About the Book

Combining philosophy, psychology, religion, and even a bit of physics, Marshall establishes an expanded consciousness that proves the existence of a deeper being common to us all. Addressing the origin of the universe, evolution, reincarnation, suffering, and the nature of God...

Book Synopsis

Combining philosophy, psychology, religion, and even a bit of physics, Marshall establishes an expanded consciousness that proves the existence of a deeper being common to us all. Addressing the origin of the universe, evolution, reincarnation, suffering, and the nature of God, Marshall delivers what will prove an instant intellectual classic.

Review Quotes

. . . a highly recommended and inspired, conscientious, scholarly, and bold tour de force.

Paul marshalls an amazing range of evidence from across disciplines to defend the thesis that individuals have access to the ultimate nature of reality through mystical experience. . . . Marshall's book is a tour de force on method, rooted in mystical revelation of reality and in methods that may occasion it.

The Shape of the Soul is a very ambitious, massive project encouraging acceptance of a particular metaphysics and epistemology of the self, world, and God, based largely on mystical and paranormal experiences. Paul Marshall is listed as an independent scholar, and how thankful we should be for his liberated, independent thinking and daring[.]"

"Materialism" in its philosophic and socioeconomic guises threatens the very survival of modern civilization, and we desperately need an enlarged conception of nature that can overcome the contemporary alienation between science and spirituality. In this beautifully written book Paul Marshall addresses that need by bringing to bear both an uncommon knowledge of the world's religious and mystical traditions, directly informed by mystical experiences of his own, and a deep understanding of relevant developments in modern physics. An outstanding contribution.

Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "The Shape of the Soul" is enhanced for academia with the inclusion of fifty-two pages of Notes, a six page Selected Bibliography, and a twenty-four page Index.

Four stars: The text is replete with detailed analysis of the rich tradition of non-dualistic thinking and idealism and supported with detailed notes, a comprehensive bibliography, and index. An important contribution to a neglected and unfashionable area of human experience.

In this remarkable book, Marshall persuasively enchants us with the recognition that we are not a world of separate selves but are all intimately interconnected in a cosmic unity that is our divine self.

Marshall makes a strong case for taking mystical experiences seriously as a topic for the philosophy of religion . . . his book [is] of interest for scholars who accept that mysticism is a present, often ignored, and for some, a life-changing feature. Because a considerable amount of humans experience reality's mystical dimension, constructive scholarship like Marshall's should be welcomed.

More than any of the recent spate of books attempting to integrate modern science and spirituality, The Shape of the Soul goes further in illuminating a rational, natural path forward in understanding the nature of humanity's existence, and most especially, the reality of the human soul. Marshall demonstrates an extraordinary depth of knowledge about all manner of human experience, including insightful analysis into how modern quantum physics and relativity might be more fully integrated into a comprehensive worldview. His revolutionary opus, 'reenchanting the world' through Leibniz's monadology, elucidates the fundamental nature of consciousness, indeed of reality itself, and is an essential read for any true seeker.

Paul Marshall invites us to embark on a supreme adventure of self-knowledge. He articulates a vision of the potential self we all are, a vision of ourselves transformed, in harmony with each other and, crucially, with the natural world. Highly recommended.

The Shape of the Soul explores the practical message of mystical experience: clues not only to who we are but also to the nature of reality and how we fit into it. Marshall shows us how honoring our mystical potential lifts us out of our self-imposed estrangement from the world and breathes meaning and depth to our lives. This book will put you back in touch with who you really are.

About the Author

Paul Marshall is an independent researcher with interests in mysticism, religion, philosophy, science, and their interactions. He studied natural sciences at the University of Cambridge and received his MA and PhD in Religious Studies from Lancaster University. He is author of The Living Mirror (1992) and Mystical Encounters with the Natural World (2005). With Edward F. Kelly and Adam Crabtree, he coedited Beyond Physicalism (2015).