The Unlimited Mercifier : The Spiritual Life and Thought of Ibn 'Arabi

This unique portrait of the great Andalusian mystic uses his own writings to tell the story of his life and teachings. Chapters of biography are interwoven with chapters portraying the central elements of his thought and are supplemented with photographs and maps. "Ibn Àrabi is unquestionably one of the most profound figures in the history of world spirituality, a visionary of superlative wisdom and compassion. Known as the "Greatest Master" (al-Shaykh al-Akbar), he led an extraordinary inner and outer life. He travelled huge distances, from his native Spain to Syria and Turkey, writing over 350 books on the mystical path. His whole life was dedicated to exposing, at the deepest level, the primordial Unity underlying all human and natural existence, and the true degree of human dignity." "The Unlimited Mercifier presents a unique portrait of Ibn Àrabi "from the inside", using his own writings to tell the story of his life and teachings. The biographical chapters, supplemented with photographs and maps, give a vivid picture of his life and times during the height of medieval culture. These are interwoven with a series of chapters that portray the central elements of his thought, and highlight their relevance in today's world. This unusual approach gives a direct flavour of Ibn Àrabi's genius, whose life and thought are inextricably linked. Above all, his deep insights into what it means to be truly human are applicable to people of all times and places." "This highly readable and lucid book will appeal to anyone interested in the real heart of Sufism or the mystical path. Book jacket."--BOOK JACKET Front Cover 1 Title Page 4 Copyright 5 Epigraph 6 Contents 8