Review of "Swedenborg - An Introduction to His Life and Ideas"

The recent biography of Emmanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772), the Swedish scientist and mystic, by Gary Lachman is a much welcomed addition to the current literature. He outlines the life of Swedenborg, who was renowned across Europe for his scientific work before the age of 40, and his transformation into one of the West's greatest mystics (named "the Buddha of the North" by renowned Japanese Zen teacher D.T. Suzuki).

Swedenborg made a whole range of discoveries in his work in geometry, chemistry, metallurgy, anatomy and physiology- far too many to document in this brief review. A list of just a few would certainly include the existence and importance of neurons,  that the brain is the seat of consciousness, and that stars and planets form out of nebulae.  And in addition to his many scientific discoveries he also made designs for a number of fascinating inventions including a flying machine and a universal musical instrument, for this reason he is sometimes call the "Scandinavian da Vinci". 

Much of Swedenborg's scientific work dealt with his search for the soul, but it was not until he had passed his 50th year that he began a personal transformation that would lead to his becoming intimately acquainted with his own spiritual nature. He began a dream journal, the first recorded person to keep such a document. And He wrote detailed analyses of the inner significance of these dreams, nearly two centuries before the work of Sigmund Freud. 

Swedenborg then began to experience a whole range of spiritual and psychic phenomenon in dream states or during out-of-body experiences--including discussions with angels and the deceased, and trips to heaven, hell, and other planets--that would continue for the rest of his life. These experiences have been documented in his book "Heaven and Hell" and in his many other spiritual or theological works. 

One of the important contributions to understanding Swedenborg I think Lachman makes is his discussion of Swedenborg's breath work. From a very young age, during prayer Swedenborg was able to slow his breath to a rate were eventually it appeared he as though his breath had stopped completely. He was then able to reach very deep states of prayer without the distracting motion of breath. Lachman notes that Swedenborg had been practicing this breath work for nearly 50 years before experiencing his spiritual visions. 

Maybe with this understanding, Swedenborg's experiences don't seem so strange. It wasn't that Swedenborg was delivered a revelation out of the blue that prompted an instantaneous spiritual transformation, but rather it was through his many years of meditation that he was delivered to a plane that the yogis and fakirs of India--practitioners of similar breathing techniques--have been discussing for millennia. 

Lachman's volume is a delightful and concise introduction to the life and works of this fascinating mystic, the biggest issue with the book being I wish it was longer. A perfect introduction to further study.