The Wisdom Way of Knowing: Reclaiming An Ancient Tradition to Awaken the Heart

The core of Bourgeault's book is a reflection on a retreat on the Maine coast in September, 2001. The retreat had been planned before the World Trade Center attack, but took place after it. The retreat was loosely based on the monastic Rule of St. Benedict - prayer and work.

The idea here is basically that of Perennialism, that there is a ancient global tradition that is always largely underground. Bourgeault seems to come out of a Gurdjieff background, but then she is a Christian too. I am Buddhist but the Christian aspect of this book hardly got in the way. It's beautifully written. Seems like the perennial wisdom will stay underground for the foreseeable future, but it's still well worth cultivating if you don't mind bucking trends! show more This is a short book but is a very nice introduction or refresher, and points the reader to some valuable resources for further steps. show less

I had a hard time rating this book. I don't normally read books in this area, although I have read some of Pema Chodron's books.

I felt I did learn some things from this book, and I really felt aligned with some of its basic ideas. The idea that certain fundamental concepts and practices are common between all religions is very compelling and comforting.

But at times the scientist in me found myself moving into my small self and saying that sometimes it all sounded a bit like a comforting word salad.

I do believe that some of the practices can be useful, on some level, especially the concept of surrender. And it has made me think in new ways and introduced me to some concepts that I had been aware of.

I think I should re-read this book show more in a month or two. show less