The Wisdom of Hypatia: Ancient Spiritual Practices for a More Meaningful Life

by Bruce J. MacLennan PhD

Overview

Discover the Spiritual Secrets of Ancient Philosophy

Hypatia was one of the most famous philosophers of the ancient world. The mix of classical philosophies she taught to Pagans, Jews, and Christians in the fourth century forms the very foundation of Western spirituality as we know it today. The Wisdom of Hypatia is a hands-on guide to using the principles of philosophy to bring purpose, tranquility, and spiritual depth to your life.

To the ancients, philosophy was a spiritual practice meant to help the seeker achieve a good life and maintain mental tranquility. Bruce J. MacLennan, PhD, provides a concise history of philosophy up to Hypatia's time and a progressive, nine-month program of spiritual practice based on her teachings. Explore the three most important philosophical schools of the Hellenistic Age. Lead a more serene, balanced life. Experience self-actualization through union with the divine. Discover the techniques described in the historical sources, and put into practice the profound insights of the world’s greatest minds.

Praise:
"The Wisdom of Hypatia is grounded in solid scholarship, lucidly written, and, above all, practical. This book reunites spirituality, philosophy, and psychology into a path for our time, and for all times. Read it. Practice it. You will never be the same."—Leonard George, PhD, Chair of the Department of Psychology, Capilano University

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738738734
Publisher:	Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.
Publication date:	12/08/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	384
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

Bruce J. MacLennan, PhD, is a professor at the University of Tennessee. For more than forty years, he has been a student of ancient Greek and Roman philosophy and religion. He has published journal articles and book chapters on Neoplatonic spiritual practices, Jungian psychology, and neurotheology. MacLennan is invited regularly to give international presentations and offers regular workshops on Neoplatonic spiritual practice, Pythagoreanism, theurgy, and related subjects. He lives in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Part I. Preliminaries

1. Introduction

1. Spiritual Practices

1. Sources for Hypatia’s Philosophy

 

Part II. The First Degree of Wisdom

1. Seeking Tranquility in the Garden

 

Part III. The Second Degree of Wisdom

1. The Discipline of Assent

1. The Discipline of Desire

1. The Discipline of Impulse

Part IV. The Third Degree of Wisdom

1. The Macrocosm

1. The Microcosm and the Archetypes

1. The Path of Love

1. The Path of Truth

1. The Path of Trust

Additional Reading

Glossary

Bibliography

Endnotes

Editorial Reviews

"The Wisdom of Hypatia is grounded in solid scholarship, lucidly written, and, above all, practical. This book reunites spirituality, philosophy, and psychology into a path for our time, and for all times. Read it. Practice it. You will never be the same."—Leonard George, PhD, Chair of the Department of Psychology, Capilano University

From the Publisher