Rising Up Into the Divine: World Mystics on the Ascent of Your Soul
by Lucia Lena Hodges
Paperback 427 pages
Have you ever wondered where your soul goes after you die?
Mystics have direct experience of the Divine, and they are surprisingly consistent in their answers to this question. Venture through the centuries in this well-documented book, which draws on their writings from over a dozen world religions to consider these provocative questions:
Why do most cultures believe God and heaven are somewhere up above?
Where do people go when they rise out of their bodies in near-death experiences?
What keys to the matter universe did mystics foresee nearly a century before scientists did?
Is my Higher Self the same as my soul?
What is the mystery of the inner sound, and how does it relate to my soul’s ascent?
You will explore along the way the insights of over fifty mystical pioneers including Teresa of Avila, Plotinus, Swedenborg, Rumi, Madam Blavatsky, Benjamin Franklin and Maria Montessori, as well as such seemingly unrelated topics as the Trinity, quarks, levitation, and spirals.
If you are a seeker of spiritual truth hungering for more than simple platitudes, you will be surprised and uplifted by the eternal wisdom this book offers you, beckoning you upward into a discovery of your own Real Self.
Reviews
"This is a great book for spiritual seekers open to mysticism - the path of direct experience. It examines what rising up into the divine actually means through an exposé of historical figures and traditions. Thoroughly researched, it not only provides a comparison of different religious traditions (and not just the main ones but paths like theosophy too) at a deeper mystical level, but it outlines a cogent argument for the concept of the spiritual soundless Sound, which makes the journey up possible." —Alistair Conwell, author of 'The Audible Life Stream' & 'Soul Comfort'.
What a work Hodges has produced--the obvious result of deep spiritual searching and serious study! She has sifted through the writings and philosophies of mystics to show the way up! Recommended for all seekers who would like a wise friend walking the path. As the author says, "You will find stepping stones to assist you in navigating your own important quest up into the Divine." —Joanna V. Hill, author of 'Spiritual Law: The Essence of Swedenborg's Divine Providence'& co-author of 'Words Of Gratitude for Mind Body & Soul'
As a fellow author of such books, I would give this "a must read." It is a great one full of many interesting ideas with support data. Again, an excellent book. —Ted Balestreri, author of 'Kabbala'
Hodges presents us with a well-researched book that is a jouney through many spiritual traditions and beliefs, philosophical systems, and science, from ancient Eastern and Middle Eastern understanding to modern quantum physics . . . Like H.P. Blavatsky in her day, she astutely connects the dots, offering a comprehensive view of the three prongs of science, philosophy, and religion." —Quest Journal of the Theosophical Society in America, Spring 2024
