"Hence we define spirituality as all the various ways that human beings experience God/the World Mother, or Universal Consciousness or the Higher Power or any higher form of consciousness..."

Full of thoughtful information, this book consists of an introduction that examines spirituality and consciousness, sixteen chapters, a summary of the chapters, a final conclusion, an annex on Kashmir Shaivism, and a list of references. It begins the chapters by examining Kali, the Great Mother/World Mother, and then focuses the next chapter on defining spirituality. Other chapters center on science and spirituality, Shiva and Shakti, the two hemispheres of the brain, the Akashic field, and psychosynthesis. The book also explores Wetiko, which is a "contagious psychosis," a type of evil, brutality, and greed, and how this goes against God/the World Mother. Other topics include pollution, capitalism, the misogyny of Christianity, the works of Richard Rohr and Yogananda, and emotional pain and spirituality.

Mensing's book examines spiritual, political, psychological, sociological, and scientific issues while looking at the human in the context of these issues. It nicely explores how the world needs a Mother to grow and heal from the destruction taking place, and for compassion, love, and a sense of oneness to carry us through our struggles. While there is significant, valuable information, the book attempts to do too much and is sometimes disorganized in the process. Hence, the message isn't always clear. The book's summary does help clarify this, however. The focus of the book on the Hindu goddess Kali shows the Grand Mother's touch for healing as the "God of the World," who can not only tear apart what needs to be destroyed but also heal what needs to be transcended.

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