The Origin of Western Mysticism: Selected Writings of Plotinus

by Plotinus, Swami Abhayananda (Goodreads Author) (Editor) 

The mystical revelations of Plotinus, the great Neo-Platonist philosopher who taught in 3rd century Rome, have long been read and appreciated by scholars and theologians; but this new treatment of Plotinus explores his ideas and his influence upon the Western philosophical tradition in a way that is as accesible to the modern lay reader as to scholars. This book, The Origin of Western Mysticism: Selected Writings of Plotinus is formed almost entirely of excerpts from Plotinus’ book, the Enneads, arranged topically so as to facillitate a clear understanding of all elements of his metaphysical philosophy. And it includes a revealing Introduction, and commentaries by S. Abhayananda which should serve to open the way to a modern reevaluation of this greatmystic’s extraordinary vision.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Swami Abhayananda was born Stan Trout in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 14, 1938. After service in the Navy, he settled in northern California, where he pursused studies in philosophy and literature. In June of 1966 he experienced a strong desire to know God. Abandoning everything else, he retired to a secluded cabin in the mountain forests near Santa Cruz, California, and attained what he sought. AFter five years in his cabin, he journeyed to India to study with a Guru there, and in 1978 was initiated as a monk and was given the name Swami Abhayananda, “the bliss of fearlessness.” Later, he taught meditation and the art of Self-Realization in various cities throughout the U.S., and has lately been living in the Olympia area of Western Washington state where he continues to teach, write, and publish his works of the knowledge of the Self.

(Goodreads.com)