Returning to the Essential is the first presentation to the English-speaking world of the writings of Jean Bies, one of the great spiritual poets of our time whose work also constitutes a compelling critique of the de-sacralization of the modern world. Recipient of the prestigious High Prize of the Society of French Poets and Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor, Bies introduces the contemporary reader to the treasury of metaphysical, esoteric and spiritual teaching from diverse sacred sources and his writings never fail to blend meaning and beauty. His words are rooted in the inexhaustible ground of the Perennial Philosophy: the language of the Essential to which this book invites, inspiringly, to return.Having received the prestigious High Prize of the Society of Poets, Jean Bies is known in France as one of the most important traditionalist philosophers and poets of our time. His more than twenty books, from which these selected writings are taken, present the metaphysical and esoteric teachings of the great religions of the world; they include travel writings and intimate portraits of sacred sites such as Mount Athos and Benares, and multiple collections of poetry. Previously unknown to the English speaking world, Jean Bies must be counted as one of the premier twentieth century exponents of the Perennial Philosophy.