a practical footing, showing that the profound gifts of mysticism are not only for the few but are within reach of us all.Those who are interested in that special attitude towards the universe which is now loosely called mystical, find themselves beset by a multitude of persons who are constantly asking-some with real fervour, some with curiosity, and some with disdain- What is mysticism? When referred to the writings of the mystics themselves, and to other works in which this question appears to be answered, these people reply that such books are wholly incomprehensible to them. Underhill's goal is to guide her readers on a journey toward mystical consciousness, to teach them to see the 'eternal beauty beyond and beneath apparent ruthlessness.'' Abba, first published in 1940, takes as its starting point the seven phrases of the Lord's Prayer, using them as a means to propel the self toward union with God. Written on the eve of World War I,' Practical Mysticism reviews the works of the greatest Western mystics, including Teresa of Avila, Julian of Norwich, and Thomas a Kempis. In these two classics, British poet and mystic Evelyn Underhill shows herself to be one of the most authoritative modern voices on mysticism. He gives the wheat: we must reap and grind and bake it.' -Evelyn Underhill 'God gives without stint all that the creature needs, but it must do its part.

Practical Mysticism by Evelyn Underhill