Author: S N Dasgupta
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass
Year: 2002
Language: English
Pages: 168
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8120803035
Description
Both on the continent and in America, Hindus are associated with mysticism, but, so far as we know, the subject of Hindu, mysticism has as yet received no systematic treatment, either in the way of general introduction, or in the way of a comprehensive account. This book seeks to fill this gap.
Mysticism means a spiritual grasp of the aims and problems of life in a much more real and ultimate manner than is possible to mere reason. A developing life of mysticism means a gradual ascent in the scale of spiritual values, experience, and spiritual ideals. As such, it is many-sided in its development, and as rich and complete as life itself. Regarded from this point of view, mysticism is the basis of all religions-particularly of religion as it appears in the lives of truly religious men.
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The man in the street cannot, as a rule, distinguish between the lower and the higher forms of mysticism. We looks upon mysticism in general with some kind of superstitious awe or reverence, and he thinks of it as an obscure and supernatural method by which, in some unaccountable manner, miraculous feats may be performed or physical advantages reaped - departed spirits made visible, fortunes told, muscles developed, riches earned without effort, dangerous and incurable diseases cured by simple amulets or blessings, infallible prophesies made, and the like.
Contents
Preface
LECTURE I
Sacrificial Mysticism
LECTURE II
Mysticism of the Upanishads
LECTURE III
Yoga Mysticism
LECTURE IV
Buddhistic Mysticism
LECTURE V
Classical Forms of Devotional Mysticism
LECTURE VI
Popular Devotional Mysticism