This magnificent collection of texts taken from all of the orthodox sources was originally inspired by the need for a summa of the Philosophia Perennis. There is no other book comparable in scope to the present work, which forms a truly magisterial compendium of spiritual doctrine spanning four ages and the hemispheres. In the words of the anthologist, the reader is invited to enter upon a spiritual journey. In this book he will encounter the heritage he shares in common with all humanity, in what is essentially timeless and enduring and pertinent to his final end. Huston Smith, author of The Religions of Man, believes this book to be "foundational to the school of thought that affirms and explores the primordial tradition at the heart of all the great religious and philosophical traditions."

"A Treasury of Traditional Wisdom is foundational to the school of thought that affirms and explores the primordial tradition at the heart of all the great religious and philosophical traditions, popularized by Aldous Huxley as the perennial philosophy. Perry's is the essential reference work, and it affords rich and vital reading." --Huston Smith, author of The World's Religions 

*  *  *

The reader, taken on a journey from the creation of the cosmos and the individual soul to final re-absorption in the Divine Source, is presented with the traditional stages of the soul's transformation. No matter which aspect of the Way is a concern, one is treated to such focused counsels as are found in Eckhart, Philo, Rumi, the Talmud, Shakespeare, Rama Krishna, Black Elk, The Psalms, the Tao Te Ching, and Milarepa, among so many others. 

Regarding the dissolution/death of the ego, such issues encountered are the explication of separation, sin, suffering, illusion, detachment, humility--which are then followed by modes of spiritual combat, leading to metanoia. 

Upon reaching the second stage of mercy and love, faith, prayer, meditation, contemplation, grace, charity, and ecstasy lead on to the state of Peace and Beauty. And, finally, the station of Union, Truth, and Knowledge is attained. Each of these topics and countless others are profoundly clarified by the contributions of the finest minds and hearts to have emerged from the world's many great civilizations. 

A Treasury of Traditional Wisdom assists the reader in encountering the heritage shared with all humanity. For any person intent on truth, this compendium is both a source of reference and inspiration, offering what is essentially timeless, enduring, and pertinent to understanding the one, same Reality. 

In our technological age where man's energies are directed almost solely toward what is either merely utilitarian or else frivolous (there being a close connection between the two), it is of the highest importance for those who can still think or reflect in what St. Augustine calls that "wisdom uncreate, the same now as it ever was, and shall be forevermore". It is the Wisdom which is man's priceless birthright, and that same Wisdom which shines forth in the pages of this book. 

A Treasury of Traditional Wisdom is presented in three main divisions and six parts which are arranged in accordance with fundamental spiritual perspectives, and the chapters in each part carry further developments of different possible approaches to the Truth. 

"Indeed, everyone is not fit or capable of the knowledge of the eternal and temporal nature in its mysterious operation, neither is the proud covetous world worth to receive a clear manifestation of it; and therefore the only wise God (who giveth wisdom to everyone that asketh it aright of him) has looked up the jewel in his blessed treasury, which none can open but those that have the key; which is this, 'Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:' The Father will give the Spirit to them that ask him for it." --From the Introduction

Reader comment on 'A Treasury of Traditional Wisdom'

"When I first picked this book up I was suspicious due to all the Eastern content with which I am not familiar with, but then I began to slowly realize and recognize names that I have long been familiar with and also know that nobody in their right mind knows of these minds let alone be able to put their thoughts down in some manner. Names such as Boehme,  Eckhart,  Cloud of Unknowing,  William Law,  Unseen Warfare, I could go on and on about the mind set of these great works as they have been my lifeblood for the last 8 years. My search is not from a cold eye but through a destitute heart, starving for truth. I had no Idea that the Eastern mind-set was this close to what I hold so dear. To say that the horizon of my mind has been expanded is a gross understatement. I cannot believe there is a mind on the earth today that could compile such an assortment of material into a book. Who is this Perry? Good gracious what a mind he has. He may be blind on this earth but he can see far into the next reality. I have long given up hope that there was anybody in the last 300 years that could see any truth.  This work has given me new hope that the Spirit of God can and does penetrate into every corner of the earth where the humble soul seeks Him. I am so encouraged I can hardly speak and consider this work my most prized possession. I found this book at the half-price book store, obviously discarded by someone as the seed thrown on rocky ground will not take root. God knows the searching heart and caused the non-seeker to cough it up that I might have and value as I do such a treasure. God bless you Perry, you have no Idea what you have done for me."

Leonard Bissett

[Return to Catalogue] - [Return to Essential Resources] - [Traditional metaphysics, art and symbolism] - [Fons Vitae] - [Secure orders]