James S. Cutsinger - Böcker

An introduction to the perennialist school of comparative religious philosophy and a guidebook for the general reader seeking intellectually serious but accessible answers to questions about the spiritual lifeTwo books in one, Advice to the Serious Seeker is an introduction for scholars to the perennialist school of comparative religious philosophy and at the same time a guidebook for the general reader who is looking for intellectually serious but accessible answers to questions about the spiritual life.Scholars will find a comprehensive introduction to the work of Frithjof Schuon, the leading contemporary figure in the perennialist or traditionalist school of comparative religion. Written by James S. Cutsinger, one of the world's foremost academic authorities on the perennial philosophy, the book provides a detailed commentary on the full range of Schuon's spiritual writings.But the book is also intended for inquisitive and searching readers in general. Composed in a style that is simple and conversational, it reads as an open letter to the author's students. The aim is to cut through the banality of much that passes for spiritual instruction today and to provide intellectually serious but accessible answers to questions typically posed by cynics and skeptics, conservative believers, and persons attracted to the so-called "new age" religions.The author's Advice takes the form of a series of meditations on Truth, Virtue, Beauty, and Prayer, which Schuon regards as the fundamental elements in every authentic spiritual path. Covering a range of issues both theoretical and practical, topics include proofs of God, the problem of evil, classical virtues, predestination and freedom, symbolism and cosmic hierarchy, sacred art, the relationship between spiritual method and grace, techniques of concentration and meditation, the role of the spiritual master, and human destiny. The book concludes with an epilogue on Schuon's well-known thesis concerning the "transcendent unity of religions."

The Fullness Of God is the first in a new series of titles from World Wisdom featuring the essential writings of Frithjof Schuon. Here for the first time in one volume are the most important of Schuon's chapters on the Christian tradition. The Fullness Of God has been organised in such a way as to guide the reader from matters of metaphysical principle, through various theological and hermeneutical issues, to "operative" questions of spiritual practice and method. Specific topics include the relationship between Christianity and non Christian religions; the divergence within Christianity between its main branches, Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant; the place of reason and faith in Christianity and their knowledge or gnosis; the principle and application of a mystical exegesis of Scripture; the central dogmas of the Trinity and Incarnation, as well as Eucharistic and Marian doctrine; and Christian initiation, contemplative practice, and, and "prayer of the heart." The volume concludes with a short appendix of previously unpublished material, including samples from Schuon's correspondence with various Christian seekers.Editor's notes, a glossary of foreign terms and a comprehensive index are, also, included to make this volume a very useful tool for students, as well as a rich mine for seekers after the sacred.

This new edition of perennial philosopher Frithj of Schuon's "Sufism: Veil And Quintessence" is a fully revised translation from the French original and contains an extensive appendix with previously unpublished selections from Schuon's letters and other private writings. In seven articles Schuon makes the critical distinction between an "absolute" Islam and a "contingent" Islam, thus distinguishing between the message of Islam in itself and the pious Arab expressions of that message, which by their style of rhetoric have a tendency to veil it.