Encyclopedia of Spirituality: Essential Teachings to Transform Your Life - Hardcover

The histories and mysteries of spirituality are thoroughly explored in this bountifully illustrated book. Solidly organized into four sections--"Spiritual Traditions," "Spiritual Practices," "Spiritual Teachings," and "Information at a Glance"--Encyclopedia offers brief, expertly written essays explaining everything from Yoga's role in Hinduism to the spiritual use of psychedelic drugs. Stellar images and graphics enhance every page, giving this encyclopedia coffee-table elegance.

Author Timothy Freke has an outstanding track record for taking complicated topics and turning them into clear and intriguing reads--as shown in previous works such as The Illustrated Book of Sacred Scriptures and Zen Wisdom. The overall vision behind his The Encyclopedia of Spirituality shines through as Freke opens the many doorways to understanding God. The book also explains numerous spiritual practices such as magic, sacred plants, repentance, and vision quests. Although the book's subtitle promises life transformation, Encyclopedia could also be billed as a book that teaches readers the value of spiritual diversity on a global scale. When all is read and done, seekers will find themselves grateful that spirituality still thrives in so many unique arenas. --Gail Hudson

This dazzling coffee-table volume offers one-stop shopping for nearly all the world's major spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Christianity, Shamanism, the New Age movement, paganism and "natural spirituality." One chapter explores the role of psychedelic drugs in cultivating spirituality, while another narrows in on "The Way of the Artist" (this one is heavy on William Blake). Freke, a self-described mystic and philosopher, focuses far more on practice than belief, emphasizing the ways individuals can develop their spirituality through yoga, meditation, dance, Tai Chi, prayer, koans, pilgrimage and retreat, music, dreams and "sacred sensuality," among other paths. The book's breadth is indeed encyclopedic; Freke sometimes only skims the surface of complex ideas in order to achieve greater inclusivity. World religions, he says, are "different rivers running to one sea of Truth." The book's strength lies in its remarkable visuals; every page features full-color art, and the well-designed layout is simply a treat. Many photographs feature individual spiritual practitioners demonstrating the techniques discussed, such as keeping a dream diary, infusing everyday chores with spiritual meaning and kneeling down to pray. Readers seeking informative depth will not glean much from this guide's breathless aromatherapy-to-Zen approach, but it's certainly an attractive introduction, easy on the eyes. (June)
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