Quiet Courage of the Inner Light
What is authentic spirituality, and what noble qualities are needed so that we may stand up for what is truly sacred in today's anxious, divided and often sceptical world?
What is authentic spirituality, and what noble qualities are needed so that we may stand up for what is truly sacred in today's anxious, divided and often sceptical world?
What is authentic spirituality, and what noble qualities are needed so that we may stand up for what is truly sacred in today's anxious, divided and often sceptical world?
Inspiration & personal growth, Mysticism, Personal memoirs
As it celebrates the true worth of courage, Quiet Courage of the Inner Light faithfully records some keynotes of author Philip Pegler’s lifelong spiritual quest. This book reflects upon the joys, hardship and profound lessons to be learnt on the challenging path to the ground of being. At the centre of these reflections resides an essential paradox. It is within the anguished darkness of tragedy or disaster that most often the clear light of fortitude is kindled. And it is within the shadows of doubt or desolation that you may stumble upon a hidden doorway to the deepest reality.
It is the dawning of deep understanding concerning our true spiritual identity that paves the way for the discovery of a natural faith, universal in nature and all-embracing in compassion. Here is a book that nurtures such faith by honouring the essence of life, approaching a transcendent mystery through the immanence of all created things.
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In this moving and profound series of reflections, Philip distils the wisdom gleaned from his lifelong spiritual odyssey that took him to Ramana Maharshi's Arunachala as a young man. Subtitled 'finding faith and fortitude in an age of anxiety' his book recalls many challenging experiences - however difficult at the time - that enabled him to grow into the person he has become... On the path we find we need to be open and receptive, while also developing a courageous integrity and inner strength, dwelling in the still centre or ground of our being. This does not mean neglecting the outer aspect, but informing our actions as expressions of the one universal life force inherent in us all... This attitude is inherently simple if not easy - remaining alert, present and open in the here and now. Philip shares many formative experiences... . Ultimately this is all part of an alchemical process that transforms darkness into light and lead into gold. Suffering is capable of arousing compassion and eliciting kindness, deepening our sense of oneness and wholeness. The value of this illuminating book lies in its simplicity and directness in speaking to the condition and common human experience of the reader, shedding light on their own journey, ~ David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer, Journal of the Science and Medical Network (to be published in September 2020
This is a beautifully written and insightful work. The author is a lifelong spiritual seeker and his love, dedication and insight come across with naturalness and simplicity.... I like the way Philip Pegler connects the personal with global. ~ Vic Forte, Former spiritual Group Cordinator
The author says this book is “written most especially perhaps for those who are teetering on the brink of a hesitant spiritual commitment, or who feel convinced they have no faith at all to turn to – and have no idea either where to find any.” And indeed, he offers many pointers to living a life of integrity and the cultivation of the inner being, from which “every jot of kindness counts in a world inclined to cruelty.” Reading Pegler puts me in the mood of a ramble through spiritual woods on the way to Thoreau’s Walden Pond, as his writing has a similar flavour, with his well-chosen words and the eloquent phraseology in this gentle and heart-warming book. ~ Muz Murray, author of Seeking the Master - a guide to the ashrams of India and Nepal
In this book Philip asks some cogent and searching questions. There is no arrogant attempt to answer these questions in a prescribed way, but Philip lights for us all a candle in the darkness. With breath-taking honesty, the author describes the spectres that have arisen in his own life and how by embracing them he has learnt to live in a better way, with integrity. The sign of a good book is the need to keep recording sentences and paragraphs from it. With this book I can guarantee that you will need to keep your pen close by. It's true to say that I failed to get past even one page without jotting down something that struck me as important. For me, a central point was how a sensitive soul found that through an essentially positive attitude, he was able to turn even the darkest periods into grist for the mill, and moreover realised that the darkest periods are the very things that progress our development and enable us increasingly to become forces for good in the world. It is a story of triumph. ~ Elizabeth Medler, book and magazine editor
Philip's vision and love of India run like a clear thread through his writing, and beyond that, his spiritual longing and awakening deepen and enhance this important work. ~ Stephanie Sorrell, author of Depression as a Spiritual Journey
In his book, author Philip Pegler writes of what he has lived through and what he discovers in the present moment. When he mentions an Indian festival, which includes entering a walk round a sacred hill, it seems like an invitation to join him. The pilgrimage walk becomes an investigation into what might sustain us - bring us fortitude - through difficulties and uncertainties in life. This investigation is characterised by clear vision, by an undoubtedly authentic inner experience, which is steeped in Indian spiritual teaching but translated into everyday language. The truth about our identity, the author suggests, is not for attaining but simply recognising. Day by day resting in the ground of our being will bring resilience and joy to our lives. Here is the bedrock. As a guide Philip Pegler is respectful, sensitive and measured. We will be tested, he warns. Life will place severe demands upon us. His own trials, shared with candour, lead him to assure us that turmoil can teach us tenacity and eventually bring fresh perspectives. The ground of our being is never completely lost. In returning to it in the present moment we will communion with everyone and a natural empathy. This book is presented with the deepest conviction and goodwill. As a very fine distillation of wisdom, it celebrates and honours who we really are. ~ Colin Oliver, nature poet and author
This review of your life and the truths you have realized, as a result of its most traumatic moments, reflects your message of the need for integrity - that is to be straightforward and trustworthy. Although you say that 'words can never do justice to the living truth' you have opened your heart to try to do so, and, if you have not managed to capture the living truth in its entirety, its essence shines through nevertheless. For me, the early death of your mother and your love of her glow at the heart of this book; and your evocation of this in your depiction of your memory of her... is as beautiful as it is heartrending... That you have spent your life searching for its deeper meanings is a tribute to her, I feel. This book stands as testament to your search for meaning in the face of the vicissitudes we all face in differing ways and of our own mortality; and I have found much in it to stimulate and encourage me. Thank you for that. ~ Charles Becker, author and psychotherapist