There are rare moments in our life when the discovery of a particular book, teaching, or piece of wisdom simply stuns us and leaves us breathlessly filled with awe, gratitude, and joy. We recognize immediately that we have come upon a great treasure. As we stand in its presence and yield to its briliiance, we can sense immediately that it has begun to change us. That has been my response to encountering the work of the remarkable Bulgarian spiritual teacher Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov. The pages of history are littered with wise spiritual teachers. Regardless of the truths they have spoken, many of them have not made a great difference in people´s lives or the world in general. What accounts for the transforming power of some of them? Whether or not a great spiritual teaching actually engages us depends on our openness to it, of course, but on other factors as well. It is not enough for the teaching to be true. In addition, it must be coherent not only with former wisdom but with the best current knowledge as well. It must convey relevance, immediacy, urgency. Above all, the teaching must somehow be right for the times, and it must feel right. At some point, if these conditions are met, magic may happen: We, and the world around us, can be transformed. Not only is Aivanhov´s teaching consistent with the greatest wisdom traditions of humankind, it is a the leading edge of our evolving knowledge about the world. This means that those who prefer their spiritual teachings to be dusty and crusty, archaic and arcane, will need to look elsewhere. Aivanhov does not advocate taking refuge in a sentimental past. Using reason to the fullest, and supplementing it with his remarkable visionary powers, he enunciates a breathtaking picture of human transformation that is modern and up-to-date. One of the most striking qualities of Aivanhov´s teaching is the simplicity and clarity that shine through at every moment. His unadorned, uncluttered words are a refreshing contrast to the hopelessly obscure obfuscations that pass today for “spiritual” teachings. What a joy to rediscover that authentic wisdomneed not be opaque and impenetrable! Although Aivanhov´s teaching is consistent with the best of the ancient wisdom that has gone before it, it is in many respects fresh and new. Aivanhov was obviously aware of the penetrating insights of modern science. He honored this window onto the world and, by applying his considerable intellect and understanding, opened this window even further. Unlike many spiritual teachers, Aivanhov never went around the modern picture of the universe; he marched straight through it and expanded it. This is one reason his teaching seems so relevant for our age. There are probably more so-called spiritual teachers today than ever before. The West is flooded with them, and it has been difficult in many instances to sort out the sage from the scoundrel. Amid the current supermarket of offerings, the spiritual seeker`s task of finding a genuine teacher can be daunting. That is one reasonwhy it is a great honor and privilege to recommend the teaching presented in this book. It is in a class with few others. George Feuerstein is uniquely qualified to bring the writings of Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov to our attention. Dr. Feuerstein is a world-renowed scholar in the filed of spirituality and comparative religious studies, from whose books I have benefited for years. His writing – and his life – embody the same depth, integrity, and dignity of his current subject. This volume is an enchanting, lyrical song between Feuerstein and Aivanhov – Aivanhov singing the melody, and Feuerstein rounding out the score with skillful, unobstrusiv interpretation. I am frequently asked in lecture and seminars, “Who today is a believable, genuine, spiritual teacher?” Now I can answer without hesitation: Encounter Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov and see what happens.
Larry Dossey, MD
Author of Recovering the Soul; Space, Time, and Medisince; Meaning and Medicine, and Beyond Illness.
TESTIMONIES:
- ‘In Georg Feuerstein’s wonderful presentation of a contemporary Master, I was deeply moved by Aïvanhov’s bodhisattvic simplicity, veracity, and good humor, and Feuerstein’s self-effacing clarifications where needed, that make this book a treasure trove for anyone open to the great wisdom traditions.’
— Frederick Franck, M.D., author of The Zen of Seeing and My Days with Albert Schweitzer - ‘The Mystery of Light is a vibrant narrative of Aïvanhov’s remarkable life and is sure to touch many of its readers at the “true depth” that was part of Aïvanhov’s prescription for living.’
— Stanley Krippner, Ph.D, professor of psychology, Saybrook Institute, author of Personal Mythology - ‘This book has a wide historical and cultural perspective and panorama on which Aïvanhov’s message is masterfully painted.’
— David Frawley, O.M.D., writing in Yoga Journal