Cosmic Consciousness

Religious teachers, philosophers and poets provide examples of spiritual awakening in Alexander J. McIvor-Tyndall's exploration of cosmic consciousness. Drawing on Buddhist, Hindu and Christian teachings, the book treats illumination as a change in awareness that reveals a person's relation to the universe. Its chapter outline moves from stages of consciousness and the meaning of selflessness to figures such as Buddha, Jesus, Swedenborg, Emerson and Wordsworth. Their experiences and writings become material for the author's account of an inward transformation.

The discussion of Buddha gives particular attention to motives behind moral conduct. Following rules through fear of punishment is contrasted with acting for the peace and benefit of others. The author links this unselfishness to spiritual freedom and interprets Nirvana through his belief in continuing personal consciousness. For readers interested in theosophy, the book offers a way to examine how different religious teachings are brought together within one writer's mystical understanding of human development.