Anyone genuinely searching for authentic spirituality will find that "Body of Time, Soul of Eternity" becomes a treasured guide of ageless mystical wisdom. Jerry Thomas draws from his personal experience of the major faith traditions, and from years of guiding many souls along their way. He articulates the essential mystical unity of both Eastern and Western traditions, but this book is far more than a philosophical treatise. In a way unusual for writers of spirituality, Thomas maps clearly and succinctly the path a soul must traverse in the journey home to communion with God. It is here that his profound understanding of the universal mystical path, as well as that of human psychology and the finest of monastic traditions comes to the fore.
The three primary questions of human existence are addressed: Who am I? Where am I going? How do I get there? A brief introduction gives the perspective of authentic mystical spirituality which leads to the direct experience of God, and in response to the question, "Who am I?" lays the foundation for all that follows by discriminating between ego and soul, as well as presenting the mystical understanding of God, Creation, Duality, and the Purpose of Life. While the author could have written volumes on any of these topics, that is not his purpose; rather, he will continually remind the reader that reading and knowledge are poor substitutes for the direct experience of God.
The second chapter, "Where am I going?" presents the timeless structure of Seven States of Consciousness which can be found (with careful reading) in such diverse traditions as the Bhagavad Gita and the Catholic mystic John of the Cross. Also addressed are contemporary confusions which equate paranormal experiences, metaphysical energy manipulation, and a myriad of other so-called spiritual activities as being more than they truly are.
The third chapter is the heart of the book, and addresses the crucial question--so often over-looked--"How do I get there?" and begins with describing five basic paradigms--hedonism, meta-physics, humanitarianism, religion, and mysticism. While continually leading the reader toward the mystical perspective, Thomas is gentle in recognizing that the journey through the five perspectives is often not a straight line, and that "We are usually where we need to be at the time (but not for all time)." This understanding itself is liberating in recognizing that people are different, and we ourselves are different at different times of our lives.
The remainder of the book leads one through the various by-ways, experiences, joys, and stumbling blocks of the mystical journey. Frequent changes in font and format emphasize the essence of each point, providing a text that is best read with meditative deliberation. Should some readers dis-count this book because of its apparent simplicity, they will have missed the point, for even those who are privileged to attend Jerry Thomas' retreats or receive spiritual counsel and direction from him, will find that "Body of Time, Soul of Eternity"--read slowly and contemplatively again and again--enriches and supports the spiritual journey as do very few such works.
Having spent decades on my own spiritual journey, and with considerable knowledge and experi-ence in classic Christian spirituality as well as more esoteric traditions, I can personally attest to the transforming power of the teaching within this book. I particularly recommend it to all clergy and spiritual directors regardless of faith tradition.
This book condenses thousands of years of teachings by the God Realized masters such as Jesus, Krishna, Buddha, Anandamayima, Paramahansa Yogananda, and Shirdi Sai Baba, among others, into easily grasped, understandable language, the language of God, mystical spirituality. Interspersed throughout the pages are direct portals to God, direct Truths as imparted by these Holy Ones whose lives were, and are, the embodiment of Truth, of God. Reading even one of these phrases and contemplating it, tucking it away into a quiet, sacred space, will forever change you. It will bring you to God, to love, peace, wisdom, and joy. I have been a lover of God my entire life, and have devoted my life to seeking the Truth. I hold a Masters in Religious Education from Loyola University, and was a Zen Buddhist Priest for many years, and can truthfully say that what we all seek, a direct experience of God, is attainable by all, and this book is an invaluable guide in that journey. Buy this book.
