Comparative Mysticism: An Anthology of Original Sources

This collection of primary texts introduces readers to the mystical literature of the world's great religious traditions. Beginning with an introduction by Steven T. Katz, a leading scholar of mysticism, the anthology comprises poetry, prayer, narrative, and other writings from Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, Confucianist, and Native American traditions. This collection provides readers not only with the primary mystical texts from each religious tradition, but with an explanation of the context of the source and tradition. Comparative Mysticism shows how the great mystical traditions of the world are deeply rooted in the religious traditions from which they originated. The contextual methodological approach taken throughout the anthology also addresses the critical question of what these mystical traditions, at their highest level, have in common. Despite the prevailing view that mystical traditions throughout the world are essentially similar, the presentation of the sources in this volume suggests that, in fact, the various traditions have distinct teachings and different metaphysical goals. The writings collected in Comparative Mysticism address the most fundamental and important methodological, epistemological, and hermeneutical questions regarding the study and interpretation of mysticism and mystical sources across cultures. This anthology will be an invaluable resource to students and scholars of mystic tradition for years to come.

Table of Contents:
Preface Contributors General Editor's Introduction, Steven T. Katz JUDAISM, edited by Moshe Idel CHRISTIANITY, edited by Bernard McGinn ISLAM, edited by Peter Awn HINDUISM, edited by Arvind Sharma BUDDHISM, edited by John Powers CONFUCIANISM AND DAOISM, edited by Livia Kohn NATIVE AMERICAN TRADITIONS, edited by John Grim

About the Author :
Steven T. Katz is Director of the Elie Wiesel Center for Judaic Studies at Boston University and holds the Alvin J. and Shirley Slater Chair in Jewish and Holocaust Studies. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge.

Review :
"This is an excellent anthology. Steven Katz has long argued that mysticism is not invariant, but is shaped by the concepts, doctrines, and practices of particular religious traditions. This volume provides material for responsible comparative study. Scholars of each tradition have selected texts, written informative introductions, and noted the provenance of each work. The selections are longer than usual and thus provide more context. I recommend it highly."--Wayne Proudfoot, Professor of Religion, Columbia University "Comparative Mysticism is a rich and wide-ranging collection of writings that illustrate key topics in the mystical teachings of major religious traditions. The expert selection of texts and thoughtful introductions by leading authorities make this a highly valuable resource for students of mysticism."--Carl W. Ernst, author of How to Read the Qur'an: A New Guide, with Select Translations