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Reflections of Tasawwuf: Essays, Poems, and Narrative on Sufi Themes
by Charles UptonSufism is the practice of remaining aware of the real presence of God in every circumstance, until Certainly is reached. The dizzying complexity of Sufi metaphysics, the passionate beauty of Sufi poetry, and the profound Sufi science of spiritual psychology, are all based on this. The Sufi Path is the process of spiritual transformation, ultimately resulting (God willing) in self-transcendence, produced by the Certainly of God's presence. In traditional Muslim society, many different moral, intellectual, and spiritual functions were performed by those 'estates' responsible for maintaining them. Parents, imams, and 'grammar school' teachers transmitted the fundamental ritual and moral principles of Islamic society. The madrasas took care of such traditional sciences as Qur'anic exegesis and the study of prophetic ahadith. The schools of fiqh maintained and applied the shari'ah. The mutakallimiin developed and taught kalam, Islamic 'scholastic theology'. The falasifa or philosophers carried on an intellectual tradition largely inherited from the Greeks. The ishraqiyyun developed a mystical theosophy based on direct spiritual insight. Physicians employed systems of healing derived in part from metaphysics. Poets often transmitted sophisticated spiritual lore; many other traditional craftsmen did the same. The mathematicians, astronomers, and other scientists sought to uncover the Signs of God in numbers, in geometrical shapes, and in the heavens. And the alchemists worked on the reconstitution of the original human form (al-fitra) in psycho-physical terms. So when a seeker applied for admittance to a Sufi tariqa, he likely knew his Goal. The lower rungs of the ladder taken care of; consequently the aspirant to Sufi initiation could be more or less certain that he was seeking God alone In modern 'semi-Muslim' societies, however, things are not so clear. And as for those Sufi tariqas that have emigrated to the West, and the individuals who seek admittance to them, the situation is even more ambiguous. The traditional supports for a collective worldview that places God first and sees His hand in everything are no longer readily available, and no one whose worldview is basically secular can follow the Sufi path as the great Sufis of the past once did. In the secular West especially, Sufi tariqas lack the exoteric religious culture in relation to which they could be truly esoteric; without the Zahir, one might say, there can be no Batin. Therefore This book is not so much a text on Sufism itself as an attempt--woefully inadequate--to indicate certain elements of the original context that allowed Sufism to be what it is
Reflections of the Christ Mind
by Paul FerrimiFor Paul Ferrini, there was a time when the very thought of Jesus left him cold. Instead of embodying the truth of Jesus' teaching, Christianity seemed to harbor the fearful thoughts and actions of people who were more committed to self-interest than to unconditional love. So when Ferrini felt Jesus' voice inside him saying, "I want you to acknowledge me," he resisted. In time, however, he came to realize that it was not Jesus he was rejecting but the untruths that had become attached to Christian teaching. Responding to the inner voice did not mean merely acknowledging Jesus as some great teacher who lived in the past, but also meant that he was opening himself up to a living presence within his own awareness. Once Ferrini reached this reconciliation, powerful words of spiritual truth began to flow through him. Reflections of the Christ Mind presents the most important teachings the author has received through his spiritual awakening. Here at last is a gospel devoted solely to Jesus' teachings of love, healing, and forgiveness. The teacher readers meet in these pages is both compassionate and open-minded-he is the Jesus Christians know in their hearts. Repudiating religious hypocrisy, intolerance, and spiritual pride, Ferrini rejects the dogmatic position of the Church, offering instead words of hope and healing that form the new gospel for today.From the Hardcover edition.
Reflections on a Mountain Lake: Teachings on Practical Buddhism
by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo&“Tenzin Palmo is one of the most genuine and accomplished of western practitioners. Her voice is simple and pure, wise and true.&” —Jack Kornfield, author of Path with a HeartThis sparkling collection of Dharma teachings by Tenzin Palmo addresses issues of common concern to Buddhist practitioners from all traditions. Personable, witty, and insightful, Tenzin Palmo presents an inspiring and no-nonsense view of Buddhist practice.
Reflections on an Ageless Wisdom
by Joy Mills Edward AbdillModern Theosophy expresses the ancient wisdom tradition found in all religions. When H. P. Blavatsky, founder of the Theosophical Society in 1875, told English journalist A. P. Sinnett she had gained her paranormal knowledge from more evolved beings called the Mahatmas, Sinnett asked to communicate with them himself. The result was a remarkable correspondence carried on from 1880 to 1885 with Mahatmas Khoot Hoomi and Morya. Recorded in The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett, the answers of these Teachers form an essential part of Theosophical literature. At the time, the Letters stormed the bastions of racial and religious prejudice, and they continue to fascinate those seeking to probe the mysteries of the universe and the nature of consciousness. Here is the most comprehensive, magisterial discussion of The Mahatma Letters since they were first published in 1924. Eminent Theosophist Joy Mills bases her commentary on Vincente Hao Chin's 1999 edition of the Letters, helpfully arranged chronologically to enable following the exposition as it originally unfolded. Mills quotes Sinnett in emphasizing that the Mahatmas' purpose was not to put the world into possession of occult knowledge but to train those who proved qualified . . . so that they might ascend the path of spiritual progress. Her focus, then, is on not only knowledge of the magnificent Occult Science but more significantly the ethical and moral values we must embrace to be of service to the world. She offers her reflections on over 140 letters in the hope that they may prove useful to fellow-students on the journey toward the spiritual heights. May these letters call you as they have continued to call me to keep on exploring, for truly there is no other way to go!
Reflections on an Ageless Wisdom
by Joy Mills Edward AbdillModern Theosophy expresses the ancient wisdom tradition found in all religions. When H. P. Blavatsky, founder of the Theosophical Society in 1875, told English journalist A. P. Sinnett she had gained her paranormal knowledge from more evolved beings called the Mahatmas, Sinnett asked to communicate with them himself. The result was a remarkable correspondence carried on from 1880 to 1885 with Mahatmas Khoot Hoomi and Morya. Recorded in The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett, the answers of these Teachers form an essential part of Theosophical literature. At the time, the Letters stormed the bastions of racial and religious prejudice, and they continue to fascinate those seeking to probe the mysteries of the universe and the nature of consciousness. Here is the most comprehensive, magisterial discussion of The Mahatma Letters since they were first published in 1924. Eminent Theosophist Joy Mills bases her commentary on Vincente Hao Chin's 1999 edition of the Letters, helpfully arranged chronologically to enable following the exposition as it originally unfolded. Mills quotes Sinnett in emphasizing that the Mahatmas' purpose was not to put the world into possession of occult knowledge but to train those who proved qualified . . . so that they might ascend the path of spiritual progress. Her focus, then, is on not only knowledge of the magnificent Occult Science but more significantly the ethical and moral values we must embrace to be of service to the world. She offers her reflections on over 140 letters in the hope that they may prove useful to fellow-students on the journey toward the spiritual heights. May these letters call you as they have continued to call me to keep on exploring, for truly there is no other way to go!
Reflections On Anti-Semitism
by Ivan Segre Eric Hazan Alain BadiouSince the inception of the 'War on Terror', Israel has become increasingly important to Western imperial strategy and ever more aggressive in its policies towards the Palestinians. A key ideological weapon in this development is the cynical and unjustified accusation of 'anti-Semitism' to silence protest and dissent. For historical reasons, this tactic has been deployed most forcefully in France, and in the first of the two essays in this book French writers Alain Badiou and Eric Hazan demolish the 'anti-Semitism is everywhere' claim used to bludgeon critics of the Israeli state and those who stand in solidarity with the banlieue youth. In 'The Philo-Semitic Reaction', Ivan Segré undertakes a meticulous deconstruction of a rampant reactionary trend that identifies Jewish interests with the 'democratic' West. Segré's aim is to uphold a universalist position and to defend Jewish tradition from Zionist ideological distortion.From the Trade Paperback edition.
Reflections on God and the Death of God: Philosophy, Spirituality, and Religion
by Richard WhiteWhat is God? What does it mean to believe in God? What happens to God after the death of God? This book examines “the death of God” from a philosophical standpoint. It focuses on monotheism, polytheism, and nature, and it discusses the renewed importance of spirituality—and the “spiritual but not religious”—in response to the death of God. In recent years, religious belief has been in decline, but secularism cannot satisfy our spiritual needs. We are now living in a “post-secular” age in which the relationship between philosophy, spirituality, and religion must be re-examined. As an exploratory essay, this book engages the reader at a profound level, and considers a variety of modern thinkers, including Nietzsche, Hegel, Freud, Levinas, Assmann, and Buber. It offers a sustained meditation on the origin of God, the death of God, and the future of “God” as a guiding ideal.
Reflections on Jean Améry: Torture, Resentment, and Homelessness as the Mind’s Limits
by Vivaldi Jean-MarieThis book elaborates Jean Améry’s critique of philosophy and his discussion of some central philosophical themes in At the Mind’s Limits and his other writings. It shows how Améry elaborates the shortcomings and unfitness of philosophical theories to account for torture, the experience of homelessness, and other indignities, and their inability to assist with overcoming resentment. It thus teases out the philosophical import of Jean Améry's critique of philosophy, which constitutes his own philosophical testament of being an inmate at Auschwitz. This book situates At the Mind’s Limits in the context of twentieth-century Continental philosophy. On the one hand, it elaborates Améry’s engagement with key philosophical figures. On the other hand, it shows how thoroughly Améry denounces the limits of the philosophical enterprise, and its impotence in capturing and accounting for the crimes of the Third Reich.
Reflections on Life and Religion: Sir James Baillie (Routledge Revivals)
by Sir Walter Moberly Oliver De SelincourtFirst published in 1952, Reflections on Life and Religion is a collection of selected entries made by Sir James Baillie from 1893 to his death. These entries, preserved as MS. Volumes labeled “Privatissima”, are a record of the inner mind of a thinker of wide culture who enjoyed extensive contacts with public affairs as well as with worlds of philosophy and education.The book is divided into three main sections dealing with religion; ethical and social philosophy; and metaphysics and theory of knowledge. Each of these sections is further divided into several shorter subsections, in accordance with the requirements of the subject area. The appendix contains a number of short entries which could not find a suitable place in the main body of the text.This volume will be a fascinating read for anyone interested in religion, philosophy, and particularly metaphysics.
Reflections on Reason, Religion, and Tolerance: Engaging with Fethullah Gulen's Ideas
by Klass GrinellThis is an attempt to reflect on Islam as it appears in the context of Fethullah Gulen's teachings, an influential Turkish-Muslim scholar who inspired a movement of education and interfaith dialogue. Grinell's extensive study of Islam and of Gulen allows him to pinpoint a unique expression of values and beliefs that could alter the typical understanding of Islam and Muslims in the West. He draws upon his previous studies of the Gulen Movement and comparatively places Gulen in a wider context of faith and society. What is the concept of knowledge in Islam as understood by Gulen? How is faith and service to people connected? Is Gulen after building a sultanate? Does the Gulen movement have a (hidden) political agenda? How traditional or modern is Gulen? These are some of the questions Grinell attempts to answer from his perspective. As a humanistic researcher on Islam, Grinell believes we definitely have something to learn from Islam.
Reflections on the Lord's Prayer
by Susan BrowerReflections on the Lord’s Prayer presents the best-known prayer among Christians as the ultimate prayer model. From Martin Luther’s reflection on why the prayer opens with “Our Father . . . ” to the acknowledgment of God’s “… power and glory forever,” readers move phrase-by-phrase through this inspiring prayer reading what others have said about the love, reverence, gratitude, and awe that God wants at the heart of all prayer. Insights and thoughts culled from a variety of respected writers enhance our understanding of the prayer, and carefully chosen passages of Scripture help confirm and underscore the relevance of each phrase—and the prayer as a whole—in our daily lives. Presented in a friendly format that’s easy to read, Reflections on the Lord’s Prayer makes a beautiful gift that will appeal to everyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of this wonderfully moving model for prayer.
Reflections on the Lord's Prayer (Timeless Faith Classics)
by Susan BrowerUpdated with a fresh look and feel, Reflections on the Lord&’s Prayer joins the Zondervan Gift Timeless Faith Classics line.Reflections on the Lord&’s Prayer will join Serenity and The Creeds as a beautiful new entry into the new Timeless Faith Classics line. Combining fresh, elegant designs with reflections specific to select classics, each beautiful volume will be a welcome addition to any bookshelf.Reflections on the Lord&’s Prayer presents the best-known prayer among Christians as the ultimate prayer model. From Martin Luther's reflection on why the prayer opens with 'Our Father . . . ' to the acknowledgment of God's '... power and glory forever,' readers will enjoy insights and thoughts culled from a variety of respected writers to enhance understanding of the prayer. Carefully chosen passages of Scripture help confirm and underscore the relevance of each phrase---and the prayer as a whole---in our daily lives.
Reflections on the Psalms
by C. S. LewisA christian book that represent an attempt to find the inner meaning and values of one limited part of the Bible (Psalms)
Reflections on the Psalms: The Pilgrim's Regress / Prayer: Letter To Malcolm / Reflections On The Psalms / Till We Have Faces / The Abolition Of Man
by C. S. LewisA repackaged edition of the revered author’s moving theological work in which he considers the most poetic portions from Scripture and what they tell us about God, the Bible, and faith.In this wise and enlightening book, C. S. Lewis—the great British writer, scholar, lay theologian, broadcaster, Christian apologist, and bestselling author of Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, and many other beloved classics—examines the Psalms. As Lewis divines the meaning behind these timeless poetic verses, he makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace.
Reflections on the Qur'an: Commentaries on Selected Verses
by M. Fethullah GülenThe Qur&’an is believed by Muslims to be the final word of God revealed to humanity through Prophet Muhammad speaking to all humans for all times. This nature of Islam&’s holy book brings along a continuous study of it so that its injunctions are reinterpreted according to constantly changing times and conditions of our world. This book presents such interpretations from a respected Muslim scholar who explains verses for the modern age. Gülen is well-informed of the classical exegetical discipline; nevertheless in this book he keeps his explanations short and to the point, not to tire away readers. The book does not cover all the verses of the Qur&’an, but selected ones, those relate most to the human existence on earth, life after death, and stories revealed in the holy book
Reflections on the Sunday Gospel: How to More Fully Live Out Your Relationship with God
by Pope FrancisPope Francis illuminates a new, vibrant way of experiencing the Gospel through moving, intimate, and deeply meditative reflections that encourage us to live fully with meaning, purpose, and strength.We live in an unprecedented time that has threatened to upend our daily rhythms, our work, our homes, even our faith. More than ever, we need books like Reflections on the Sunday Gospel to stir us to hope, to comfort, to peace. We need to remember what we live for and how good God is. These reflections—published in English for the first time, drawn both from homilies given by Pope Francis and readings from the Fathers of the Church, including Saint Augustine, Saint Jerome, and Saint Ambrose—do more than offer a way to enter into the liturgical year with weekly readings to enrich your devotional time. They offer Christ, and the power of His resurrection. They offer His words of assurance: &“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world&” (Jn 16:33, ESV).Ultimately, as Pope Francis guides us through these timeless words, we will glean how even the giants of the faith needed God as much as we do, and how we can draw near to a good and faithful God no matter where we are or what season we&’re in.
Reflections on the Sunday Gospel (YEAR A): How to More Fully Live Out Your Relationship with God
by Pope FrancisWe live in an unprecedented time that has threatened to upend our daily rhythms, our work, our homes - even our faith. More than ever, we need books like Reflections on the Sunday Gospel to stir us to hope, to comfort, to peace. We need to remember what we live for and how good God is. These reflections - published in English for the first time, drawn both from homilies given by Pope Francis and readings from the Fathers of the Church, including Saint Augustine, Saint Jerome, and Saint Ambrose - do more than offer a way to enter into the liturgical year with weekly readings to enrich your devotional time. They offer Christ, and the power of his resurrection. They offer his words of assurance: 'I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world'.Ultimately, as Pope Francis guides us through these timeless words, we will glean how even the giants of the faith needed God as much as we do, and how we can draw near to a good and faithful God no matter where we are or what season we're in.
Reflections on Turkey: Turkish-American-Israeli Relations and the Middle East
by Mehmet KalyoncuThis book is a collection of the essays on Turkey that analyze the international, regional and national political developments in the last several years covering a wide variety of issues from the transformation of Turkish politics to the changing role of Turkey in its region, and from the ups and downs in the Turkish-Israeli relations to the looming threat posed by Iran&’s nuclear program to the issue of Islamophobia and the rise of xenophobic political ideologies in Europe and the US. The book in general takes a critical look at the evolving Turkish foreign policy towards its immediate neighbors and the international system. Kalyoncu does intend to take stock of the past five years (2007-2012) in terms of the political and social developments that has made Turkey, Turkish-American-Israeli relations and the Middle East, what they are today.
Reflections on Words of the New Testament
by W. E. VineThe words of the New Testament come to life. Studies from renowned New Testament scholar W. E. Vine will enrich and deepen your understanding of God's Word. Reflections on Words of the New Testament presents important concepts found throughout the New Testament in straightforward language with special focus on how these words deepen your understanding of the meaning of Scripture.Features include:Brief explanations of the Greek words behind New Testament conceptsTheological reflections on each New Testament word to help you see the everyday relevance of Scripture Short entries on each word for convenient reflection and study
Reflective Faith: Essays In Philosophical Theology
by Austin Farrer Charles ContiIn the foreword to this collection of essays, the noted British philosopher of religion John Hick aptly describes the style and tone to be found in Reflective Faith. <P><P> "Farrer asks . . . the right questions and thereby puts philosophical theology on the right road. This collection constitutes an introduction to Farrer's thought such as many have wished for; and it will be important also for those who are concerned to study Farrer's work as a whole." And that work, Hick adds, "is so far removed from the realm of unanalyzed slogans, vague metaphors, and all form of sloppiness and imprecision, that to read someone of Farrer's stature is to lose any taste for the lower levels of theological writing." <P><P> Reflective Faith spans Farrer's long career at Oxford, and includes essays taken from lectures, papers, and broadcast talks presented during those years. Originally written for select and usually small audiences, they display a warmth and spontaneity that enables readers to draw close to Farrer, and in so doing to appreciate his breadth of scholarship and wit. Here is traced the evolution of Farrer's thought from its early origins in scholastic theology to his eventual movement towards the "philosophy of action." Also included are study notes provided by the editor, and a bibliography of Farrer's published works.
Reflexiones Bíblicas: 33 verdades que transformarán tu vida
by Danilo H. GomesLa palabra de Dios es el combustible del cistiano. Infelizmente, una buena parte de los cristianos dedica mucho tiempo a las cosas banales del dia a dia y, como consecuencia, deja de lado las Sagradas Escrituras. Tienes noción de cuántas reflexiones edificantes nos puede proporcionar la Biblia? Innumerables. En este libro están reunidos 33 artículos que fueron escritos durante un tiempo de grandes reflexiones. Deja que Dios hable contigo durante el transcurso de cada página. Deja que Su amor y Su presencia llenen tu corazón.
Reflexiones sobre el exilio: Ensayos literarios y culturales seleccionados por el autor
by Edward W. SaidLa selección definitiva de los ensayos culturales y literarios de Edward W. Said realizada por el propio autor. Este libro reúne ensayos sobre temas culturales y literarios escritos por Edward W. Said a lo largo de tres décadas de intenso trabajo intelectual y político. Vistos en conjunto y con la perspectiva crítica que concede el tiempo, estos textos -seleccionados por el propio autor como compendio de su carrera humanista- nos ofrecen la oportunidad de contemplar la evolución y formación de un combativo profesor, un hombre de palabra y acción, así como el desarrollo de una vocación por el conocimiento del mundo llevada hasta sus últimas consecuencias. De sus reflexiones sobre la cultura popular, que le llevan a calificar a Tarzán de «exiliado permanente» o evocar la figura de la bailarina del vientre Tahia Carioca, al machismo y la tauromaquia de Hemingway, pasando por las diferencias que distinguen ciudades como Alejandría y El Cairo, o sus indispensables capítulos sobre música (Gould, Boulez, Wagner, Beethoven y Bach), el autor de Orientalismo expone en estos artículos su punto de vista inteligente y siempre contrario a la edificación de cánones literarios. Reseña:«El retrato de una vida intelectual ejemplar en la cual rigor y claridad se unen con coraje y compromiso [...] Esta es, con toda seguridad, una de las obras más importantes de la cultura y las humanidades que América ha producido en los últimos años.»Martha C. Nussbaum, The New York Times Book Review
Reflexiones sobre los Salmos: Revela el significado de estos versos antiguos y preciados
by C. S. LewisUna hermosa obra maestra teológica del venerado C. S. Lewis en la que considera las porciones más poéticas de las Escrituras y lo que nos dicen sobre Dios, la Biblia y la fe.En este acertado y esclarecedor libro, C. S. Lewis, el gran escritor británico, erudito, teólogo laico, locutor, apologista cristiano y autor bestseller de Mero cristianismo, Las cartas del diablo a su sobrino, El gran divorcio, Las crónicas de Narnia y muchos otros amados clásicos, examina los Salmos. A medida que Lewis revela el significado de estos versos poéticos intemporales, aclara su importancia en nuestra vida cotidiana y nos recuerda su poder para iluminar momentos de gracia.The Reflections on the PsalmsA beautiful masterpiece of the revered author&’s moving theological work in which he considers the most poetic portions from Scripture and what they tell us about God, the Bible, and faith.In this wise and enlightening book, C. S. Lewis—the great British writer, scholar, lay theologian, broadcaster, Christian apologist, and bestselling author of Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, and many other beloved classics—examines the Psalms. As Lewis divines the meaning behind these timeless poetic verses, he makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace.
Reflexive Ethnographic Practice: Three Generations of Social Researchers in One Place
by John Bradley Amanda KearneyPutting the anthropological imagination under the spotlight, this book represents the experience of three generations of researchers, each of whom have long collaborated with the same Indigenous community over the course of their careers. In the context of a remote Indigenous Australian community in northern Australia, these researchers—anthropologists, an archeologist, a literary scholar, and an artist—encounter reflexivity and ethnographic practice through deeply personal and professionally revealing accounts of anthropological consciousness, relational encounters, and knowledge sharing. In six discrete chapters, the authors reveal the complexities that run through these relationships, considering how any one of us builds knowledge, shares knowledge, how we encounter different and new knowledge, and how well we are positioned to understand the lived experiences of others, whilst making ourselves fully available to personal change. At its core, this anthology is a meditation on learning and friendship across cultures.
ReFocus: Living a Life that Reflects God's Heart
by Jim Daly Paul BaturaWritten by Jim Daly, the compassionate leader of Focus on the Family, ReFocus inspires and motivates Christians to transcend political agendas and partisan battles and instead interact with others in a way that will consistently reveal the heart of God to a desperately hurting world.Our culture has become painfully polarized, often hindering relationships with neighbors, colleagues, and the very people who need to discover the love of Jesus Christ. Remembering that we are foremost citizens of heaven serving a loving Father, we who call ourselves followers of Christ can once again be known by our love.But how? In what context and through what means? How can we tear down the walls that divide our culture, our neighborhoods and workplaces and families, in this increasingly contentious world?Drawing on a rich variety of true stories and sources both historical and contemporary--from behind the scenes in today's halls of power, to moving accounts from church history, to powerful breakthrough's in Daly's own life and ministry--Daly challenges us to reclaim our responsibility, and our privilege, as God's sons and daughters.As followers of Jesus with His humility and compassion as our model, ReFocus: Living a Life that Reflects God's Heart demonstrates how Christians can show the world an inexplicable taste of grace with no agenda other than to reveal the heart of God as the loving Abba Father He is.