A Treasury of Mystic Terms, Part II, Volumes 7-10

Although originally from a scientific background and the author of a number of books on biology and consciousness during the 1990s, John Davidson has dedicated the last few decades to spiritual practice and research. These four volumes out of a set of sixteen represent the second part, where first part is dedicated to the principles of mysticism and the last to spiritual experience and practice. The series represents a monumental achievement of intellectual and spiritual energy in terms of the range and depth of coverage. It is similar in scope and ambition to The Encyclopedia of Religions and Ethics edited by James Hastings over 100 years ago. The primary objective of these volumes is elucidating the meaning of the essential terms used by many different spiritual and religious traditions of the world throughout history within the framework of a universal understanding of spirituality, as explained in the preface. As such, it speaks to our times. It is arranged alphabetically and will be an invaluable source to scholars and libraries in the decades to come.

Readers will find that many of the terms are new to them, and each begins with the definition, also drawing on appropriate texts and poetry with bibliographical references. Among the entries in 7.1 are anointing, Brahman, Buddha (25 pp.), eagle, fisher, sannyasin, saint, sage, rishi, Messiah, sadguru, shepherd, shamanism as well as historical references, for instance, to the Gnostics, Bogomils and Cathars. Many entries are cross-referenced. 7.2 is devoted to the inner guide and the inner beloved, with entries also arranged alphabetically, including sessions on the bridal chamber, Image of Christ and many times from Sufism and Hinduism. 7.3 covers powers, attributes and characteristics where, in mystical perception, 'the physical realm is actually a level of consciousness.' These other powers may impinge on the physical through what we call miracles as a result of siddhis that are associated with advanced sages from all traditions, including in the 20^th century Sri Yukteswar. St Padre Pio and Beinsa Douno (Peter Deunov). One of the great features on these volumes is that they are not simply theological, but are rather informed by a unitive and mystical understanding that is the result of many years of inner research and practice. I urge readers to draw the attention of their libraries and universities to these volumes, and arrange for them to be ordered at what amounts to cost price.