The Spiritual Path
An Introduction to the Psychology of the Spiritual Traditions

by Han F. de Wit
translated by Henry Jansen & Lucia Hofland-Jansen

$54.00s Cloth / ISBN 0-8207-0307-9 / 230 pages

$21.95x Paper / ISBN 0-8207-0308-7 / 230 pages

Book Information

The Spiritual Path focuses on themes important for those dealing with fundamental life questions in their own lives, or in their professions as spiritual caregivers, psychologists or psychotherapists. Using an interreligious approach, Han de Wit offers psychological insights from the world's spiritual traditions to show how spiritual practices serve to cultivate our fundamental humanity.

De Wit asks essential questions concerning that "fundamental humanity": Why is it that some people experience and radiate an increasing measure of joy in their lives, while others become increasingly anxious and fearful? And why do some people become wiser and more compassionate as a result of their experience of suffering, while others break down under that same suffering? How can these two such differing psychological manifestations occur under similar circumstances? And can individuals influence these psychological outcomes, or does this lie beyond human control?

The Spiritual Path describes an "inner flourishing" - an awakening in the human person that is specifically spiritual - and the life's journey that is taken in light of such an awakening. By taking such a journey, de Wit argues, and living this "contemplative life" - a way of life for all times and all cultures - individuals can foster their own "inner flourishing" that may result in greater clarity of mind and joy in life. In this way, The Spiritual Path is both theoretical and practical. By acknowledging and utilizing the psychological insights found in spirituality, we are able to seek and find the spiritual path even as we live in the everyday world.

Author Information

HAN F. DE WIT taught theoretical psychology for many years at the Free University of Amsterdam. Dr. de Wit has written widely on the connections between science, religion and spirituality, and is particularly involved in the interreligious dialogue between Buddhism and Christianity. He is also the author of Contemplative Psychology.

Reviews

"A fascinating, inventive contribution to spiritual psychology."
- Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence.

"Written by a leading European author, this book is a major contribution to the psychology of spirituality. It explores and reveals in a clear and comprehensive way, the psychological insights that can be found in the spiritual traditions and that aim at cultivating the essence of our humaness."
John Welwood - author of Love and Awakening.