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The Wisdom Way of Knowing: Reclaiming An Ancient Tradition to Awaken the Heart
"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
― 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
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
About the author
Cynthia Bourgeault
46 books333 followersModern day mystic, Episcopal priest, writer, and internationally known retreat leader, Cynthia Bourgeault divides her time between solitude at her seaside hermitage in Maine, and a demanding schedule traveling globally to teach and spread the recovery of the Christian contemplative and Wisdom path.
She has been a long-time advocate of the meditative practice of Centering Prayer and has worked closely with fellow teachers and colleagues including Thomas Keating, Bruno Barnhart, and Richard Rohr. Cynthia has actively participated in numerous inter-spiritual dialogues and events with luminaries and leaders such as A.H. Almaas, Kabir Helminski, Swami Atmarupananda, and Rami Shapiro.
Cynthia is a member of the GPIW (Global Peace Initiative for Women) Contemplative Council and recipient of the 2014 Contemplative Voices award from Shalem Institute. She is a founding Director of both The Contemplative Society and the Aspen Wisdom School. She continues to contribute to The Contemplative Society in her role as Principal Teacher and advisor.
Cynthia is the author of eight books: The Holy Trinity and the Law of Three, The Meaning of Mary Magdalene, The Wisdom Jesus, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, Mystical Hope, The Wisdom Way of Knowing, Chanting the Psalms, and Love is Stronger than Death. She has also authored or contributed to numerous articles on the Christian Wisdom path in publications such as Parabola Magazine, Gnosis Magazine, and Sewanee Theological Review.
Cynthia Bourgeault is currently one of the core faculty members at The Living School for Action and Contemplation.
from http://www.contemplative.org/cynthia-...
She has been a long-time advocate of the meditative practice of Centering Prayer and has worked closely with fellow teachers and colleagues including Thomas Keating, Bruno Barnhart, and Richard Rohr. Cynthia has actively participated in numerous inter-spiritual dialogues and events with luminaries and leaders such as A.H. Almaas, Kabir Helminski, Swami Atmarupananda, and Rami Shapiro.
Cynthia is a member of the GPIW (Global Peace Initiative for Women) Contemplative Council and recipient of the 2014 Contemplative Voices award from Shalem Institute. She is a founding Director of both The Contemplative Society and the Aspen Wisdom School. She continues to contribute to The Contemplative Society in her role as Principal Teacher and advisor.
Cynthia is the author of eight books: The Holy Trinity and the Law of Three, The Meaning of Mary Magdalene, The Wisdom Jesus, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, Mystical Hope, The Wisdom Way of Knowing, Chanting the Psalms, and Love is Stronger than Death. She has also authored or contributed to numerous articles on the Christian Wisdom path in publications such as Parabola Magazine, Gnosis Magazine, and Sewanee Theological Review.
Cynthia Bourgeault is currently one of the core faculty members at The Living School for Action and Contemplation.
from http://www.contemplative.org/cynthia-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 12, 2012
I've often read critics wondering what great writing in the post 9/11 era will offer a true reflection and insight on that event. This book was born of a retreat held by coincidence of timing in late September, 2001, on an island off the shores of Maine, and feels to me like the best and most necessary candidate. It tells the story of what is missing from our common version of Christianity. It helps me understand how and why Christianity came to carry only a shell of its purpose and meaning, a common enough occurrence with any religion. And it explains the need and the way to rekindling the heart and center. This is a small, beautiful, clear book that I expect to read repeatedly.
August 7, 2012
My third Cynthia Bourgeault book... I'm still so blown away by her. This one is brief and incredibly rich at the same time--it's about different Wisdom traditions (Sufi, Christian, etc.) and is a lovely blend of inspiring and practical. CB writes so gracefully--she includes stories from her own life, from different religious traditions, quotations, poems... she explains a difficult subject clearly and thoughtfully, without dumbing it down... she includes guidelines for how to begin a practice, and a generous list of resources for support. As I read more of her books, I'm loving the way they both overlap--covering similar material in different ways--and add to each other. And I'm moved by her form of mystical, contemplative Christianity, which feels so inclusive and large-hearted and wise.
March 13, 2019
Lots to deconstruct here.
Objective is to become more aligned with true Wisdom.
Western views on religion veer heavily away from Wisdom and view God as being removed from humans versus one of us. While I am not a religious person, there is much to take away from a spiritual level.
Key points to get you on a path towards Wisdom (mainly through prayer & work):
1. Rhythmic labor - doing laundry, chopping vegetables, etc. Conscious work is necessary. Be fully present.
2. Meditation - About 20 minutes a day at minimum of silent meditation.
3. Chanting - Find some (online maybe?) that resonate with you
4. Group teachings - can also be done alone, analyze religious passages
Objective is to become more aligned with true Wisdom.
Western views on religion veer heavily away from Wisdom and view God as being removed from humans versus one of us. While I am not a religious person, there is much to take away from a spiritual level.
Key points to get you on a path towards Wisdom (mainly through prayer & work):
1. Rhythmic labor - doing laundry, chopping vegetables, etc. Conscious work is necessary. Be fully present.
2. Meditation - About 20 minutes a day at minimum of silent meditation.
3. Chanting - Find some (online maybe?) that resonate with you
4. Group teachings - can also be done alone, analyze religious passages
September 26, 2017
So much beauty in this book. My one caveat is that I felt her approach to the passions and emotions felt too negative for me, at times almost Gnostic. I may need to reread to understand what she means by the language she is using but that took away some depth for me, as did the lack of discussion on justice/action as a fruit of Wisdom. Nevertheless a helpful corrective to so much of what has gone awry in Western Christianity...and modern religion in general.
March 11, 2023
Short and important. I think I will add this to my shelf of must-read resources for that certain subset of friends I know who are seeking to expand their understanding. Some of the ideas in this little book opened my mind to new frameworks that I am excited to explore.
December 3, 2019
This is a masterful treatment of so many deep topics: non-dual reality, centering prayer, the wisdom traditions, contemplative spirituality, surrender, to name a few. Oh highly recommend it!
April 5, 2020
This is a peaceful, encouraging book that gives practical advice for walking in the Wisdom way. My favorite chapter was "Seeing with the Eye of the Heart," which describes how humans are called to be creative: "our role is more a creative midwifery that has to do with intuiting the new patterns as they arise in the imaginal and helping birth them into form" (p. 83). The sections entitled "Dancing with the Conscious Circle" and "The Gift of Conscience," in particular describe how those with a pure heart are able to become "'theologians" in the true sense of the word, helping to bring into existence the new forms and insights through which humanity continues to receive its daily bread" (p. 96) and that a "subtler and more personal artistry" occurs when one's heart is able to perceive what is needed in situation to bring it back into alignment (p. 97-99). This book was deceptively simple, and I'm grateful to have come across it.
September 20, 2024
I had a hard time rating this book. I don't normally read books in this area, although I have read some of Pema Chodron's books.
I felt I did learn some things from this book, and I really felt aligned with some of its basic ideas. The idea that certain fundamental concepts and practices are common between all religions is very compelling and comforting.
But at times the scientist in me found myself moving into my small self and saying that sometimes it all sounded a bit like a comforting word salad.
I do believe that some of the practices can be useful, on some level, especially the concept of surrender. And it has made me think in new ways and introduced me to some concepts that I had been aware of.
I think I should re-read this book in a month or two.
I felt I did learn some things from this book, and I really felt aligned with some of its basic ideas. The idea that certain fundamental concepts and practices are common between all religions is very compelling and comforting.
But at times the scientist in me found myself moving into my small self and saying that sometimes it all sounded a bit like a comforting word salad.
I do believe that some of the practices can be useful, on some level, especially the concept of surrender. And it has made me think in new ways and introduced me to some concepts that I had been aware of.
I think I should re-read this book in a month or two.
November 22, 2020
This is a "handbook" to the Wisdom tradition and to the "heart-centered knowing".
***
This book was a little less revelatory than I expected after reading Bourgeault's more recent work. I think it was helpful, but I'm finding more and more of a convergence between mysticism and what I might typically call just good theology. I think this work, and others like it, draw out the implications of good theology for a more mystical lifestyle. I'll probably need to return to the book again in the future, using it as reference material for continuing to hone my understanding of wisdom and heart-centered knowing.
***
This book was a little less revelatory than I expected after reading Bourgeault's more recent work. I think it was helpful, but I'm finding more and more of a convergence between mysticism and what I might typically call just good theology. I think this work, and others like it, draw out the implications of good theology for a more mystical lifestyle. I'll probably need to return to the book again in the future, using it as reference material for continuing to hone my understanding of wisdom and heart-centered knowing.
October 3, 2023
I love Cynthia Bourgeault. This is my third book by her and they were all eye opening. I especially loved the parts about the imaginal realm, surrender, and conscience.
"The imagination must be contained between the twin banks of attention (teaching it to stay put at a single point) and surrender (letting go of all phenomena that occur)."
"Conscience is the heart's own ability to see the divine hologram in any situation, no matter how obscured, and to move spontaneously and without regard for its personal well-being in alignment with that divine wholeness".
"The gate of heaven is everywhere"
"The imagination must be contained between the twin banks of attention (teaching it to stay put at a single point) and surrender (letting go of all phenomena that occur)."
"Conscience is the heart's own ability to see the divine hologram in any situation, no matter how obscured, and to move spontaneously and without regard for its personal well-being in alignment with that divine wholeness".
"The gate of heaven is everywhere"
January 20, 2023
I am a huge fan of Cynthia's work and this book does not disappoint. It is a short course in ancient Wisdom tradition and its aim is to 'traverse the 12 inches between the brain and the heart'. It gives just enough historical background, pulled skilfully from various wisdom tradition, and marries it with powerful daily practices that are very simple yet profound. If you are a spiritual seeker that likes to be inspired by a variety of sources: Sufism, hermeticism, Gnosticism, mystical Christianity and others, you will find this book hugely inspiring.
November 6, 2024
I have been looking forward to reading The Wisdom Way of Knowing for a while, but was sadly left a bit disappointed. I feel like Cynthia's reflections are a bit dated; or perhaps I just wasn't in the ideal head (or heart) space to appreciate this book for what it is - an invitation into a deeper spiritual tradition.
Having said that, I did discover snippets of wisdom throughout this book that are encouraging to me as a deep thinker and spiritual seeker. I will try to return to this book in a few years when I will hopefully be able to better appreciate it.
Having said that, I did discover snippets of wisdom throughout this book that are encouraging to me as a deep thinker and spiritual seeker. I will try to return to this book in a few years when I will hopefully be able to better appreciate it.
September 19, 2019
I read this book as a companion to an on-line class I am taking taught by Cynthia Bourgeault.
The book covers much of the material in the course and is a great reference.
If you are not familiar with Wisdom Schools, this would be a fabulous introductory book explaining the origins and current practices.
It is book for spiritual seekers; perhaps those looking for something more, or something else than our current day religions offer.
The book covers much of the material in the course and is a great reference.
If you are not familiar with Wisdom Schools, this would be a fabulous introductory book explaining the origins and current practices.
It is book for spiritual seekers; perhaps those looking for something more, or something else than our current day religions offer.
July 23, 2020
© 2003. The author says this wisdom way exists in all religions but she focuses on the Christian church. As to the how, she mentions mindful work, meditation, sacred chant, and lectio divina as well as learning from an experienced teacher and being part of a group. I had to read some things 2 or 3 times to understand what she was trying to say because her concepts were so new to me. Definitely mind-expanding and very hopeful about the future.
May 7, 2022
This is a powerful book that really gave me some insight and hope for the present and future. I want to read more of her work. This is a book that I really needed to read this week and at this point in my life. Cynthia is proof that women are the future of of the church. Keen insights I had never heard from anyone else.
February 1, 2023
“Where there's surrender, synchronicity tends to follow, which is one of the most delightful side effects of a surrender practice.”
I LOVED this book. It brought together so many things I’ve been reading and learning into a cohesive whole. Richard Rohr, Ken Wilber, Jim Marion, Russ Hudson… all of these ideas I’ve been trying to synthesize, and this book did it beautifully.
I LOVED this book. It brought together so many things I’ve been reading and learning into a cohesive whole. Richard Rohr, Ken Wilber, Jim Marion, Russ Hudson… all of these ideas I’ve been trying to synthesize, and this book did it beautifully.
March 19, 2018
Her definition of "original" as not "furthest back in time" but "closest in practice to what we believe the early Christians did" drives me crazy. But there is much to admire here, aligning Jesus with Sufis.
June 26, 2020
Someone recommended this to me as an intro to Cynthia Bourgeault’s Wisdom work. I ended up reading it after completing her online introductory wisdom school course and it was a great recap with some new-to-me material as well
May 13, 2022
Listened to this on audiobook. LOVED it. Love her mixture of historical context, Biblical truth, and practical application. Will go back to this again and again. And so many new ideas and writers to explore.
August 2, 2022
I enjoyed it, but didn't love it. I often felt like the author was approaching something deeply profound but then would veer off into an unexpected direction that I couldn't quite follow. Maybe it needs another reading, but I ended up taking less from this than I expected.
August 28, 2022
A good book on the full nature of knowing, involving the mind, the heart, and the body. Although Borgeault goes places I wouldn’t, this is a helpful corrective to our purely cognitive understandings of knowledge.
April 6, 2023
A fascinating book w a perspective that’s similar to lots of what I’ve studied and contemplated. Reminds me maybe Huxley Perennial Philosophy that flipped my life, but this mostly from a Christian perspective. What is wisdom anyway
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January 9, 2025Deeply insightful this little book will carry the spiritual traveler a long way on their road. How I have not come across Cynthia Bourgeault's writing before is a mystery to me. Perhaps the time just wasn't right. I am so glad to have found her now!
January 4, 2018
Nice read
Ready read with lots of nice info. She's ready to follow, meaning it doesn't get super boring like Rohr stuff
Ready read with lots of nice info. She's ready to follow, meaning it doesn't get super boring like Rohr stuff
March 23, 2019
Needs a great deal more in the way of supporting material and citations.
May 28, 2019
The concepts weren't developed sufficiently or tied together well and as a result the overall work was patchy and unclear.
July 17, 2019
In short...this book changed my life!
August 25, 2019
Very similar to the Wisdom Jesus. A little simplistic. I appreciated the practice instructions through
April 6, 2021
I have a lot of thoughts on this and need to digest
April 19, 2021
Es una guía maravillosa en el camino de la espiritualidad. Sabiduría no es conocer mas, dice la autora, sino conocer con más de mi misma. Ese es el reto. Lo tomo.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews