|
Books > Religion & Spirituality > Aspects of religions (non-Christian) > Religious experience > Mysticism
Kabbalah teaches that people have the power to fashion their own
fate, but activating and using this power requires genuine
understanding of self, desire, and purpose. Helping seekers find
that wisdom is the purpose of this book. Kabbalah offers the oldest
application of astronomy and astrology known to humankind, and"
Kabbalistic Astrology demonstrates that probing the planets and
studying the stars, which is based in science, can help people
satisfy their deepest needs and the needs of others. More than
merely a collection of horoscopes, this book explains how Kabbalah
-- unlike conventional astrology, which insists that everything is
determined by the heavens -- teaches that each person is born at
the precise instant best suited to his or her special needs. In
clear, compelling language, Rav Berg brings to modern readers
Kabbalah's message of multiple futures -- with specific practices
and strategies for finding the best of them.
This book presents a new paradigm for distinguishing psychotic and
mystical religious experiences. In order to explore how
Presbyterian pastors differentiate such events, Susan L. DeHoff
draws from Reformed theology, psychological theory, and robust
qualitative research. Following a conversation among
multidisciplinary voices, she presents a new paradigm considering
the similarities, differences, and possible overlap of psychotic
and mystical religious experiences.
In "Together Forever", Michael Laitman tells us that if we are
patient and endure the trials we encounter along our life's path,
we will become stronger, braver, and wiser. Instead of growing
weaker, we will learn to create our own magic and our own wonders
as only a magician can. In this warm, tender tale, the author
shares with children and parents alike some of the gems and charms
of the spiritual world.The storyline introduces a kind magician who
wishes to have a friend, and to teach his friend all the magic that
he knows. He creates all kinds of objects and animals, but his best
friend and student is the man that he creates. The story describes
how the magician teaches the man to be like him - a great and kind
magician - and explains that every one of us can become like the
magician, if it is our wish. The wisdom of Kabbalah is filled with
spellbinding stories. "Together Forever" is yet another gift from
this ageless source of wisdom, whose lessons make our lives richer,
easier, and far more fulfilling.
More than two decades have passed since Chicago published the first
volume of this groundbreaking work in the Religion and
Postmodernism series. It quickly became influential across a wide
range of disciplines and helped to make the tools of
poststructuralist thought available to religious studies and
theology, especially in the areas of late medieval and early modern
mysticism. Though the second volume remained in fragments at the
time of his death, Michel de Certeau had the foresight to leave his
literary executor detailed instructions for its completion, which
formed the basis for the present work. Together, both volumes
solidify Certeau's place as a touchstone of twentieth-century
literature and philosophy, and continue his exploration of the
paradoxes of historiography; the construction of social reality
through practice, testimony, and belief; the theorization of speech
in angelology and glossolalia; and the interplay of prose and
poetry in discourses of the ineffable. This book will be of vital
interest to scholars in religious studies, theology, philosophy,
history, and literature.
A pathbreaking history of Sufism, from the earliest centuries of
Islam to the present After centuries as the most important
ascetic-mystical strand of Islam, Sufism saw a sharp decline in the
twentieth century, only to experience a stunning revival in recent
decades. In this comprehensive new history of Sufism from the
earliest centuries of Islam to today, Alexander Knysh, a leading
expert on the subject, reveals the tradition in all its richness.
Knysh explores how Sufism has been viewed by both insiders and
outsiders since its inception. He examines the key aspects of
Sufism, from definitions and discourses to leadership,
institutions, and practices. He devotes special attention to Sufi
approaches to the Qur'an, drawing parallels with similar uses of
scripture in Judaism and Christianity. He traces how Sufism grew
from a set of simple moral-ethical precepts into a sophisticated
tradition with professional Sufi masters (shaykhs) who became
powerful players in Muslim public life but whose authority was
challenged by those advocating the equality of all Muslims before
God. Knysh also examines the roots of the ongoing conflict between
the Sufis and their fundamentalist critics, the Salafis-a major
fact of Muslim life today. Based on a wealth of primary and
secondary sources, Sufism is an indispensable account of a vital
aspect of Islam.
This book is an in-depth, comparative study of two of the most
popular and influential intellectual and spiritual traditions of
West Africa: Tijani Sufism and Ifa. Employing a unique
methodological approach that thinks with and from-rather than
merely about-these traditions, Oludamini Ogunnaike argues that they
contain sophisticated epistemologies that provide practitioners
with a comprehensive worldview and a way of crafting a meaningful
life. Using theories belonging to the traditions themselves as well
as contemporary oral and textual sources, Ogunnaike examines how
both Sufism and Ifa answer the questions of what knowledge is, how
it is acquired, and how it is verified. Or, more simply: What do
you know? How did you come to know it? How do you know that you
know? After analyzing Ifa and Sufism separately and on their own
terms, the book compares them to each other and to certain features
of academic theories of knowledge. By analyzing Sufism from the
perspective of Ifa, Ifa from the perspective of Sufism, and the
contemporary academy from the perspective of both, this book
invites scholars to inhabit these seemingly "foreign" intellectual
traditions as valid and viable perspectives on knowledge,
metaphysics, psychology, and ritual practice. Unprecedented and
innovative, Deep Knowledge makes a significant contribution to
cross-cultural philosophy, African philosophy, religious studies,
and Islamic studies. Its singular approach advances our
understanding of the philosophical bases underlying these two
African traditions and lays the groundwork for future study.
'The pen would smoothly write the things it knew But when it came
to love it split in two, A donkey stuck in mud is logic's fate -
Love's nature only love can demonstrate.' Rumi's Masnavi is widely
recognized as the greatest Sufi poem ever written, and has been
called 'the Koran in Persian'. The thirteenth-century Muslim mystic
Rumi composed his work for the benefit of his disciples in the Sufi
order named after him, better known as the whirling dervishes. In
order to convey his message of divine love and unity he threaded
together entertaining stories and penetrating homilies. Drawing
from folk tales as well as sacred history, Rumi's poem is often
funny as well as spiritually profound. Jawid Mojaddedi's sparkling
new verse translation of Book One is consistent with the aims of
the original work in presenting Rumi's most mature mystical
teachings in simple and attractive rhyming couplets. ABOUT THE
SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made
available the widest range of literature from around the globe.
Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship,
providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable
features, including expert introductions by leading authorities,
helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for
further study, and much more.
Since their beginnings in the ninth century, the shrines,
brotherhoods and doctrines of the Sufis held vast influence in
almost every corner of the Muslim world. Offering the first truly
global account of the history of Sufism, this illuminating book
traces the gradual spread and influence of Sufi Islam through the
Middle East, Asia, Africa, and ultimately into Europe and the
United States. * An ideal introduction to Sufism, requiring no
background knowledge of Islamic history or thought * Offers the
first history of Sufism as a global phenomenon, exploring its
movement and adaptation from the Middle East, through Asia and
Africa, to Europe and the United States of America * Covers the
entire historical period of Sufism, from its ninth century origins
to the end of the twentieth century * Devotes equal coverage to the
political, cultural, and social dimensions of Sufism as it does to
its theology and ritual * Dismantles the stereotypes of Sufis as
otherworldly 'mystics', by anchoring Sufi Muslims in the real lives
of their communities * Features the most up-to-date research on
Sufism available
Rabi'a, a female Sufi saint, was born in 717 CE and released from
slavery to lead a life in pursuit of purity and perfect union with
God. Her teachings and the numerous miracles attributed to her have
made her an influential and revered figure in Sufi theology. This
authoritative 1928 biography of the saint was written by Margaret
Smith, who mastered numerous eastern languages, travelled
extensively, and published a number of translations of important
Arabic texts. Smith's linguistic skill and her immersion in the
culture she studied has produced a book still considered an
important account of Rabi'a's life. Smith also includes an incisive
discussion of the role of women in early Islamic mysticism and an
examination of Sufi doctrine, and examines the issues of celibacy
and sainthood in Islam. A biography of one exceptional woman
written by another.
Ibn 'Ajiba (1747-1809) was a Moroccan Sufi of the Darqawi school
who studied in Fez and lived all his life in and around Tetuan.
Although still relatively unknown in the English-speaking world,
his writings are important for an understanding of Maghribi Sufism.
In this bi-lingual edition, with a Preface by Claude Addas and a
Foreword by Hamza Yusuf, Jean-Louis Michon presents two short
metaphysical treatises by Ibn 'Ajiba which shed new light on the
history of Sufism and show its vitality as a living tradition in
eighteenth-century Morocco. The key idea underlying both treatises,
the Oneness of Existence, reveals the enduring influence of the Ibn
Arabi, more than five centuries after his death. Students of Islam
in North Africa, those interested in the Sufi tradition and
spiritual seekers will welcome the publication of these treatises
and the useful presentation of both Arabic text and English
translation on facing pages.
"Al-Ghazali on Love, Longing, Intimacy and Contentment" is the
thirty-sixth chapter of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali's "Revival of the
Religious Sciences" (Ihya Ulum al-Din), which is widely regarded as
the greatest work of Muslim spirituality. "Al-Ghazali on Love,
Longing, Intimacy and Contentment" is of fundamental importance in
the history of Islamic thought and in the development of Sufism,
being the first treatise to establish not merely the possibility
but the necessity for the love of God.---In "Al-Ghazali on Love,
Longing, Intimacy and Contentment", Ghazali argues that all the
virtues and spiritual stages that precede love, like repentance,
patience and thankfulness, lead to love; and all the spiritual
stages that follow on from love are a result of it. Using proof
texts from the Qur'an, the Traditions of the Prophet Muhammad and
Sufi precepts, Ghazali succeeds in marshalling forceful arguments
to make his case. Out of Ghazali's pioneering treatment would
emerge not only new trends in Sufi theory and practice, but an
entire body of mystical poetry including that of the great Persian
poets Rumi and Hafiz.---Professor Eric Ormsby's fully annotated
translation brings out all the beauty and lyricism of the text. The
translation is preceded by an extensive introduction which sets the
work in its historical and spiritual context.---In this new
edition, the Islamic Texts Society has included the translation of
Abu Hamid al-Ghazali's own Introduction to the "Revival of the
Religious Sciences" which gives the reasons that caused him to
write the work, the structure of the whole of the "Revival" and
places each of the chapters in the context of the others.
The Armenian-born mystic, philosopher, and spiritual teacher G. I.
Gurdjieff (c.1866-1949) is an enigmatic figure, the subject of a
great deal of interest and speculation, but not easily fitting into
any of the common categories of "esoteric," "occult," or "New Age."
Scholars have for the most part passed over in silence the
contemplative exercises presented in Gurdjieff's writings. Although
Gurdjieff had intended them to be confidential, some of the most
important exercises were published posthumously in 1950 and in
1975. Arguing that an understanding of these exercises is necessary
to fully appreciate Gurdjieff's contribution to modern esotericism,
Joseph Azize offers the first complete study of the exercises and
their theoretical foundation. It shows the continuity in
Gurdjieff's teaching, but also the development and change. His
original contribution to Western Esotericism lay in his use of
tasks, disciplines, and contemplation-like exercises to bring his
pupils to a sense of their own presence which could to some extent
be maintained in daily life in the social domain, and not only in
the secluded conditions typical of meditation. Azize contends that
Gurdjieff had initially intended not to use contemplation-like
exercises, as he perceived dangers to be associated with these
monastic methods, and the religious tradition to be in tension with
the secular and supra-denominational guise in which he first
couched his teaching. As Gurdjieff adapted the teaching he had
found in Eastern monasteries to Western urban and post-religious
culture, however, he found it necessary to introduce contemplation.
This book tells the story of the mystical Jewish system known as Kabbalah, from its earliest origins until the present day. We trace Kabbalah's development, from the second century visionaries who visited the divine realms and brought back tales of their glories and splendours, through the unexpected arrival of a book in Spain that appeared to have lain unconcealed for over a thousand years, and on to the mystical city of Safed where souls could be read and the history of heaven was an open book.
Kabbalah's Christian counterpart, Cabala, emerged during the Renaissance, becoming allied to magic, alchemy and the occult sciences. A Kabbalistic heresy tore apart seventeenth century Jewish communities, while closer to our time Aleister Crowley hijacked it to proclaim 'Do What Thou Wilt'. Kabbalah became fashionable in the late 1960s in the wake of the hippy counter-culture and with the approach of the new age, and enjoyed its share of fame, scandal and disrepute as the twenty first century approached.
This concise, readable and thoughtful history of Kabbalah tells its story as it has never been told before. It demands no knowledge of Kabbalah, just an interest in asking the questions 'why?' and 'how?'
This compilation of the mystical writings of Hadewijch of Antwerp is best described, in Andrew Harvey's words, as a "heroic song" of love. The book presents an honest picture of love from every angle, stripped of sentimentality, not disguising the high price love demands if it is to be taken or given seriously.
In a world torn by division, indifference and chaos, to read Love is Everything is to be awakened to the full potential and dignity of being human, and to be changed. Hadewijch of Antwerp was one of Christianity's greatest Christian mystics, a Beguine who lived in the 13th century.
Andrew Harvey is a world-renowned poet, novelist, translator, mystical scholar, spiritual teacher, and the founder of the Institute for Sacred Activism. He saw in Hadewijch's writings a promise and hope for a broken world and felt called to make it accessible to more people by presenting it in daily-reading format.
Can the seeker after Truth wholly depend on the guidance found in
books on Sufism or are the oral teachings of a spiritual master
necessary? This was a heated debate in fourteenth-century Andalusia
that extended beyond the confines of Sufi circles. Ibn Khaldun (d.
808/1406), the celebrated social theorist and historian, ventured
into this debate with a treatise that is as relevant today as it
was then. Ibn Khaldun on Sufism: Remedy for the Questioner in
Search of Answers is the first ever translation into English of
Shifa' al-Sa'il li-Tahdhib al-Masa'il.Though Ibn Khaldun is
renowned for the Muqaddima and the 'Ibar-which are considered
milestones in the fields of medieval sociology and the philosophy
of history-little is known about his religious and spiritual life.
In her introduction to Ibn Khaldun on Sufism, Dr Yumna Ozer seeks
to restore Ibn Khaldun and his work to the context from which his
theories arose, both in intellectual and religious terms; she also
draws a vivid painting of Sufism in the fourteenth century and
rethinks Ibn Khaldun's relationship with Sufism. The translation
itself addresses the dichotomies or synergies between religious law
and the Sufi path, the roles played by jurists, and that played by
Sufis, and the particular position of the Sufi shaykh or spiritual
master. Dr Yumna Ozer gained a PhD in Islamic Studies from Indiana
University and is an independent scholar specialising in Sufism.
Revive Your Heart is a call for spiritual renewal and an invitation
to have a conversation with one of the world s most recognizable
voices on Islam, Nouman Ali Khan. This collection of essays is
disarmingly simple, yet it challenges us to change. To revise our
actions, our assumptions and our beliefs so we can be transformed
from within, as well as externally. It aims to help modern Muslims
maintain a spiritual connection with Allah and to address the
challenges facing believers today: the disunity in the Muslim
community, terrorists acting in the name of Islam, and the
disconnection with Allah. These challenges and more are tackled by
Nouman Ali Khan, with his profound engagement with the Qur'an, in
his trademark voice that is sought out by millions of Muslims on a
daily basis. About the Author Nouman Ali Khan is a Muslim speaker
and the CEO and founder of Bayyinah Institute, an Arabic studies
educational institution in the United States. Currently, he is
recognized as one of the world's most influential Muslims, not only
in the West.His deep and profound bond with the Qur'an, the Muslim
holy book, is at the heart of his work and the focus of his
teachings, which manage to reach out to millions of Muslims from
many different countries. "
|
|