Ronald Hutton is a renowned historian and scholar who has made significant contributions to the study of magic, particularly in relation to pagan and witchcraft practices. His work has shed light on the historical context of magical beliefs, dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding the subject. Hutton's research challenges the common assumption that magic is an ancient, unchanging tradition. Instead, he argues that magical practices have evolved and adapted throughout history, reflecting the worldview and cultural norms of different societies. He emphasizes the importance of understanding magic as a social and cultural phenomenon, influenced by factors such as religion, politics, and social structure. One of Hutton's notable works is "The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft".
Through these accessible teachings, this book will show you how to approach a living dharma with intelligence, and with a sense of openness and wonder.
Employing a unique and intimate teaching style, Trungpa Rinpoche presents these concepts in a larger framework of questions we all have What is authentic spirituality. I am so glad that the addition of this book to the collected treasures of Trungpa Rinpoche s teachings will inspire, educate, and move generations to come.
One of Hutton's notable works is "The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft". In this book, Hutton explores the emergence and development of modern pagan witchcraft, also known as Wicca. He traces its roots back to early 20th-century figures such as Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente, examining their influences and the historical context in which they operated.
Cynicism and Magic: Intelligence and Intuition on the Buddhist Path (Paperback)
Based on a series of talks given by Chögyam Trungpa during the first session of what was to become Naropa University, Cynicism and Magic introduces key Tibetan Buddhist concepts, including karma, the structure of ego, the paramitas, and the bodhisattva. Employing a unique and intimate teaching style, Trungpa Rinpoche presents these concepts in a larger framework of questions we all have: What is authentic spirituality? Can I find enlightenment and freedom? How should I approach life, death, suffering, and boredom? How can I develop some discipline, patience, and sanity?
Through these accessible teachings, this book will show you how to approach a living dharma with intelligence, and with a sense of openness and wonder.
About the Author
CHÖGYAM TRUNGPA (1940-1987)--meditation master, teacher, and artist--founded Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, the first Buddhist-inspired university in North America; the Shambhala Training program; and an international association of meditation centers known as Shambhala International. He is the author of numerous books, including Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior, Cutting through Spiritual Materialism, and The Myth of Freedom.
THE OPENING THE DHARMA TREASURY EDITORS GROUP was formed by Carolyn Rose Gimian and Judith L. Lief, the two foremost editors of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, in order to transmit the craft and knowledge of editing to a new generation. The Editors Group comprises dedicated practitioners from far and wide, working together to transcribe, prepare, and publish new volumes from an archive of over a thousand as yet untouched recorded teachings of Chögyam Trungpa. Members of the group include Jonathan V Daniel, Harry Einhorn, Alicia Fordham, Diana Goetsch, Cassell Gross, Diana Janowitz, Ryan John Jones, Trudee Klautky, Travis May, Ella Milligan, Carla Marie Mueller, Daniel Nguyen, Tillie Perks, Emma Sartwell, Nate Spear, and Jade Weston.
Praise For…
“The teachings in this magical book come from the same period I first met Trungpa Rinpoche, which marked the radical turning point in my life. Reading this brought me right back to those days when he pointed out to me the pitfalls of spiritual materialism and how I could discover my own basic sanity. I hope a new generation of readers can catch the spark from the wisdom they will find here from Trungpa Rinpoche in his truest essence.”—Pema Chödrön, author of When Things Fall Apart
“A book of deep wisdom that offers Trungpa’s signature profundity permeated with humor, Cynicism and Magic illuminates the path of the heart-warrior with crystal clear light. There’s a kind of music under these words—a treasure!”—Devendra Banhart
“This book shows Trungpa Rinpoche’s genius, his superb talent in communicating traditional teachings of the Mahayana buddhadharma. He presents seminal topics in an elegant and easy-to-digest way, always full of humor and common sense. His ability remains unmatched among authors on the subject of buddhadharma. I am so glad that the addition of this book to the collected treasures of Trungpa Rinpoche’s teachings will inspire, educate, and move generations to come.”—Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, author of Peaceful Heart
- Religion / Buddhism / Tibetan
- Religion / Buddhism
- Religion / Buddhism / Rituals & Practice
“This book shows Trungpa Rinpoche’s genius, his superb talent in communicating traditional teachings of the Mahayana buddhadharma. He presents seminal topics in an elegant and easy-to-digest way, always full of humor and common sense. His ability remains unmatched among authors on the subject of buddhadharma. I am so glad that the addition of this book to the collected treasures of Trungpa Rinpoche’s teachings will inspire, educate, and move generations to come.”—Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, author of Peaceful Heart
Hutton challenges the popular belief that Wicca is an ancient, pre-Christian religion, instead depicting it as a modern creation heavily influenced by the occult revival and various esoteric traditions. Hutton's research is characterized by his meticulous analysis of historical sources, including archives, manuscripts, and personal accounts. He brings a critical and objective approach to the study of magic, debunking romanticized and exaggerated claims about its existence and powers. Moreover, Hutton emphasizes the significance of understanding magic within the broader context of human history. He places magical beliefs and practices within their cultural, social, and economic contexts, challenging the notion of magic as an isolated and irrational phenomenon. By doing so, Hutton provides a more nuanced understanding of magic, highlighting its complexities and diverse interpretations across different cultures and time periods. Overall, Ronald Hutton's work on magic has significantly contributed to the scholarly understanding of this enigmatic subject. Through his meticulous research and critical analysis, he has shed light on the historical context of magical practices, challenging popular misconceptions and providing a more nuanced understanding of its role in human societies..
Reviews for "The Controversies Surrounding Ronald Hutton's Views on Magic"
1. Mary - 1 star - I found "Ronald Hutton Magic" to be incredibly confusing and hard to follow. The author jumps from one topic to another without any clear structure or organization. Additionally, I was disappointed by the lack of substance and depth in the content. It felt like a surface-level exploration of magic without any real insights or analysis. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a meaningful exploration of magic.
2. John - 2 stars - While "Ronald Hutton Magic" covers a wide range of magical practices, I found the writing style to be quite dry and academic. The author tends to rely heavily on historical references and scholarly jargon, which made it difficult for me to engage with the material. I was expecting a more accessible and engaging read, but instead, I felt like I was reading a textbook. Furthermore, I found the book lacked any personal anecdotes or experiences, making it hard for me to connect with the author's perspective. Unfortunately, this book wasn't what I was looking for in a guide to magic.
3. David - 2.5 stars - "Ronald Hutton Magic" disappointed me with its lack of practical guidance and emphasis on theory. While the historical context and analysis of different magical traditions were interesting, I was hoping for more tangible instructions and exercises. The book felt more like a history lesson than a practical guide to magic. Additionally, I found the writing to be somewhat dry and dense, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I would recommend this book to those interested in the historical aspects of magic, but not necessarily to those seeking practical advice or guidance in their own magical practice.
4. Rachel - 1 star - I found "Ronald Hutton Magic" to be incredibly boring and unfulfilling. The writing style was devoid of any passion or enthusiasm, making it a struggle to get through. It felt like the author was just going through the motions, regurgitating information without any real conviction or personal insights. Additionally, the book lacked any practical exercises or applications, leaving me feeling disconnected and unengaged. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an inspiring or transformative experience in the realm of magic.