Title: Honoring the Sacred Earth: A Path to Spiritual AwakeningAuthor(s): David P. Smith
Published 2010 by Oaklight PublishingISBN: 0982553196
ISBN-13: 978-0982553190
Paperback, 205 pagesList: $15.95
View this Book on AmazonReviewer: Mike Gleason
This is a non-denominational spiritual development book written by a Druid priest. Rev. Smith provides some insightful quotations, some guided meditations, and some prayers to help the reader's attunement to the forces of the world in all their glory.
The major value of this work is its non-denominational approach. Unfortunately, the English language lacks a "value neutral" word for the force behind the universe - Creator, God, Deity, Divinity, and Creative Force all come with their own baggage and preconceptions attached and therefore Rev. Smith's choice to use "God" will probably offend some readers. Try to move beyond that, however, and hear what is truly being said.
Naturally (considering the author's neo-Pagan, Druid orientation), he places a larger emphasis on seasonal observances than others might, but certain biases are to be expected on the part of each individual. As he tells the reader "Take what you will from these pages and leave the rest." And "Do what feels right to you and what fits with your personal belief system." Regardless what your personal religious orientation (if any) there is inspiration to be found in these pages.
Rev. Smith's inspirations are pleasingly diverse, from Chinese philosophy (Lau Tzu), to environmental (John Muir); from Western religion (The King James Bible) to Oriental religo0n (The Bagavad Gita); and the inspirational (The Ultimate Happiness Prescription by Deepak Chopra) to the practical (It's Easy Being Green by Chrissy Trask). Add in a few ideas from his Holiness the Dalai Lama and you have a rich cultural and environmental stew.
While this is an enjoyable, easy-to-read book, there is nothing particularly new or revelatory in it. Everything here has been said before in any number of self-help books published in the last half- century. Its utility lies in its compiling of numerous approaches into a single source. It is an excellent value for the price and, with its non-denominational approach; it should be usable by anyone looking for inspiration in their quest for Spiritual awakening.
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