J
jaye
Guest
Islam: An Intuitive Perspective
by
Jaye Beldo
In attempts to counter all the bad press Islam has been
getting in these strenuous times of perpetual carnage in
\ the Middle East, I delved into the world of the Sufis, esoteric
Islamic philosophy and the like over a period of several
months. I was hoping to find alternatives to the menace
of fundamentalist Muslims who are responsible for co-opting
and then mutating Islamic religion into the militant and
apocalyptic form that it is know as today throughout the
world. What I found was something so profoundly at odds
with the radical consensus of suicide bombers and jihad
intoxicated militias of the Wahabbi and Shi'ite variety,
that it didn't seem likely at all that these were at one time
the integral, original teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
himself. The Sufis continue to advocate, as they have all along,
following what they call the path of the heart and insist that
we clear away anything that blocks the full realization of love
in our lives-such as jealousy, greed, desire to seek vengeance
and other 'ruinous traits'. Sufis look down upon violence of any
kind and are appalled at the acts of Islamic terrorists and,
fortunately, are not afraid to say so in their books and lectures.
If you are interested in getting to the authentic core of Islamic
spirituality free of delusional literalism, I've compiled a list of some
highly recommended books below.
1. The Reflective Heart by James Winston Morris:
One of the most accessible and profound of books on Islamic
mysticism I've encountered. The author provides some
wonderful commentary throughout on The Meccan Illuminations-
Ibn Arabi's magnum opus. He is careful not to interfere with its
esoteric resonance and spiritual import within by imposing some
kind of arbitrary interpretation on it-indicating a high level of
philosophical comprehension on the author's part, not to mention
some genuine respect for Arabi's work itself. For those unfamiliar
with Ibn Arabi to begin with, I would recommend The Reflective
Heart over the works of Henry Corbin and William C. Chittick
who should be approached with considerable preparation by
the novitiate.
2. The World Turned Inside Out: Henry Corbin
and Islamic Mysticism by Tom Cheetham
If you are unfamiliar with the French Islamic scholar
Henry Corbin and are wary of how he is suspiciously
adulated by Jungians such as James Hillman, etc. I
recommend reading this wonderful book because the author
elucidates very clearly such things as the philosophy of imagination,
Shi'ite esotericism, etc. in a way that will help anyone that
is having trouble understanding /assimilating Corbin's works.
If I had known about The World Turned Inside Out firsthand,
I wouldn't have struggled with understanding Corbin's books
for many years on my own.
3. The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn al-Arabi's Metaphysics of
Imagination by
William C. Chittick
Not for beginners but something very worthwhile checking out
once you have formed an adequate understanding of the philosophical
foundations of Islamic metaphysics. In all the years of reading books
on philosophy in its eastern and western forms-Arabi's is the most
sophisticated, subtle and profound that I've encountered. One can
only wonder what was lost in translation. Regardless, Chittick does
an excellent job of clarifying many of the elusive concepts found in
Arabi's work and you will be transformed in many unexpected ways
by reading this work.
4. Mystical Dimensions of Islam by Anniemarie Schimmel
A professor of Indo-Muslim Culture at Harvard University,
Ms. Schimmel has put together a comprehensive guide on
Islamic mysticism, covering its historical and esoteric dimensions.
I would recommend this book also for those encountering Islam
for the first time as well as it is quite readable and enjoyable.
5. The Healing Power of Sufi Meditation by as-Sayyid Nurjan
Mirahmadi and Dr. Hedieh Mirahmadi of the Naqshbandi
Haqqani Sufi Order of America
If you are looking to clear out blockages in your heart chakra that
may be preventing you from loving/forgiving others and yourself
as well, this book will assist you in learning the basics of Sufi
meditation. Be forewarned-if you are sincere about evolving
spiritually, you will be tested-particularly by those who feel
threatened by whatever path you choose to follow and are
unwilling to develop themselves. If you do not take the necessary
precautions and preparations, do not even attempt to follow the
Naqshbandi path which requires none other than the total
annihilation of one's ego.
6.The Naqshbandi Sufi Tradition Guidebook of Daily
Practices and Devotions by Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani
The Naqshbandi path is definitely not for the person looking
for the quick fix or New Age enlightenment at the drop of a
Fez. Hisham Kabbani is an excellent writer who is able to
lucidly translate from Arabic to English in a way that is rather
rare these days-considering that there seems to be no diminishment
whatsoever in the power of his translations. His command of
English makes reading this and other works of his quite satisfying.
7. The Sufi Science of Self-Realization: A guide to the
Seventeen Ruinous Traits, the Ten Steps to Discipleship
and the Six Realities of the Heart
by Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani
If you've gotten this far into this list, then you are ready for
confronting the ruinous traits within yourself. I am particularly
impressed with the Sufi technique of 'auditing' i.e., writing down
all the negative things one engaged in during the day whether in
thought and or deed and paying very close attention as to why
they occurred and how to diminish them. Anger is pretty much
at the top of the list in terms of negative traits to be conquered.
Again, this book is not for beginners because any assumption,
ulterior motive, agenda that you may have, consciously or not
will be exposed-quite a humbling experience indeed, beleive me!
8. Angels Unvieled: A Sufi Perspective by Shaykh Muhammad
Hisham Kabbani
A perfect bedtime book because it will evoke such a high
and powerful vibe when reading about the wondrous world
of angels-far above and beyond the usual New Age schlock
-because it comes from the original source of inspiration, revelation
and direct experience of the Sufis themselves and is not watered
down or airbrushed into forms acceptable to most westerners. While
angels will indeed help you, they will also kick your ass if they deem
it necessary.
9. The Sufi Book of Healing by Shaykh Hakim Moinuddin Chishti
A wonderful compendium of dietary advice to keep physically
healthy, along with observations of the spiritual origins of disease.
The Sufis say that all diseases originate from the stomach and what
we put into it-so their emphasis on proper diet is apparent throughout
this work. There are many intriguing recipes to counter various forms
of illness using herbs and essential oils.
10. The Commanding Self by Idries Shah
Idries Shah, in a series of Sufi stories, demonstrates the perils
and pitfalls of the Sufi path, especially if we approach it from an
egoic perspective. Divided into nine segments (perhaps alluding
to the enneagram) Shah, through indirection and subtle inculcation
further clarifies what Sufism entails and which cannot be put into
some cut and dried definition. Some of the tales demand to be read
and re-read to appreciate their multiple levels of meaning. This is a
good book to do divination with-i.e., think of some problem or concern
you are having and then randomly open it and start reading. The
Commanding Self is really our egos and the Sufis insist that we learn
to control it and not the other way. No easy task!
11. The Approach of Armageddon? An Islamic Perspective:
A Chronicle of scientific breakthroughs and world events
that occur during the last days, as foretold by Prophet
Muhammad by Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani
A very intriguing book because the author show how Muhammad
foresaw all the scientific advances that are now occurring such as
the internet, cell phones, etc. over 1500 hundred years ago. My only
qualm about this otherwise ultimately intense and informative book
is that I wished that Kabbani focused more on the positive scientific
developments foresen and less on Armageddon.
12. Spiritual Power: How it Works by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee
A very accessible title and one that I would recommend to any one
curious as to what the Sufi path entails. Llewellyn writes in a very
clear style and presents what otherwise could be arcane and difficult
to grasp concepts in an immediately understandable way. He is not
afraid to emphasize the dangers that awaits one on the spiritual path,
in regards to confronting the myraid of obstacles the ego places before us.
(c) 2006-Jaye Beldo
by
Jaye Beldo
In attempts to counter all the bad press Islam has been
getting in these strenuous times of perpetual carnage in
\ the Middle East, I delved into the world of the Sufis, esoteric
Islamic philosophy and the like over a period of several
months. I was hoping to find alternatives to the menace
of fundamentalist Muslims who are responsible for co-opting
and then mutating Islamic religion into the militant and
apocalyptic form that it is know as today throughout the
world. What I found was something so profoundly at odds
with the radical consensus of suicide bombers and jihad
intoxicated militias of the Wahabbi and Shi'ite variety,
that it didn't seem likely at all that these were at one time
the integral, original teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
himself. The Sufis continue to advocate, as they have all along,
following what they call the path of the heart and insist that
we clear away anything that blocks the full realization of love
in our lives-such as jealousy, greed, desire to seek vengeance
and other 'ruinous traits'. Sufis look down upon violence of any
kind and are appalled at the acts of Islamic terrorists and,
fortunately, are not afraid to say so in their books and lectures.
If you are interested in getting to the authentic core of Islamic
spirituality free of delusional literalism, I've compiled a list of some
highly recommended books below.
1. The Reflective Heart by James Winston Morris:
One of the most accessible and profound of books on Islamic
mysticism I've encountered. The author provides some
wonderful commentary throughout on The Meccan Illuminations-
Ibn Arabi's magnum opus. He is careful not to interfere with its
esoteric resonance and spiritual import within by imposing some
kind of arbitrary interpretation on it-indicating a high level of
philosophical comprehension on the author's part, not to mention
some genuine respect for Arabi's work itself. For those unfamiliar
with Ibn Arabi to begin with, I would recommend The Reflective
Heart over the works of Henry Corbin and William C. Chittick
who should be approached with considerable preparation by
the novitiate.
2. The World Turned Inside Out: Henry Corbin
and Islamic Mysticism by Tom Cheetham
If you are unfamiliar with the French Islamic scholar
Henry Corbin and are wary of how he is suspiciously
adulated by Jungians such as James Hillman, etc. I
recommend reading this wonderful book because the author
elucidates very clearly such things as the philosophy of imagination,
Shi'ite esotericism, etc. in a way that will help anyone that
is having trouble understanding /assimilating Corbin's works.
If I had known about The World Turned Inside Out firsthand,
I wouldn't have struggled with understanding Corbin's books
for many years on my own.
3. The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn al-Arabi's Metaphysics of
Imagination by
William C. Chittick
Not for beginners but something very worthwhile checking out
once you have formed an adequate understanding of the philosophical
foundations of Islamic metaphysics. In all the years of reading books
on philosophy in its eastern and western forms-Arabi's is the most
sophisticated, subtle and profound that I've encountered. One can
only wonder what was lost in translation. Regardless, Chittick does
an excellent job of clarifying many of the elusive concepts found in
Arabi's work and you will be transformed in many unexpected ways
by reading this work.
4. Mystical Dimensions of Islam by Anniemarie Schimmel
A professor of Indo-Muslim Culture at Harvard University,
Ms. Schimmel has put together a comprehensive guide on
Islamic mysticism, covering its historical and esoteric dimensions.
I would recommend this book also for those encountering Islam
for the first time as well as it is quite readable and enjoyable.
5. The Healing Power of Sufi Meditation by as-Sayyid Nurjan
Mirahmadi and Dr. Hedieh Mirahmadi of the Naqshbandi
Haqqani Sufi Order of America
If you are looking to clear out blockages in your heart chakra that
may be preventing you from loving/forgiving others and yourself
as well, this book will assist you in learning the basics of Sufi
meditation. Be forewarned-if you are sincere about evolving
spiritually, you will be tested-particularly by those who feel
threatened by whatever path you choose to follow and are
unwilling to develop themselves. If you do not take the necessary
precautions and preparations, do not even attempt to follow the
Naqshbandi path which requires none other than the total
annihilation of one's ego.
6.The Naqshbandi Sufi Tradition Guidebook of Daily
Practices and Devotions by Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani
The Naqshbandi path is definitely not for the person looking
for the quick fix or New Age enlightenment at the drop of a
Fez. Hisham Kabbani is an excellent writer who is able to
lucidly translate from Arabic to English in a way that is rather
rare these days-considering that there seems to be no diminishment
whatsoever in the power of his translations. His command of
English makes reading this and other works of his quite satisfying.
7. The Sufi Science of Self-Realization: A guide to the
Seventeen Ruinous Traits, the Ten Steps to Discipleship
and the Six Realities of the Heart
by Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani
If you've gotten this far into this list, then you are ready for
confronting the ruinous traits within yourself. I am particularly
impressed with the Sufi technique of 'auditing' i.e., writing down
all the negative things one engaged in during the day whether in
thought and or deed and paying very close attention as to why
they occurred and how to diminish them. Anger is pretty much
at the top of the list in terms of negative traits to be conquered.
Again, this book is not for beginners because any assumption,
ulterior motive, agenda that you may have, consciously or not
will be exposed-quite a humbling experience indeed, beleive me!
8. Angels Unvieled: A Sufi Perspective by Shaykh Muhammad
Hisham Kabbani
A perfect bedtime book because it will evoke such a high
and powerful vibe when reading about the wondrous world
of angels-far above and beyond the usual New Age schlock
-because it comes from the original source of inspiration, revelation
and direct experience of the Sufis themselves and is not watered
down or airbrushed into forms acceptable to most westerners. While
angels will indeed help you, they will also kick your ass if they deem
it necessary.
9. The Sufi Book of Healing by Shaykh Hakim Moinuddin Chishti
A wonderful compendium of dietary advice to keep physically
healthy, along with observations of the spiritual origins of disease.
The Sufis say that all diseases originate from the stomach and what
we put into it-so their emphasis on proper diet is apparent throughout
this work. There are many intriguing recipes to counter various forms
of illness using herbs and essential oils.
10. The Commanding Self by Idries Shah
Idries Shah, in a series of Sufi stories, demonstrates the perils
and pitfalls of the Sufi path, especially if we approach it from an
egoic perspective. Divided into nine segments (perhaps alluding
to the enneagram) Shah, through indirection and subtle inculcation
further clarifies what Sufism entails and which cannot be put into
some cut and dried definition. Some of the tales demand to be read
and re-read to appreciate their multiple levels of meaning. This is a
good book to do divination with-i.e., think of some problem or concern
you are having and then randomly open it and start reading. The
Commanding Self is really our egos and the Sufis insist that we learn
to control it and not the other way. No easy task!
11. The Approach of Armageddon? An Islamic Perspective:
A Chronicle of scientific breakthroughs and world events
that occur during the last days, as foretold by Prophet
Muhammad by Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani
A very intriguing book because the author show how Muhammad
foresaw all the scientific advances that are now occurring such as
the internet, cell phones, etc. over 1500 hundred years ago. My only
qualm about this otherwise ultimately intense and informative book
is that I wished that Kabbani focused more on the positive scientific
developments foresen and less on Armageddon.
12. Spiritual Power: How it Works by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee
A very accessible title and one that I would recommend to any one
curious as to what the Sufi path entails. Llewellyn writes in a very
clear style and presents what otherwise could be arcane and difficult
to grasp concepts in an immediately understandable way. He is not
afraid to emphasize the dangers that awaits one on the spiritual path,
in regards to confronting the myraid of obstacles the ego places before us.
(c) 2006-Jaye Beldo