Coming home
80
Coming home
Lex Hixon's Coming Home, from its 1978 debut, offers a unique perspective on spiritual seeking that feels both grounded and expansive. The author skillfully avoids the common pitfall of presenting a singular dogma, instead weaving together threads from diverse traditions to illustrate a universal journey. A particular strength lies in Hixon's ability to articulate complex ideas with a clarity that invites contemplation without oversimplification. For instance, his discussion on the nature of 'home' as an internal state, rather than a physical location, provides a compelling reorientation for the spiritual seeker. However, the book's reflective, almost anecdotal, style might leave readers accustomed to more structured theological or philosophical arguments wanting for explicit theoretical frameworks. Despite this, Coming Home provides a valuable, introspective companion for anyone navigating their own path toward deeper self-understanding and spiritual integration.
📝 Description
80
### What It Is Coming Home, first published in 1978 by Lex Hixon, presents a unique exploration of spiritual awakening and the path to inner peace. It is not a how-to guide but rather a reflective narrative that draws from Hixon's extensive background in various spiritual traditions. The book offers observations on the nature of consciousness and the human condition, aiming to illuminate the inherent spiritual dimension of everyday life.
### Who It's For This work is suited for individuals who are seeking a deeper understanding of spiritual concepts beyond conventional religious frameworks. It will appeal to those interested in comparative mysticism, Eastern and Western philosophies, and the personal journey of self-discovery. Readers looking for a contemplative and philosophical approach to spirituality, rather than prescriptive practices, will find value here.
### Historical Context Published in 1978, Coming Home emerged during a period of significant interest in Eastern spirituality and New Age thought in the West. The counterculture movement had opened doors to alternative philosophies, and Hixon's work joined a growing body of literature exploring consciousness and mysticism. This era saw figures like Ram Dass (Richard Alpert) also publishing influential works on spiritual journeys, making Hixon's contribution part of a broader cultural dialogue about inner life.
### Key Concepts Hixon's writing in Coming Home centers on the idea of 'returning' to one's true spiritual nature. He discusses the illusory nature of the ego and the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings. The book also touches upon the concept of the 'divine spark' within each individual and the process of integrating spiritual awareness into daily existence, moving beyond the perceived separation of the sacred and the mundane.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• You will gain a framework for understanding 'home' not as a place, but as an internal state of being, a concept Lex Hixon explores through his personal reflections. • You will encounter Hixon's perspective on the ego as an illusion, encouraging a shift in self-perception that moves beyond superficial identification, a key theme in the book's early chapters. • You will be inspired to integrate spiritual awareness into daily life, as Hixon details his understanding of bridging the sacred and the mundane, a practice discussed throughout the 1978 publication.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What esoteric traditions does Lex Hixon draw from in Coming Home?
Lex Hixon, in his 1978 book Coming Home, synthesizes insights from a wide array of spiritual paths. He frequently references traditions such as Advaita Vedanta, Buddhism, and Christian mysticism, presenting them not as separate doctrines but as expressions of a unified spiritual reality.
When was Coming Home first published and what was the cultural climate like?
Coming Home was first published in 1978. This period in Western culture saw a surge of interest in Eastern religions, meditation, and alternative spiritualities, influenced by the counterculture movement and the availability of translated texts.
What is Hixon's central message about 'coming home'?
Hixon's central message is that 'coming home' refers to realizing one's inherent spiritual nature, a state of peace and presence that is always accessible within. It's about recognizing the true self beyond the transient ego and external circumstances.
Is Coming Home a practical guide or a philosophical text?
Coming Home is more of a philosophical and contemplative text. While it inspires spiritual seeking, it doesn't offer step-by-step instructions. Instead, it presents Hixon's reflections and interpretations of spiritual concepts to encourage personal insight.
Who was Lex Hixon and what was his background?
Lex Hixon (1941-2001) was an American spiritual teacher and author who spent years studying and practicing various contemplative traditions, including Sufism and Vedanta. His background informed his unique synthesis of Eastern and Western spiritual thought in works like Coming Home.
What does Hixon mean by the 'divine spark'?
The 'divine spark,' as discussed by Hixon in Coming Home, refers to the innate spiritual essence or consciousness that resides within every individual. It is the true self, untouched by the limitations of the ego or the material world.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Nature of Home
Hixon redefines 'home' not as a physical place but as a state of spiritual realization and authentic being. He suggests that true homecoming involves recognizing one's inherent connection to the divine, transcending the illusions of separation created by the ego. This theme is central to the book's premise, guiding the reader toward an internal sense of belonging and peace, irrespective of external circumstances.
Ego and True Self
A core concept explored is the distinction between the transient, constructed ego and the eternal, true self. Hixon posits that the ego, with its desires and fears, creates a veil that obscures our spiritual nature. The journey 'home' involves seeing through these egoic identifications to awaken to the deeper, unchanging consciousness that is our fundamental reality.
Integration of Spiritual Life
Coming Home emphasizes the practical integration of spiritual awareness into everyday existence. Hixon argues against a dualistic view that separates the sacred from the mundane. Instead, he advocates for recognizing the divine immanence in all activities and experiences, transforming ordinary life into a spiritual practice and a path toward realization.
Universal Spiritual Principles
Hixon's work is characterized by its ability to draw parallels between diverse spiritual traditions, suggesting an underlying unity. He highlights universal principles of consciousness, love, and liberation that are common across different religious and mystical paths, demonstrating that the core of spiritual truth is accessible to all seekers.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“The search for home is the search for the Self.”
— This statement encapsulates Hixon's core idea: that the deep-seated human yearning for belonging and security is fundamentally a spiritual quest to recognize one's true, divine nature, which is the ultimate 'home'.
“The ego is a phantom, a construct of memory and desire.”
— Hixon uses this conceptualization to illustrate the illusory nature of the ego. By framing it as a phantom, he encourages readers to see beyond their conditioned identities and emotional attachments to discover a more stable, authentic self.
“Presence is the gateway to the divine.”
— This highlights the importance of mindfulness and present-moment awareness in spiritual practice. Hixon suggests that by cultivating presence, one can directly experience the divine or one's true spiritual nature, bypassing intellectual or conceptual barriers.
“All paths lead to the same mountain.”
— This metaphor signifies Hixon's belief in the underlying unity of spiritual traditions. He implies that different religious or philosophical systems are merely varied routes toward the same ultimate spiritual realization or truth.
“True peace is found within, not without.”
— This paraphrased concept underscores Hixon's emphasis on inner transformation. It suggests that external circumstances cannot provide lasting contentment; genuine peace arises from a cultivated inner state of spiritual alignment and self-acceptance.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
Coming Home aligns with the perennial philosophy, a concept suggesting an underlying unity in the world's mystical and esoteric traditions. Hixon's work draws heavily from Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy emphasizing non-duality, and also incorporates elements of Mahayana Buddhism and Christian mysticism. He does not adhere strictly to one lineage but synthesizes their core insights into a universal path of spiritual realization and self-discovery.
Symbolism
A central symbolic motif is 'home,' representing the primordial state of spiritual unity and one's true nature, distinct from the transient ego. The 'path' itself is a pervasive symbol, illustrating the journey of spiritual unfolding and the progressive shedding of illusions. Hixon also implicitly uses the symbol of the 'inner light' or divine spark residing within each individual, a common motif in mystical traditions.
Modern Relevance
Hixon's approach to spiritual synthesis and his emphasis on non-duality and inner peace continue to resonate with contemporary thinkers and practitioners. His work informs modern mindfulness movements, integral spirituality, and the growing interest in comparative mysticism. Contemporary teachers who emphasize embodied spirituality and the integration of wisdom traditions often echo Hixon's insights on the unity of existence and the illusion of the separate self.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Seekers interested in a non-sectarian approach to spirituality will find Hixon's synthesis of Eastern and Western traditions illuminating. • Individuals exploring the concept of self-realization and the nature of consciousness will benefit from his philosophical reflections. • Readers seeking a contemplative text that encourages introspection rather than prescriptive practices will appreciate the book's reflective tone.
📜 Historical Context
Lex Hixon's Coming Home, released in 1978, emerged during a pivotal era for spiritual exploration in the West. The preceding decade had seen a significant cultural opening to Eastern philosophies, meditation practices, and alternative consciousness studies, catalyzed by figures like Alan Watts and the Beatles' engagement with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Hixon's work joined a burgeoning literature that sought to synthesize these influences with Western contemplative traditions. The intellectual climate was receptive to ideas of self-realization and transcendence, moving beyond traditional religious dogma. While Hixon drew from Vedanta and Buddhism, he also engaged with Christian mysticism, presenting a unique ecumenical approach. This period also saw the rise of the New Age movement, which embraced similar themes of spiritual awakening and personal transformation, though sometimes with a more commercial or less rigorous focus. Hixon's contribution stood out for its depth and intellectual grounding, offering a more philosophical and less prescriptive path compared to some contemporary spiritual guides.
📔 Journal Prompts
The concept of 'home' as an internal state, as explored in Coming Home.
Hixon's distinction between the ego and the true Self.
Reflecting on the universality of spiritual principles across traditions.
The idea of integrating spiritual awareness into daily life.
Your personal understanding of 'presence' as a gateway.
🗂️ Glossary
Ego
In Hixon's context, the ego is the constructed sense of self based on personal history, beliefs, desires, and fears. It is viewed as a temporary and illusory identity that obscures one's true spiritual nature.
True Self
The eternal, unchanging spiritual essence of an individual, often described as pure consciousness or divine presence. Realizing the True Self is the ultimate goal of spiritual seeking in Hixon's philosophy.
Non-duality
The philosophical and spiritual concept that reality is ultimately a single, indivisible whole, and that perceived separations (like self/other, mind/matter) are illusory. Advaita Vedanta is a prominent non-dual tradition.
Presence
A state of deep awareness and attention focused on the present moment. Hixon suggests that cultivating presence allows one to connect with the True Self and experience spiritual reality directly.
Spiritual Awakening
The process of realizing one's true spiritual nature and the interconnectedness of all existence. It involves a profound shift in consciousness and perception, moving beyond ordinary ego-bound awareness.
Perennial Philosophy
The idea, championed by thinkers like Aldous Huxley, that all religions and spiritual traditions share a common, underlying truth or set of core principles.
Advaita Vedanta
A major school of Hindu philosophy that emphasizes the oneness of the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman), teaching that the perceived world of multiplicity is ultimately an illusion (Maya).
