Sketch and Reviews of The Inner Palace

The book here -- Mitchell Ginsberg, The Inner Palace: Mirrors of Psychospirituality in Divine and Sacred Wisdom-Traditions -- is an investigation into the experiential meaning or significance (the phenomenology, as some would term it) of teachings from around the world that speak to our spirituality. For a fuller description of this work, please see Introduction to The Inner Palace.

Nothing to worry about...

In addition to the link above, this is to give a sense of the book for those who like glimpsing via reviews (and I quote):

The Inner Palace has been written with love and scholarly knowledge, a rare combination these days. It is true that the gates to our own inner palace are as innumerable as there are people. Love and knowledge can, however, be counted as its main keys. A fascinating book!

Mohammed Siraj, Member of the Gudri Shahi Sufi Order, Moderator of the Chishtiyya Sufi Discussion Group. See also the Book Review (in pdf format) of The Inner Palace by Mohammed Siraj.

The Inner Palace speaks to the richness of human experience, and it expresses itself in a passion for sharing and teaching, both in the many authors that Mitchell quotes and in his own impressive performance. He offers us a wealth of material filled with divine light-giving, the sacred clothed in words, concepts as metaphors of holiness, "Unspeakable Source of Awe." The book is mercifully undogmatic, despite its theme which has often become the most "dogmatic" of subjects.

Robert C. Solomon, Quincy Lee Centennial Professor of Philosophy, The University of Texas at Austin. Author of Spirituality for the Skeptic.

Ginsberg leads his reader on a rich and engaging tour through the treasure troves of Buddhist literature, as seen through a mind that has also benefited from Kabbalistic writings, Sufi and Christian mystical treatises and poetry, Taoist literature, and Western philosophy and psychotherapy.

Richard P. Hayes, Prof. of Buddhist Studies, McGill University, Montreal. Author of Dignaga on the Interpretation of Signs and Land of No Buddha.

A wonderful book, a precious gift to those interested in the spiritual teachings and practices of humankind -- to academics and scholars, to seekers of inner peace and profound religious insights. A multi-dimensional vision of mystical experiences, psychospiritual practices, philosophical systems, and poetical images from the cultures of Far Eastern Chan/Zen and Buddhism, Vedanta, Kabbalah, Christian, and Sufi teachings. An Indra's net of gems offering inter-reflections of the inner palace of the soul of humankind, of our innermost being.

Evgeny A. Torchinov, Head of the Department of Oriental Philosophy and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Philosophy, St. Petersburg State University, Russia. Author of Religions of the World (Religii mira) and Daoism.

The Inner Palace, most fitting successor to William James' classic work Varieties of Religious Experience is, like Varieties, a phenomenology: Faithful to the objective contours of the religious scriptures and wisdom literatures it draws upon, as a study it focuses on the personal experience of the follower of each such tradition. The scope of this book is breathtaking, its depth of insight into each tradition awesome, and its link to contemporary literature on consciousness impressive and gratifying. Like Varieties, it is sure to become a foundational work for scholars and students in many disciplines -- religion, philosophy, psychology, and the history of culture.

Maurice Friedman, Professor of Religious Studies, San Diego State University. Author of A Heart of Wisdom: Religion and Human Wholeness and Encounter on the Narrow Ridge: A Life of Martin Buber.

Because I am convinced that the profanely secular bias of our modern technocratic world has been a factor in our collective problems, I think that it is important that the voice of the wise of all lands be heard and that, rising above sectarianism, we listen to their chorus. Nobody can educate us so well in what the spiritual traditions have in common as one who, beyond extensive learning, has traveled far and wide, and Mitchell Ginsberg, a learned scholar and a seasoned seeker, has created for us out of exquisitely chosen gems a trans-systemic mystic mosaic of rare value.

Claudio Naranjo, M.D., Psychiatrist; Professor of Psychology (University of California, Santa Cruz) and Comparative Religion (California Institute of Asian Studies); pioneer in the Human Potential Movement; founder of SAT (an integrative psycho-spiritual school); now devoted to working with educators in Europe, Latin America, and Australia toward a post-patriarchal, transformative education.) Author of more than 12 books, including the titles Cambiar la Educación para Cambiar el Mundo (Changing Education to Change the World), The Way of Silence and the Talking Cure, and Healing Civilization.
See also the Book Review of The Inner Palace by Claudio Naranjo, M.D. (in pdf format).

(Letter of appreciation)

To the publisher of The Inner Palace:

I am writing to express my gratitude to you and to Blue Dolphin for the publication of The Inner Palace, by Mitchell D. Ginsberg, Ph.D. I am a graduate student in Theology and Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America. Presently, I am completing a Master's degree in Spirituality, and I am discerning the possibility of embarking upon a doctoral program in East-West, Spiritual, and/or Transpersonal Psychology. A couple of months ago, as I was doing a random search for titles having to do with transpersonal psychology, I providentially came across a description of The Inner Palace. I was immediately captivated and, despite the cost (I am, after all, a poor student!), I decided to purchase the hardcover set from Blue Dolphin. Truly, I have not been disappointed!

The Inner Palace is, indeed, a many-faceted diamond, a veritable jewel of spiritual literature, and one of the most profound works of esoteric/mystical literature I have ever seen! In addition to being an example of impeccable scholarship -- displaying the incontrovertible erudition of its author -- it is also a work of the deepest warmth, wisdom, and yes, compassion. The Inner Palace does well what many books in its genre fail to do: it both ENLIGHTENS and HEALS. This is a tribute to its author who, like the spiritual masters of old, has placed his considerable learning at the service of the knowledge-of-the-heart. It is also a credit to Blue Dolphin Publishing that you have recognized the treasure that is Mitchell Ginsberg, and have supported this (ad-)venture into what will have to be regarded as (the first part of) his magnum opus.

Since my first purchase, I have ordered the paperback version through Amazon.com. I confess, I am very fastidious concerning my favorite books; while the hardcover remains at home in pristine condition, I will keep the paperback always within my purview! Yes, I know, I know: I make myself poorer ... well, perhaps financially, but certainly much richer in spirit (cf. Matthew 13: 44).

I await part two of Dr. Ginsberg's masterpiece with eager anticipation, and I expect that Blue Dolphin will make a similar investment in the work's value. Until then, I ask that you add my name to your mailing list.

Graduate Student in Theology and Religious Studies, The Catholic University of America (personal information removed, respecting the privacy of this individual).

Reviews of the book taken from various web sites:

This book is an incredible collection in two volumes of extremely interesting thoughts on the world's spiritual traditions. It carefully illustrates many of the commonalities between the major traditions of the world. Especially in today's times of more and more strife and division when it comes to religious beliefs, these two volumes help people to see the possible connections to be found in Christianity, Islam (Sufi and other mystical traditions of Islam are explored), Buddhism, and Judaism and various other philosophies such as Taoism.

Mitchell Ginsberg, Ph.D., former Yale Philosophy Professor, is a scholar of the highest level. His work is of benefit to anyone who takes the time to read his carefully crafted books. These two books are great companions to his new book called Calm, Clear, & Loving - another book that is very wonderful by him.

His writing is clear and very carefully footnoted, and academically documented, and great care is taken to show the linguistic origins of many works and specific words and texts / writings and this adds to the interest of the book. Readers will enjoy seeing the importance of translation and the effect translation has on the interpretation of many spiritual and philosophical works.

I highly recommend this book and Mitchell Ginsberg, Ph.D.'s other books to readers interested in spirituality, philosophy, transformation of the soul, and how to live a more effective happy life.

Geraldine Wangmo

Relatedly, just below are some some links concerning The Inner Palace, as well as another book of mine, The Far Shore, that may be of interest.

Please come back soon and visit my Home Page and linked pages, as I will updating and adding to them as time permits.

Links
Directory (Folder) of The Inner Palace
Jinavamsa's Home Page
Selections from The Far Shore

More to be added.... visit when inspired.

email: jinavamsa@yahoo.com
C 2011