Understand Life’s Meaning Through the Wisdom Tradition

"Drawing on resources as diverse as Sufism, Benedictine Monasticism, the Gurdjieff Work, and the string theory of modern physics, Cynthia Bourgeault has crafted her own unique vision of the Wisdom way in this very accessible book, nicely balanced between concept and practice."

–Gerald May, senior fellow, Shalem Institute, and author, Addiction and Grace and Will and Spirit

"This lively and beautiful book will be helpful to many who find themselves setting out on the interior journey."

–Bruno Barnhart, a Camaldolese monk and author, Second Simplicity: The Inner Shape of Christianity

"Cynthia Bourgeault’s book is a valuable contribution to the much-needed reawakening of spiritual practice within a Christian context. She is a source to be trusted."

–Kabir Helminski, Sufi Shaikh, the Threshold Society

"This book is a precious gem, a short and brilliant synthesis of the world’s great wisdom traditions. Clear, concise, inspiring and poetic."

–Joan Borysenko, author, Inner Peace for Busy People

"With consummate skill and dazzling clarity, Cynthia Bourgeault rescues the ancient knowledge of wisdom practices found in all the great traditions and teaches us how to become true instruments of God’s glory."

–Toinette Lippe, author, Nothing Left Over: A Plain and Simple Life

"Drawing on resources as diverse as Sufism, Benedictine Monasticism, the Gurdjieff Work, and the string theory of modern physics, Cynthia Bourgeault has crafted her own unique vision of the Wisdom way in this very accessible book, nicely balanced between concept and practice."

— Gerald May, senior fellow, Shalem Institute, and author, "Addiction and Grace "and "Will and Spirit"

"The spiritual wisdom and practical suggestions in this lively and beautiful book will be helpful to many who find themselves setting out on the interior journey."

— Bruno Barnhart, a Camaldolese monk and author, "Second Simplicity: The Inner Shape of Christianity"

"Cynthia Bourgeault's book is a valuable contribution to the much-needed reawakening of spiritual practice within a Christian context. Her sincerity, good sense, metaphysical depth, and broad experience make her a source to be trusted."

— Kabir Helminski, Sufi Shaikh, the Threshold Society

"Drawing on resources as diverse as Sufism, Benedictine Monasticism, the Gurdjieff Work, and the string theory of modern physics, Cynthia Bourgeault has crafted her own unique vision of the Wisdom way in this very accessible book, nicely balanced between concept and practice."

— Gerald May, senior fellow, Shalem Institute, and author, Addiction and Grace and Will and Spirit

"The spiritual wisdom and practical suggestions in this lively and beautiful book will be helpful to many who find themselves setting out on the interior journey."

— Bruno Barnhart, a Camaldolese monk and author, Second Simplicity: The Inner Shape of Christianity

"Cynthia Bourgeault's book is a valuable contribution to the much-needed reawakening of spiritual practice within a Christian context. Her sincerity, good sense, metaphysical depth, and broad experience make her a source to be trusted."

— Kabir Helminski, Sufi Shaikh, the Threshold Society

Cynthia Bourgeault is an Episcopal priest, writer, and retreat leader. She is presently director of the Contemplative Society in Victoria, British Columbia.

Foreword (Thomas Moore).

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

I. The Wisdom Way of Knowing.

II. How the Christian West Lost Its Wisdom.

III. Three-Centered Knowing.

IV. Wisdom and Human Purpose.

V. Transformation: The Human Alchemy.

VI. Freedom and Surrender: The Anthropology of Wisdom.

VII. Seeing with the Eye of the Heart.

VIII. The Tools of Wisdom.

Epilogue: How Aspen Found Its Voice.

Notes.

Practical Resources for Awakening the Heart.

A Selected Reading List.

The Author. Index.