Joel S. Goldsmith (1892 – 1964), an internationally acclaimed spiritual teacher, is recognized as the leading figure in bringing mysticism to the Western world in the 20th and 21st centuries. Today, authors and lecturers from all walks of life consider Goldsmith a key influence of their own spiritual growth.
Mr. Goldsmith taught the principles that are contained in the New Testament, but presented them in a way that revealed their inner secret. The core of his work was dedicated to spiritual healing, the nature of error and meditation. His message was clear – the quest for the Holy Grail, for enlightenment or ultimate fulfillment, was to be found, through commitment and dedication, within ones own Self.
Goldsmith was born in New York City on March 10, 1892. As a young man, he left school before graduating, and traveled the world, practicing principles that brought him a successful business career. Struck by his observations during his journeys, seeing man’s inhumanity to man and the ravages of poverty and injustice in the cities of the world, he began to search for the reasons man has to suffer and fear, to war and die.
A pivotal moment in his life occurred when, as a young man, he visited a Christian Science practitioner and received an instantaneous healing of an illness. From that time, Goldsmith dedicated his life to seeking the principles underlying that healing. This was the beginning of what was to be a long and fruitful healing practice and spiritual ministry, years in which he immersed himself in a deep study of the scriptures of the world.
In 1948, Mr. Goldsmith wrote a book he called The Infinite Way. He felt this book was the culmination of his long career of teaching and healing and after its publication he prepared to retire and lead a life of contemplation. The message in this book, however, was explosive and soon individuals and then groups of individuals were coming to Goldsmith’s doorstep asking for instruction. This led to talks and classes given to small groups in his home. Soon, larger rooms had to be obtained to accommodate the many who were coming to learn more about this revolutionary message of enlightenment. And so Goldsmith, continuing his active healing practice, now added lecturing and teaching classes to his “retirementâ€, a spiritual journey which was to take him around the world many times over. Mr. Goldsmith never advertised, organized, or promoted his work, but within his eighteen years of presenting this message, he sold millions of books to hundreds of thousands of readers and students around the world. His spiritual teachings are also contained in hundreds of hours of recorded class and lecture work. He passed away in London in 1964.
