Browse This Book On Google
Browse This Book On iBookstore
Browse This Book On Kindle
Browse This Book On NookBooks
Media Kit
Light from the East is an anthology of writings illuminating the ways in which the modern Western world has assimilated aspects of Eastern philosophy and spirituality. It includes essays by leading traditionalist authors such as René Guénon, Ananda Coomaraswamy, and Frithjof Schuon as well as contributions from some of the pivotal figures in this intellectual and spiritual encounter. The question which underpins the anthology as a whole is what lessons the modern West might most profitably derive from the traditions of the East. Light from the East is a companion piece to Journey’s East: 20th Century Western Encounters with Eastern Religious Traditions (World Wisdom 2004).
About the Author(s)
Harry Oldmeadow
Harry Oldmeadow was coordinator of Philosophy and Religious Studies at La Trobe University in Australia and author of the acclaimed Traditionalism: Religion in the Light of the Perennial Philosophy (2000), an authoritative introduction to the perspective of Perennialism. Prof. Oldmeadow's contributions to World Wisdom books & DVDs include:
Read More
Reviews
- Professor Oldmeadow brings together penetrating intellectual essays, personal reflections upon lived religious practices, and heartfelt calls for harmony and understanding. This book is a worthy companion to Professor Oldmeadow’s magnificent Journeys East and a valuable anthology in its own right.
Timothy Scott, author of The Symbolism of the Ark
- Harry Oldmeadow deserves our congratulations for producing a diverse yet integrated anthology of judicious selections from the works of scholars on the cusp of the East-West dialogue, thereby also disproving that selection must involve distortion. Almost each selection is characterised by an enticing combination — as potent as it is rare — of severity of analysis with the compassion of synthesis.
Arvind Sharma, author of A Guide to Hindu Spirituality
- If proof had been needed that the Perennial Philosophy has not disappeared in our age and time, this collection of important writings of mostly well-known authors would offer it. Its universality is demonstrated by the great diversity in the backgrounds of the writers and the variety of disciplines represented. The anthology amply demonstrates the editor’s thesis that it was the encounter with the East that kept the West in touch with its own great spiritual traditions.
Klaus K. Klostermaier, University of Manitoba
- Professor Oldmeadow’s excellent anthology provides the reader with direct and immediate access to the writings of a large number of the exponents of the “Perennial Philosophy”, including such leading figures as René Guénon, Frithjof Schuon, Ananda Coomaraswamy, and Titus Burckhardt. It is a major convenience to have so many profound philosophical and religious writings within the covers of one book.
William Stoddart, editor of The Essential Writings of Titus Burckhardt
- This companion to Journeys East offers to the serious reader a marvelous pilgrimage trough the truly primordial wisdom of Asia and a much pristine opening toward the Religio Perennis, “the underlying religion.” After introductive articles by the three lights of the Traditionalist School and authoritative spokesmen of “intrinsic orthodoxy,” Dr. Oldmeadow allows authentic spiritual seekers and prominent scholars to speak with their own voice of their own encounter with the Eastern Light.
Renaud Fabbri, editor of Vincit Omnia Veritas Journal
- More than ever we need to see clearly what is true and universal within the culturally varied faiths of humankind. For that, Oldmeadow has given us Light from the East. This is a skillful collection of trenchant, uncompromising and illuminating essays by extraordinarily discerning minds.
Philip Novak, Program in Philosophy and Religion, Dominican University of California
- In this valuable book Harry Oldmeadow has brought together an outstanding group of spiritual pioneers. Many were among the first Westerners to grasp the universal dimensions of Asian religious traditions. Not only were they seekers; they were also finders. Wisdom has long been associated with light. In Buddhism, the ultimate nature of mind is compared to clear light, and the realization of that mind is called enlightenment. Light from the East draws us toward a place beyond any division of East and West.
Kenneth Kraft, author of The Wheel of Engaged Buddhism: A New Map of the Path
- This selection is thought provoking and challenging, there are pieces which are strongly analytical and clear in their stance and others which encourage dialogue and interaction. This diversity of opinion within a perennial framework makes this a well presented anthology. These are not superficial essays, but carefully chosen works helping us to appreciate the deep wisdom within the Eastern tradition.The underlying question that this work attempts to answer is how we, in the west, can access the living heart of eastern wisdom and apply it within the modern world. This work is hence timely, poignant and challenging. I recommend it highly.
Robert Black, Living Traditions May 2007
- Harry Oldmeadow edits Light from the East: Eastern Wisdom for the Modern West, a collection of essays which discuss why different, specific elements of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism have appealed to Western seekers. Chapters come from faith leaders in different Eastern circles and draw together aspects of encounters with masters and master philosophers.
Midwest Book Review, The Bookwatch June 2007
