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.
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