An introduction to the spiritual legacy of Thomas MertonThomas Merton was a Trappist monk and one of the most influential spiritual figures of the 20th century. His writing on contemplation, monastic life, mysticism, poetry, and social issues have influenced generations and his legacy of interfaith understanding and social justice endures to this day. Thomas Merton: An Introduction to His Life, Teachings, and Practices offers an exploration of Merton as a m...

This fresh translation of poetry by the fourteenth-century Christian mystic "sets the heart ablaze and the spirit soaring" (Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, author of The Artist's Rule).Meister Eckhart (1260–1328) influenced a wide range of spiritual teachers and mystics both inside and outside the Christian tradition. Erich Fromm, Eckhart Tolle, Richard Rohr, D. T. Suzuki, and Rudolf Steiner have all credited Eckhart as being an important influence on thei...

Reading Francis's writings is like being "on the road" with him 800 years ago.Biographies will only take you so far. It's impossible to truly understand Francis of Assisi without reading his own words. A scholar and lover of Francis, Sweeney has added six writings to his bestselling compilation, additional texts that we're most certain came from Francis himself. Now, short writings such as "The Form of Life He Wished for Clare," "The Sermon to the Birds," and "The Source of...

An elegant rendering of the great mystic’s thoughts on the mysteries of the authentic lifeThis is a little book about soul freedom. It is a book about discovering the secret to all the things we most desire: contentment, meaning, peace of mind, and true freedom. This skillfully edited translation of selections from the writings of Meister Eckhart (c. 1260–1328) provides a road map to the spiritual life for contemporary seekers. Eckhart takes us on a journey of discovery, a journey ...

In this unique and thoughtful collection, a young funeral director—also known as “the internet’s favorite mortician” (CNBC)—explores various aspects of death, offering heartfelt and practical insights into how we determine what matters most while we are alive. This evocative book is for fans of Thomas Lynch, Mary Roach, and Caitlin Doughty.Now Departing explores the science, craft, and mindfulness behind Victor M. Sweeney’s very peculiar skill set. Working...

The riveting story of Pope St. Celestine V, the pope who retired from the papacy.At the close of the tumultuous Middle Ages, there lived a man who seemed destined from birth to save the world. His name was Peter Morrone, a hermit, a founder of a religious order, and, depending on whom you talk to, a reformer, an instigator, a prophet, a coward, a saint, and possibly the victim of murder. A stroke of fate would, practically overnight, transform this humble servant of God into the mo...

Turn from fear and find peace with one of the most recognized figures in Christian history.Saint Francis of Assisi understood that the surest way for a person to turn from fear and find grace was to embrace a life filled with ordinary miracles. And for twenty-first century living, we can learn from the teachings of this beloved sainttofind a path where our faith is made tangible again and where we embrace listening and gentleness in the face of fear and uncertainty.From aut...

Gold Winner, Lyric Prose or Hybrid Works, Nautilus Book Awards“Within each of us is a divine treasure, and if we hope to discover it, we need to go deep into the heart of who we are.” —Meister EckhartMeister Eckhart has been a huge figure in spirituality for more than eight hundred years—spiritual leaders such as Eckhart Tolle, Richard Rohr, and Matthew Fox have all credited Eckhart as being an important influence on their thought.T...

An introduction to St. Francis's life and his most profound teachings of faithSt. Francis of Assisi is one of the most venerated Christian figures, and his profound teachings, deep love of nature, and commitment to simplicity have resonated with generations of followers. St. Francis of Assisi, the latest title in the Essential Wisdom Library, offers a simple and universal introduction to Francis's life, his key teachings, and the spiritual practices that en...

Transform Your Everyday Life into a Sacred SpaceIn Domestic Monastery, bestselling author and spiritual guide Fr. Ronald Rolheiser offers a profound yet practical invitation: discover the sacredness of daily life and find peace, purpose, and grace amidst the chaos of modern living.Through ten short, insightful chapters, Fr. Rolheiser explores how the principles of monastic life can transform our homes, relationships, and routines into spaces of ref...

As a spiritual pilgrim for more than half a century, Jon Sweeney has practiced with teachers of many religious traditions. He's gone looking for wisdom, beauty, and truth wherever it can be found. But recently he's found himself learning closer to home--from the teacher-cats he lives with.What he discovered is that our greatest spiritual teachers are at our feet. Literally. They are the cats we love and treasure. Nearly 60 million cats live in US households today. These feline teac...

“It has given me a friend in Saint Francis for a lifetime. A divine encounter.” —Karen Kiefer, Director, The Church in the 21st Century Center, Boston CollegeReplicable experiences of God according to Francis of Assisi, offered on the 800th anniversary of his death.Never have we needed more to experience God—to feel God. Francis of Assisi was spiritual before anyone used that word, and he was religious in the best ways. We love him...