The book provides an introduction to mystical philosophy and the concept of inner development by looking at a number of its great schools. Mystics concur in saying that we are in some way "asleep" and must recognise this to awaken. A considerable attempt to identify the nature of this "sleep" is made in the earlier part of the book, with the particular help of the teaching of Gurdjieff. Also studied are ways of the past and present, including the Mystery Schools, Gnosticism, Alchemy, Zen, the Fourth Way, and the Way of the Sufi. It is also made apparent that the Way of Jesus, until it was overlaid by "Christianity", was once understood as one of these "waves" or teachings for the development of human being and consciousness. The resonance of this teaching with all other mystical teachings is a significant theme. The purpose of the book is to inspire the reader to ascend the "Stairway to the Stars"!From time immemorial, certain men and women appear to have developed their consciousness far beyond the "normal" level or state which the rest of humanity has taken for granted as "life". These are the mystics. They are of all times and places, of the East as well as the West.The true mystics are not culture-bound. They have gone "beyond". They may well have to take into consideration the prevailing culture for purposes of communication.But their message is for mankind. Or more accurately, for those human beings who are seeking, those who will listen. In the words of one mystical master, "those who have ears to hear". It is the ultimate human message, from ultimate human beings. It is the deep calling to the deep in us. If our hearts can but hear!'An inspiring and instructive introduction to the nature of mystical development and esoteric endeavour ... lucid and luminous.'- Edward Campbell, author of People of the Secret (under the name of Edward Scott), former literary editor of the London Evening Standard'A powerful and poetic summons to the stairway within ... as helpful as it is compelling.'- Colin Wilson, author of The Outsider and The OccultMax Gorman is a life long student of sufism and the works of Gurdjieff. His previous works include Jesus the Sufi: The Lost Dimension of Christianity