Mystics, Masters, Saints, and Sages: Stories of Enlightenment Paperback – October 1, 2001

I find this book extremely hard to write a review on because the subject of enlightenment is still elusive and arguably to most of us. It is thus utmostly not easy to draw from any of the amorphous reference points, the ideas, the concepts, nor the explications. So I decide to do the same thing as the authors/compilers (The Ullmans) i.e., tell it like it is.The Ullmans are proven to be knowledgeable and very well aware with what they are doing as they state:The actual experience of enlightenment is unique to the individual and is colored, to some degree, by her prior experience, spiritual tradition, and cultural temperament. (Location 189)This book is intended to "capture the experience of enlightenment as clearly and succinctly as possible." - The authors (Location 215)It should be a great boon to the persons in spiritual paths to discover benefits for their spiritual journey. The benefits to me who has been in both the Eastern and Western spiritual climates for 66 years are that:a. What I have realized so far are just one of the infinite amount of realizations like being a grain of sand along the seashore.b. Presently I am a Christian, I find many things said and done by Jesus proven to be true such as the control of the elements of nature and the (Holy) Spirit will lead one to the Spirit of God.c. There have been a lot of difficulties along the way of spirituality but it was the longing and the yearning for the Ultimate that helps me to overcome them.d. The knowledge that God is to be recognized. He is beyond any word. No further goal to attain.At times, this book can prove tiresome and annoying because of the clashing differences of expressions such as Saint Catherine of Siena advocated austerities to be the best spiritual practice whereas Kabir rejected and shunned austerities and asceticism.Most of the book contents emphasize the Hindu tradition as acknowledged by the authors. (Location 238) Some of the quotes I like are such as:May we all awaken to who we truly are. - The authors (Location188)No one religion, country, socioeconomic class or gender has laid special claim to enlightenment. - The authors (Location 229)Spiritual advancement is not to be measured by one's displays of outward powers, but solely by the depth of his bliss in meditation. - Paramahansa Yogananda (p. 117)God...He is seductive beyond thought of competition. - Paramahansa Yogananda - (p. 122)I do realize now that I have found God, for whenever the joy of meditation has returned subconsciously during my active hours, I have been subtly directed to adopt the right course in everything, even in minor details. - Paramahansa Yogananda (p. 122)This book has a lot of bibliography and suggested readings, internet resources and a long list of index at the end, which proves to be thoughtful and useful.

A good overview of leaders you knew about or had never before heard of. Well written and documented.

Firstly, this is just to let you know that this title has the identical content to the book titled "Moments of Enlightenment", also by the same authors.Secondly, what an eye opener! This book is a set of beautiful mini-biographies and enlightening experiences of mystics and of holy men and women. The authors have done an excellent job of capturing the essence of each mystic so much so that when reading the accounts you feel transported into their holy mystical worlds.Having all of these accounts side by side allowed me to see patterns and similarities. So many different paths leading to the same goal.Probably the biggest contribution this book has to my own spiritual journey is to bring me back to my only purpose: to love.In the words of Jesus, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all you mind…”Thank you for this.

I love this book. I have read a ton of spiritual literature and had heard of many of the people featured in this book, and yet I still found it informative and enlightening (pun fully intended). I discovered several self realized beings for the first time, particular the "regular" people the authors intentionally included. It was fascinating to hear about their unexpected journeys to self realization, some of them not able to identify what was happening to them until long after the big events (or non events, as some would argue). Among my very favorite stories were the ones about Peace Pilgrim and Suzanne Segal... wow. Inspiring, heart wrenching stuff. This book delivers on its promise to recount stories of enlightenment, first hand where possible, without adding much in the way of opinions to the mix.

Unlike another reviewer, interestingly enough, I don't detract from this book because of the exclusion of Jesus (despite being Christian). Unlike Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint John of the Cross, Jesus is neither mystic, sage or saint. In fact he is the very object of their worship. Thus it would almost be demeaning to put him in the same list, especially if the authors are Christian ( and if they're not, they were probably wanted to avoid being offensive to Christian readers). However, I do find it very odd that many other well-known saints and mystics which I would personally consider of a higher order on the enlightenment scale than some of the other members of this list were conspicuously excluded (for example, Hildegard Von Bingen, Theresa of Avila, Meister Eckhart and a number of other Indian saints). Overall though, this book is quite entertaining and is an excellent light reading selection that can be absorbed in small bites at bedtime. For someone for new to this topic, it makes a good introductory primer.

Covers the people that are most of interest to me and interesting information in the text. Enjoyed the read and have been able to follow on from that.

One of the most insightful books I've read on spiritual awakening. It's fascinating to read the different stories of how individuals throughout history have reached liberation through so many different paths. I highly recommend for anyone interested in the topic of enlightenment or spirituality.

This book gives so many Stories of Enlightenment. It is so well written. It is a great book to share with others you care about. I would call it educational in so many different ways.