Anam Cara: Spiritual Wisdom from the Celtic World [Paperback]

Anam Cara: Spiritual Wisdom from the Celtic World offers an exploration of the secret universe we all carry inside us, the connections we forge with the worlds of our friends and loved ones, and the products of our worlds reflected in the things we create outside of ourselves. Anam Cara, Gaelic for "soul friend," is an ancient journey down a nearly forgotten path of wisdom into what it means to be human. Drawing on this age-old perspective, John O'Donohue helps us to see ourselves as the Celts did: we're more than just flesh, blood and bone; we comprise individual worlds. The comprehension of the sublime architecture of the worlds we are born with will engender a new appreciation for the outside world and the way we contribute to its evolution. --Simon Priestly

Revealed in accessible and stylish prose, this book uncovers the mystical secrets of the ancient Celtic world - the world discovered by St Patrick in the 5th century AD.

When St Patrick came to Ireland in the 5th century AD, he encountered the Celtic people and a flourishing spiritual tradition that had already existed for thousands of years. He also discovered that where the Christians worshipped one God, the Celts had many and found divinity all around them: in the rivers, hills, sea and sky. The ancient Celtic reverence for the spirit in all things survives today - a vibrant legacy of mystical wisdom that is unique in the Western world.

Now, in this exquisite book, Irish poet and schollar John O'Donohue shares with us the secrets of this ancient world. Using authentic Irish prayers and blessings, he reveals the treasures that lie hidden within your own soul and the 'secret divinity' in your relationships. As he traces the cycles of life and nature, he draws from the holy waters of Ireland's spiritual heritage to lead you to a place where your heart can be healed and nourished. It is a place wher you will disocer your own anam cara, your true 'soul friend'.

Revealed in accessible and stylish prose, this book uncovers the mystical secrets of the ancient Celtic world - the world discovered by St Patrick in the 5th century AD.

When St Patrick came to Ireland in the fifth century AD, he encountered the Celtic people and a flourishing spiritual tradition that had already existed for thousands of years. He discovered that where the Christians worshipped one God, the Celts had many and found divinity all around them: in the rivers and hills, the sea and sky, and in every kind of animal. The ancient Celtic reverence for the spirit in all things survives to this day - a vibrant legacy of mystical wisdom that is unique in the Western world.

Now, in this exquisitely crafted book, Irish poet and scholar John O'Donohue uses an intuitive approach to spirituality and, with authentic Irish prayers and blessings, shares the secrets of this ancient world. Here you will learn how to reconnect with the treasures that lie hidden within your own soul, how to discover your individual nature and understand the 'secret divinity' in your relationships. Here, too, you will see how the Irish 'hospitality' towards death can help you become more compassionate, generous and fearless.

As John O'Donohue traces the cycles of life and nature, he draws from the holy waters of Ireland's spiritual heritage, from the Celts and Druid shamans, to lead you to a place where your heart can be healed and nourished - a place where you will discover your own anam cara, your true 'soul friend'.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

When St Patrick came to Ireland in the fifth century AD, he encountered the Celtic people and a flourishing spiritual tradition that had already existed for thousands of years. He discovered that where the Christians worshipped one God, the Celts had many and found divinity all around them: in the rivers, hills, sea and sky. The ancient Celtic reverence for the spirit in all things survives today - a vibrant legacy of mystical wisdom that is unique in the Western world.

Now, in this exquisite book, Irish poet and scholar John O'Donohue shares with us the secrets of this ancient world. Using authentic Irish prayers and blessings, he reveals the treasures that lie hidden within your own soul and the 'secret divinity' in your relationships. As he traces the cycles of life and nature, he draws from the holy waters of Ireland's spiritual heritage to lead you to a place where your heart can be healed and nourished. It is a place where you will discover your own anam cara, your true 'soul friend'

John O'Donohue was awarded a Ph.D. in philosophical theology from the University of Tübingen in 1990. He is the author of several works, including a collection of poems, Echoes of Memory, a book on the philosophy of Hegel, Person als Vermittlung, Conamara Blues, and the international bestsellers, Anam Cara, Eternal Echoes and Divine Beauty. His latest work, Benedictus: A Book of Blessings will be published in 2007. John travels widely in Europe and the US, where he lectures and holds workshops. He lives in Ireland.