The author deeply immersed himself in the study and practice of various spiritual traditions, including Vedanta, Zen Buddhism, and Sufism, dedicating over a decade to each. A lifelong interest in the Traditionalist School, as formulated by René Guénon and Ananda Coomaraswamy, forms a continuous thread throughout his writings. His unique approach synthesizes these diverse spiritual paths, offering readers profound insights into shared truths across cultures. His work explores the fundamental human quest for spiritual fulfillment, providing timeless perspectives on the nature of existence.
This extraordinary compendium gives access to what the greatest minds of all time and the various faith and philosophical traditions say on every aspect of the spiritual life, be it faith, patience, suffering, or mercy. Relevant passages are included, such as Eckhart, Philo, Rumi, the Talmud, Shakespeare, Rama Krishna, Black Elk, The Psalms, the Tao Te Ching, and Milarepa, among countless others.
"Here is a unique study of all the world's great religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity. This book is neither a history or a critique. Instead it explains, simply and sympathetically, the basic tenants of each religion and the reasons why it attracts millions of devout followers. ...The Religions of Man is a thoroughly researched, informative, fascinating presentation of both the differences and the similarities in the major religious traditions. It is essential reading for anyone who would understand peoples of other lands, other cultures, other religions." --P. [4] of cover.
An essential addition to the HarperCollins Spiritual Classics series, The Way of a Pilgrim is combined in one volume with its companion work, The Pilgrim Continues His Way . Translated from the original Russian by Reginald M. French and with an introduction by Huston Smith, author of The World’s Religions, The Way of a Pilgrim is the chronicle of an anonymous nineteenth century Russian Christian’s travels and spiritual inquiries. Eye-opening and extraordinary, The Way of a Pilgrim offers a one-of-a-kind portrait of the traditions and interior life of Russian Orthodox spirituality and practice.
Featuring a foreword by Huston Smith--the bestselling author of The World's Religions-- this highly compatible collection offers the authentic, poetic translations of key texts from Buddhist, Hindu, Confucian, Taoist, Jewish, Christian, and other great traditions coupled with insightful introductions and "grace notes" showing how each tradition is best expressed in daily life. .
The narrative explores Smith's extraordinary journey through significant historical events, highlighting his presence at pivotal moments like the establishment of the United Nations and the Tiananmen Square protests. Throughout his travels, he interacts with influential figures of the twentieth century, including Eleanor Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jr., and Thomas Merton, showcasing a life intertwined with the major cultural and political shifts of the era.
“One could live a complete life based on the wondrous words of Rumi. But add images and story, and you have more than enough for a lifetime, an overabundance…an excess of wisdom, beauty, and pleasure. This book will be one of the few I take wherever I go.” —Thomas Moore, author of Care of the Soul and Original Self This richly illustrated collection delivers a fresh and inspiring way to read Rumi’s most intimate poems of love, rage, sadness, joy, and longing. No other edition of Rumi’s poetry combines his singularly passionate words with authentic, rare, and wonderful Sufi and Islamic art. Readers moved by Sappho, Hafiz, Rilke, or by Coleman Barks’ translations of Rumi will relish the beautiful imagery and new translations in this unique volume of some of the finest works by “the most popular poet in America” ( Time magazine).
Psychoactive Sacramentals and Human Transformation
This work reveals entheogens as catalysts for spiritual growth and direct encounters with the sacred. Contributions from notable figures such as Albert Hofmann, Huston Smith, Stanislav Grof, and Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin provide insights into how psychedelics can facilitate primary spiritual experiences that underpin all religions. The text discusses protocols for the ceremonial use of psychedelics and the challenges of integrating entheogenic insights into lasting change. It questions the reliance on secondary religious experiences, suggesting that powerful sacraments could enable direct experiences of the divine. The book examines psychoactive sacraments in the Bible, myths surrounding LSD, and transformative ayahuasca rituals of Santo Daime. Personal accounts, including Walter Pahnke’s Good Friday Experiment and a 25-year follow-up with participants, illustrate the potential of entheogens to foster spiritual development. By dispelling fears of inauthentic spirituality and ill-prepared encounters with the sacred, it posits that entheogens can lead to genuine encounters with God’s power, marking the dawn of a new religious era rooted in personal spiritual experience.
This guide reveals how to reinvent the way we travel. It goes beyond guidebook commentary and observations to show there is something sacred to be discovered in virtually every journey, leave self-imposed limits and find a deeper understanding of ourselves and life.
Huston Smith in Conversation with Native Americans on Religious Freedom
Focusing on the often-overlooked rights of Native American communities, this book emphasizes the importance of honoring and protecting their sacred sites and practices. It seeks to raise awareness and inspire a shift in both policy and public consciousness regarding these crucial issues. Through insightful discussions, it advocates for the recognition and respect that Native American people deserve, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage.
Retaining all the beloved qualities of Huston Smith's classic The Religions of Man and the current fully revised and updated The World's Religions, this stunning pictorial presentation refines the text to its wonderful essentials. In detailed, absorbing, richly illustrated, and highly readable chapters on Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity and primal religions, we find refreshing and fascinating presentations of both the differences and the similarities among the worldwide religious traditions. The approach is at once classic and contemporary, retaining all the empathy, eloquence and erudition that millions of readers love about the earlier editions, while being edited and designed for a contemporary general readership. This delightful marriage of winsome text and remarkable pictures vividly brings to life the scope and vision of Huston Smith's expertise and insight.
