Illuminated Life: Monastic Wisdom for Seekers of Light

by Joan D. Chittister

Book Overview

This dictionary of monastic wisdom offers an A-Z on how to be in the world, but not of it. In Chittister's initimitable style, she eschews the spiritual quick fix in favor of a solid spiritual... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570752338
• ISBN13: 9781570752339
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Orbis Books
• Length: 143 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.3" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Charming Little Book

I love this little book! It's a quick and easy read that you'll want to do over and over again, but perhaps slower each time with greater reflection. I haven't gotten tired of it yet. In fact, I've purchased several copies to give to each of my friends and they loved it!

Marvelously reflective study for all contemplatives!

Illuminated Life by Joan Chittister is a priceless collection of reflections from mystics of the third and fourth centuries followed by a highly enlightening expounding on many contemplative subjects. Each subject taken in alphabetical order is carefully composed by this nun to allow a deeply contemplative individiaul or group to probe its mysteries with considerable reflective thought. This book is a must-read for all spiritual directors, contemplatives, and those involved in deep spiritual formation.

Illuminated Life: Monastic Wisdom for Seeker of Light

I ordered this for a Sister (nun) who lives at the Assisted Living facility where I work. She says that this book is wonderful and many of the other Sisters have really enjoyed it.

a must for spiritual seekers

I don't believe that the reviews here do justice to this profound work. I have read many books on the spiritual search and this is one of the best. I have lately been struggling with what prayer means and her chapter on prayer is the best I've ever read. It is a refreshing antidote to the books that say prayer, and God, for that matter, are a means to personal power and things going your way. Joan Chittister is a wise woman, steeped in years of the contemplative tradition, and in this book she shares the fruits of her wisdom. She illuminates all of us.

Responding to the Light

Once again, Joan Chittister breaks through the ordinary to share a vision of life! What strikes me most about Joan Chittister's writing is its immediacy and accessibility--its reality and relevance for NOW.Joan does not indulge in "feel good" religion. Her words are not sugar-coated or politically correct. I find this book compelling because of its authenticity and its joy. Truth is spoken here, and hope shared. Each piece of wisdom, each "light", illuminates a necessary practice guiding deeper into conversion, beckoning into God.