Contemplation of the Holy Mysteries : The Mashahid Al-asrar of Ibn 'Arabi

A major work of mystical literature, this account focuses on 14 visions in the form of dramatic conversations with the divine, interspersed with dazzling visionary episodes regarding the nature of existence, humans' relationship with reality, and the way to achieve true happiness. The introduction presents a resume of Ibn 'Arabi's life and examines in detail the style and symbolism of the contemplations. Presented for the first time in English, this work is a superb example of Ibn 'Arabi's inimitable style and deep perception. Contents......Page 6 Acknowledgements......Page 8 Introduction......Page 10 Spiritual journey: “Rise beyond and you will discover”......Page 11 Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi......Page 16 This edition......Page 20 The style and symbolism of the Contemplations......Page 22 The Arabic language......Page 27 From Ibn 'Arabi’s Preface......Page 30 1 Contemplation of the Light of Existence as the Star of Direct Vision rises......Page 32 2 Contemplation of the Light of Taking as the Star of Affirmation rises......Page 40 3 Contemplation of the Light of the Veils as the Star of Strong Backing rises......Page 48 4 Contemplation of the Light of Intuition as the Star of Transcendence rises......Page 58 5 Contemplation of the Light of Silence as the Star of Negation rises......Page 64 6 Contemplation of the Light of Elevation as the Star of Unveiling (rises......Page 68 7 Contemplation of the Light of the Leg as the Star of the Summons rises......Page 78 8 Contemplation of the Light of the Rock as the Star of the Sea rises......Page 82 9 Contemplation of the Light of the Rivers as the Star of Degrees rises......Page 86 10 Contemplation of the Light of Perplexity as the Star of Non-existence rises......Page 94 11 Contemplation of the Light of Divinity as the Star of Låm–Alif rises......Page 98 12 Contemplation of the Light of Uniqueness as the Star of Servanthood rises......Page 100 13 Contemplation of the Light of the Support as the Star of Singularity rises......Page 106 14 Contemplation of the Light of Argument as the Star of Justice rises......Page 110 Appendices ......Page 116 1 The manuscripts used in the edition of the text......Page 118 2 Ibn 'Arabi’s preface......Page 120 3 Ibn 'Arabi’s epilogue......Page 126 4 Correspondences in Contemplation 3......Page 130 Bibliography......Page 136 Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi makes it clear that the inspiration to write the Contemplation of the Holy Mysteries came from an extremely elevated level.