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.
"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.
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.
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.
Exploring the intersection of psychedelics and spirituality, the book examines how these substances can facilitate a mystical connection with the divine. It delves into the historical and cultural contexts of their use, offering insights into the profound experiences they can evoke. Through a serious and analytical lens, the author investigates the potential benefits and implications of using psychedelics for spiritual enlightenment.
The secretive Mysteries conducted at Eleusis in Greece for nearly two millennia have long puzzled scholars with strange accounts of initiates experiencing otherworldly journeys. In this groundbreaking work, three experts—a mycologist, a chemist and a historian—argue persuasively that the sacred potion given to participants in the course of the ritual contained a psychoactive entheogen. The authors then expand the discussion to show that natural psychedelic agents have been used in spiritual rituals across history and cultures. Although controversial when first published in 1978, the book’s hypothesis has become more widely accepted in recent years, as knowledge of ethnobotany has deepened. The authors have played critical roles in the modern rediscovery of entheogens, and The Road to Eleusis presents an authoritative exposition of their views. The book’s themes of the universality of experiential religion, the suppression of that knowledge by exploitative forces, and the use of psychedelics to reconcile the human and natural worlds make it a fascinating and timely read. This 30th anniversary edition includes an appreciative preface by religious scholar Huston Smith and an updated exploration of the chemical evidence by Peter Webster.
Focusing on his personal journey with Christianity, Huston Smith explores its core teachings and significance in a secular world. He emphasizes the "Great Tradition" of early believers, contrasting it with contemporary interpretations, including both fundamentalist and liberal approaches. Smith critiques the misuse of Christianity in politics, the widening socioeconomic divide, and the superficiality in media and art. He advocates for a return to the foundational values of Christianity, arguing that these insights can address modern misunderstandings and restore faith in the Divine.
“In this delightful autobiography, Smith tells us how he became the dean of world religion experts. Along the way we meet the people who shaped him and shared his journey—a Who’s Who of 20th century spiritual the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the Dalai Lama, Aldous Huxley, Timothy Leary, T.S. Eliot, Thomas Merton and Pete Seeger.... A valuable master class on faith and life.”— San Francisco Chronicle Book Review As Stephen Hawking is to science; as Peter Drucker is to economics; and as Joseph Campbell is to mythology; so Huston Smith is to religion. Tales of Wonder is the personal story of the author of the classic The World’s Religions , the man who taught a nation about the great faiths of the world, and his fascinating encounters with the people who helped shape the 20th century.
Huston Smith, a respected authority on religion, presents a manifesto emphasizing the need to restore religion as a vital humanizing force for individuals and society. Drawing on insights from comparative religions, theology, philosophy, science, and history, along with personal experiences, Smith critiques the current social landscape while offering hope for humanity's spiritual condition. Contrary to the belief that we are in a golden age of spirituality, he argues that our worldview is dominated by scientism, materialism, and consumerism, which marginalize morality, meaning, and truth. Much of contemporary religion, he asserts, is a privatized and diluted version of true spirituality.
In the first part, Smith explores three historical periods: traditional, modern, and postmodern, analyzing their achievements and shortcomings. He advocates for reclaiming the spiritual and ethical wisdom of traditional religions while acknowledging the advancements of modernity, such as equal rights and scientific progress. In the final section, he envisions a future where consciousness, rather than materialism, is recognized as the foundation of existence. Smith's expertise in history, spirituality, and science culminates in a comprehensive examination of the current state of authentic religion. His insights challenge the prevailing technological worldview, aiming to spark a dialogue about the rightful place of religion in human experience
