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A review by aegagrus
The Way of a Pilgrim by
5.0
In one sense, The Way of A Pilgrim is a meditation on interior prayer. Its account of inward sacred experience resonates with other voices ranging from Sōtō Zen to Sufi mysticism to secular philosophy of mind. Its discussion of the cultivation of peace and contentedness is both challenging and comforting.
Even more interestingly, to me, this is a book about learning. Our narrator plays both teacher and student, often simultaneously. His approach to learning is incredibly nuanced, finding edification in direct experience, mystical intuition, formal scholarship and instruction, preaching, reading, conversing, questioning, and exchanging stories and anecdotes. Despite The Way's apparent emphasis on the singular nature of inward prayer, its vision of intellectual seeking is rich, expansive, and ambiguous. This project of continual education is further enriched by connections to themes including social class, labor, the role of the priesthood, repentance and rehabilitation, and charity. What I took away from this book most powerfully was a sense of what it is to be a learner, and those things which are demanded of spiritual learners: humility, generosity, receptiveness, discipline, and flexibility. Most of all, the transcendent link to the objects of our inquiry: the joyfulness of learning.
Savin's translation is lively, elegant, and clear. The text itself is short, readable, and thoughtfully composed. I highly recommend The Way of A Pilgrim to those in search of spiritual learning, with the caveat that it is possible to read this book cursorily. While there is nothing wrong with doing so, you'll get out what you put in.
Even more interestingly, to me, this is a book about learning. Our narrator plays both teacher and student, often simultaneously. His approach to learning is incredibly nuanced, finding edification in direct experience, mystical intuition, formal scholarship and instruction, preaching, reading, conversing, questioning, and exchanging stories and anecdotes. Despite The Way's apparent emphasis on the singular nature of inward prayer, its vision of intellectual seeking is rich, expansive, and ambiguous. This project of continual education is further enriched by connections to themes including social class, labor, the role of the priesthood, repentance and rehabilitation, and charity. What I took away from this book most powerfully was a sense of what it is to be a learner, and those things which are demanded of spiritual learners: humility, generosity, receptiveness, discipline, and flexibility. Most of all, the transcendent link to the objects of our inquiry: the joyfulness of learning.
Savin's translation is lively, elegant, and clear. The text itself is short, readable, and thoughtfully composed. I highly recommend The Way of A Pilgrim to those in search of spiritual learning, with the caveat that it is possible to read this book cursorily. While there is nothing wrong with doing so, you'll get out what you put in.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Blood, Chronic illness, and Medical content