Mysticism Books

Book SynopsisThis is the first ever translation into English of a treatise written by one of the most celebrated figures in the history of Sufism, the Egyptian Sufi master Ibn Ata Allah al-Iskandari. In Pure Intention: on Knowledge of the Unique Name (al-Qasd al-Mujarrad fi Ma''rifat al-Ism al-Mufrad) the author presents us with a supreme essay on the doctrine of Divine Oneness or tawhid and the Unique Name Allah which is the Name of the Divine Essence.The treatise itself is divided into two parts. In Part One, Ibn Ata Allah discusses the Name Allah from three perspectives: that of language, that of wisdom and that of gnosis; here, he also explains the differences between the Divine Names, Qualities and the Name Allah. With Part Two, the author turns to the role of invocation, both in general and of the Name Allah specifically. Ibn Ata Allah gives detailed arguments for how emulating the Qualities of God as expressed in His Names and invoking His Supreme Name with awareness of its meaning, can cleanse the heart and fill it with tawhid until it becomes a worthy abode for God. As the sacred tradition says: ''Neither My Throne nor My Footstool can contain Me, but the heart of My servant can.''

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Book SynopsisExplores concepts central to Christianity, the kingdom of Heaven, son of God, baptism, and resurrection. Jesus is seen as a representative of an ancient and continuing wisdom tradition identified with that of the Sufis. By his distinctive use of stories for teaching purposes, his sayings, and what the Sufis call 'action-teachings', including those actions known as 'miracles', Jesus is shown to have been quintessentially a Sufi master. Max Gorman shows how Sufism illuminates from within concepts central to Christianity: the kingdom of Heaven, son of God, baptism, resurrection - which can then be seen as states and stages in an evolutionary philosophy. This new edition of the classic work includes a new chapter on Gnosis.Table of ContentsPREFACE INTRODUCTION CHAPTER ONE - The way of the Sufi CHAPTER TWO - The kingdom of heaven CHAPTER THREE - The initiatory way CHAPTER FOUR - Gnosis CHAPTER FIVE - Son of God CHAPTER SIX - The parables CHAPTER SEVEN - The sayings CHAPTER EIGHT - Jesus and the animals CHAPTER NINE - The miracles CHAPTER TEN - Jesus the individual APPENDIX - The Hymn of the Pearl The King’s Son POSTSCRIPT FURTHER READING INDEX

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Book SynopsisSheikh Abdullah Sirr-Dan al-Jamal, who taught in London in the late 20th century, was almost unique among Sufis in being a Westerner who guided Western followers. Written from his pupils'' own testimony, The School of Celestial Fire not only presents something of his teaching as it was experienced by those who lived, and hopefully learned, in his company. It also incorporates rare material by Sheikh Abdullah himself which indicates the vastness of the Sufi spiritual heritage - the inner jewel of Islam. The Sheikh makes plain that the goal of mystical training is not personal power. Rather it is, in his words, ''a direct experience derived from feeling the love of God in practical terms through the pursuit of the spiritual science imparted by the master as knowledge of his energy and emulation of his actions and mode of life''. Such is the process described in this book.

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Book SynopsisSheikh Abdullah Sirr-Dan al-Jamal, who taught in London in the late 20th century, was almost unique among Sufis in being a Westerner who guided Western followers.Written from his pupils'' own testimony, The School of Celestial Fire not only presents something of his teaching as it was experienced by those who lived, and hopefully learned, in his company. It also incorporates rare material by Sheikh Abdullah himself which indicates the vastness of the Sufi spiritual heritage - the inner jewel of Islam. The Sheikh makes plain that the goal of mystical training is not personal power. Rather it is, in his words, ''a direct experience derived from feeling the love of God in practical terms through the pursuit of the spiritual science imparted by the master as knowledge of his energy and emulation of his actions and mode of life''.Such is the process described in this book.

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Book SynopsisA manual for self-study and self-initiation into the tradition of occult study and practice, and ultimately into the Golden Section Fellowship. This accessible and fascinating book contains comprehensive instructions for occult study, including morning and evening exercises, the sphere of protection, body practices, opening and closing a lodge, and the final ritual of initiation. Also covered are exercises and meditations for the thirty-three symbols of the Way of the Golden Section. The Way of the Golden Section re-examines the teachings of occultism to address the needs, hopes and fears of people in an ever-changing world. Drawing on occultism's long heritage, this book presents occult training in a refreshing new way that is suited to today's students.Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION Sources of the tradition How to use this book CHAPTER ONE: The path of occultism Objective and subjective minds Symbolism The one life The thirty-three emblems The outer emblem of the fellowship The three currents The way of occult training The meaning of initiation CHAPTER TWO: Beginning the path Morning and evening exercises Solar plexus exercise Daily divination Affirmations Journaling Your practice record Your lodge and altar CHAPTER THREE: The sphere of protection Learning the ritual Understanding the sphere of protection Divine names and the sphere of protection CHAPTER FOUR: Meditation and scrying The art of discursive meditation The art of scrying Scrying and the Sacred Geometry Oracle CHAPTER FIVE: Body practice Aikido Do-in Five Tibetan Rites Hatha yoga Shintaido Tai Chi Chih Other arts CHAPTER SIX: Opening and closing a lodge Opening ceremony Between opening and closing Closing ceremony Understanding the opening and closing ceremonies CHAPTER SEVEN: The ritual of initiation Before your initiation Constructing the Outer Emblem The initiation of the golden section fellowship After your initiation Basic practices and meditation The initiate's morning exercise The initiate's sphere of protection Understanding the initiate's sphere of protection Working in your lodge APPENDIX ONE: Exercises for the 33 Emblems APPENDIX TWO: Meditations on the 33 Emblems RESOURCES Occultism resources Sacred geometry resources Body practice resources

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Book SynopsisThis book is a systematic linguistic study of, and commentary upon, Julian of Norwich’s A Vision Showed to a Devout Woman. Luke Penkett draws attention to the medieval anchoress’s stylistic brilliance, clarifies complicated passages for the twenty-first century reader, and summarises and builds upon the wisdom of the most up-to-date scholarly research to inspire fresh insight of what is the earliest record of a woman writing in the English language. Penkett gives context to Julian’s writing with a survey of other English literary texts of the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. He offers a detailed analysis of the notable vocabulary and syntax employed by Julian, her rhetorical techniques, and of what we can learn from the stylistic choices of Julian as both ‘listener’ and ‘communicator’. The book concludes with a fascinating study of what we can learn of the initial reader and listener responses to Julian’s writing from the marginalia found in the manuscript of the Short Text of A Vision Showed to a Devout Woman. This book will bring richer meaning to Julian’s words for those who know them well and assist understanding for those discovering her for the first time, perhaps seeking wisdom and comfort in challenging circumstances or to deepen their prayer life.

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Book SynopsisCan we understand G-D and his creation? What is man’s role in creation? How does G-D oversee his creations and to what final purpose? Spiritual Illumination in the Modern World was conceived as a work of Jewish outreach and targeted to help connect those who feel distant from G-D and uninspired by the practices of the religion, regardless of level of observance. For the committed Spiritual Seeker there is a strong emphasis on the Jewish Mystical tradition - the Kabbalah - which has so much to offer in addressing the big questions in life. The book emphasises the vibrancy and spiritual uplift at the heartbeat of Judaism - the Torah and the Mitzvot. It is written in a distinctly modern idiom by an Orthodox Jewish scientist, without cutting corners or relying on oversimplifications. Notwithstanding, to aid clarity in understanding interspersed throughout are helpful Figures, Graphics, Tables, Visualisations and Summaries. In addition, most Chapters begin with a short recapitulation of the previous chapter in order to instil a sense of continuity and progression. Another feature is that most of the chapters were crafted to be potentially stand-alone self-contained units. After an Introduction, the work opens by asking the tantalising question: Is Science on the verge of Discovering G-D? followed by addressing perhaps the greatest paradox faced in Jewish Philosophy (Hashkafa): Why did G-D create a physical world populated by a species like mankind, the majority of whom deny His very existence? By adopting visualisations, metaphors and allegories, an ambitious attempt is made to impart insights into the Oneness of the Creator (Hashem, may He be blessed) and His Creations, focussing on the Supernal Worlds, G-D’s Emanations (via the Sephirot) as well as governance of our physical existence. Man, defined as a composite of the physical and Spiritual, is represented as an ongoing conflict of opposing emotional forces - the good inclination versus the evil inclination - the outcome of which has cosmic ramifications. As the book reaches its climax, the focus turns to the Torah and Mitzvot to expose infinite levels of depth, many of which are accessible to man. The final chapter touches on the Torah and Science debate and eschatology, the end of days, our present era. The work completes by offering practical advice towards Spiritual Illumination carefully selected from several of the Great Figures in Jewish thought throughout the ages including: the Rambam, the Arizal, the Ramchal, the Vilna Gaon, the Rebbes of Lubavitch and Rav Kook.

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Book SynopsisFor the curious and the adventurous! Turn to any date and you'll find something to learn or do suggested by folklore of the day, the month, or the season.Some suggestions will take no more effort than sticking your head out the window to look at the clouds, while others might involve knee pads and scouring giant chalk horses cut into hillsides. Taking inspiration from folklore found around the world, each daily entry is a tiny snapshot of what goes on - be it animal or plant lore, love predictions, the zodiac, the supernatural, food, festivals, divination, anniversaries, the weather or luck. By following the customs and traditions of the ritual year, you'll find yourself becoming more engaged with what's happening about you and discover how every month and season creates its own identity. Dip into this fascinating book at any time of the year and discover something new and intriguing about the world around you.Just beware of the hare..."An inspiring way to start every day with more joy and fascination." Robin InceTable of ContentsIntroductionFolklore KeyJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberSelected BibliographyIndexAcknowledgments

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