Frithjof Schuon's perspective of pure esoterism focuses on the inward and universal dimension of religion, also referred to as the sophia perennis ("perennial wisdom"). His works provide invaluable keys to understanding the formal contradictions between the world's religions as well as their transcendent unity. In Esoterism as Principle and as Way readers will discover the essential truth that lies at the heart of the world's religions, as well as the role of prayer, virtue, and beauty in the spiritual life. This revised edition of Schuon's writings on esoterism features a fully revised translation from the French original as well as over 60 pages of new material, including previously unpublished selections from the author's letters and other private writings, an editor's preface, editor's notes, a glossary of foreign terms and phrases, an index, and biographical notes.