Hidden Wisdom: A Guide to Western Inner Traditions, by Richard Smoley and Jay Kinney
“The editors of Gnosis magazine present a fascinating primer on Western religious traditions.
"Since the early 20th century, seekers in America ‘were seized with a passion for the lore of mystic Asia... Meanwhile, Western traditions seemed to slip out of vogue, especially in the recent realm of New Age spiritualism.
"Smoley and Kinney break down the fundamental differences between Eastern and Western traditions, extracting the best of the West for today's seekers.”
-- Gail Hudson
Even if you aren't a seeker, this is a fascinating introduction to neglected traditions and history in Western culture.
This discussion of Western spiritual traditions is objective, piercing, and sympathetic.
Smoley and Kinney write clearly and with subtle, dry humor about serious and complicated issues surrounding spirituality in a way that a non-academic can understand. It's like listening in on a long conversation between two thoughtful masters in their field, over lunch.
Narrated by Ethan Sawyer who gave an astonishing performance on our own Double Life: A Love Story from Broadway to Hollywood.
--Willow Pennell and Aretha Bright