YOUR PERSONAL SPACE

Douglas J. Moore,

Ph.D.

PERSONAL GROWTH THROUGH SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

The

Way Beyond:

of

An Overview

The

Theosophical

Spiritual Practices By W. Mikulas

Wheaton,

IL:

Publishing House,

their

1987, 148pp., $5.95

People often turn away from

reasons.

religions

numerous

for disagree with the espoused by their become others

Some

positions leader,

are

dissatisfied with the ritualistic focus of services. There individuals who do not believe in the concept of a deity at all and dismiss the customs associated with religious orders.

When religion is abandoned or never accepted, is it possible to still be spiritual? Mikulas, a psychologist, makes a clear distinction between the terms spiritual and religious, and he convincingly describes how they exist separately. contrasts the spiritual which refers to the practices and states of being with religious, which relects beliefs, rituals and social customs. The book reviews the spiritual practices

can

He

common to many world religions, but does so outside the context of the beliefs, rituals, and social customs associated with the spiritual practices.

The

outline

spiritual

applied.

five

may

first chapters than personal rather a religious context in which the practices be For most people personal images are limited to the self-concept reinforced by parents, peers, T.V. and the like. The self becomes

view of

identified vocation, The first happens of this

expands

with social roles, or family position. section describes what when one "journeys" out limited self-concept and the

ego based reality. Some benefits from the journey include: making friends with self

one's

recognizing

weaknesses

accepting

happiness

and

can

points out

and strengths

others,

and

of

gaining mind.

yet unconditionally them, and

peace

Mikulas provides good examples of which the traveler concepts with identify. For example, he that some people are only happy playing a board game if they are winning while others can simply enjoy the game. One goal of the journey of life is to enjoy the game regardless of winning or losing.

The next five chapters focus on how to practice the specific spiritual techniques

of

One

meditating, concentrating, mindfulness, opening the heart, and reducing attachments. way this book differs from other similar reviews is the focus on integrating the various practices with each other. As each new spiritual practice is introduced, the author discusses how it can or practiced separately combination with procedures. The chapter on meditation is an excellent review the various types of meditation procedures as well as

be

of

some

of the experienced.

in the other

problems commonly Although these chapters are not be a meant to comprehensive discourse on each practice, they are sufficiently discussed So they can be practiced.

an

The book is

overview

more than just of spiritual

techniques; it emphasizes the application of practices in daily living to achieve one's fullest potential. The final section of

the book is dedicated to this integration of spirituality

psychosocial functioning.

and

He

emphasizes

practices

that cannot

understood unless

period of

time.

intellectual

spiritual be fully tried over For greater the understanding, of author provides an appendix additional readings.

a

The

after

applying

procedures.

condemn

Most religious homosexuality

beliefs

and in

emotional understanding will only

come

the

discourage gay participation church functions. This book is particularly

applicable to lesbians and gays because it describes how spiritual practices can be retained without the political and social limitations often associated with organized religion.

A Note to Our Patrons

the

the

Begining with May issue, publication date of the Gay People's 15th Chronicle will change from the to the 1st of each month. In order to accommodate this change, there will be no issue of the Chronicle. Also beginning with the the Chronicle will be

May 1st issue,

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