THE CONTENTMENT DIVIDED

A collection of metaphysical meditations on existence’s spiritual questions and immortal truths.

Goddart, a well-traveled and experienced spiritual writer, shares 49 essays on the heady subjects of personal enlightenment, reunion with God, and the provisional nature of the physical. Per the author, the comprehension of these fundamental subjects is obstructed by one’s day-to-day existence, fear of inescapable unknowns, and dwelling on past wrongs instead of fleeting moments of completeness. Goddart’s guide is no introductory text—the book is rife with sweeping and verbose statements such as “Only humans can practice this concentrated meditation to collect and withdraw their mind and soul currents and pierce the aperture to ascend to the higher realms of existence and experience ever-increasing bliss” that are likely to leave spiritual laypeople scratching their heads. Again and again, the author emphasizes the importance of the influence of Saints, adepts, and other exalted beings in the pursuit of wakefulness, prioritizing masters who can act as guides and heralds on metaphysical journeys onward to other planes. Unfortunately, no concrete tips are given to help readers find the living saints and masters the author so reveres, and numerous concepts from Hinduism, such as “maya” and “bhakti,” are referenced with little context. Still, more experienced truth-seekers will find a text brimming with enthusiasm for both its ethereal topics and also language itself. Each meditation, though verbose, is relatively short and easy to return to; they recall small reflecting ponds with yawning depths. The book also includes practical exercises in self-care, from meditation to pursuing “gifts of experience,” and encourages hobbies that revitalize the spirit and inspire self-expression. Intermittently, Goddart shares his own struggles and experiences, including the prejudices he has faced as a gay man, health problems, and embracing his own mortality, adding an intimate touch to a resource that urges reaching beyond the personal.

Passionate and informative spiritual ruminations, though dense jargon may alienate beginners.