Dissolving into Being
Dissolving into Being
Dissolving into Being
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Description
Description
Dissolving into Being is an introduction to Sufi philosophy, a tradition based on the
teachings of Ibn 'Arabi (d.1240), Sufism's most influential master. His voluminous
writings offer a treasury of wisdom, yet their vintage and complexity can limit their
purview to experts. To help bridge the gap between specialized studies of Sufi
philosophy and a broader readership, Dissolving into Being offers a modern
commentary on key passages of Ibn 'Arabi's foremost work, The Gemstones of
Wisdom, drawing out its profound insights on the unity of life, the reality of love
and the mysterious nature of destiny, death and what follows. In the process of
doing so, the book explores key elements of the Islamic Sufi-tradition and offers
an overview of the Sufi path of spiritual transformation, all the while pointing to the
deep resonance of Sufi philosophy with other religions and philosophies.
Although such works are much more widely available for other (what we might call) mystical
philosophical traditions, there is little available on Sufi philosophy that is not
explicitly oriented towards a strictly academic readership.
About the Author
About the Author
Critical Reviews
Critical Reviews
"This is an exquisitely beautiful and sharply insightful contemporary
engagement with Ibn 'Arabi's ideas. With charm and remarkable lucidity,
W. Rory Dickson makes complex metaphysical concepts, theological
debates and perennial philosophy both accessible and compelling to the
reader. This is indeed delightfully 'fresh food' for the spiritual seeker and
the intellectual. Truly one of the most valuable, discerning and useful
contemporary contributions to the study of Ibn 'Arabi's ideas."
Sa'diyya Shaikh, Department for the Study of Religions, University of Cape
Town, South Africa
"William Rory Dickson brings Ibn 'Arabi's Gemstones of Wisdom into
conversation with modern spirituality. Dissolving into Being dives deep
into a rich variety of themes in Islamic mysticism and comparative
religion, and provides an engaging and accessible modern commentary
that is a pleasure to read."
Aydogan Kars, School of Philosophical, Historical, and International Studies,
Monash University, Australia
"Of interest to both the academic and the general reader, William Rory
Dickson offers profound insights into the work of the great Sufi Master,
Ibn 'Arabi. Of particular relevance to our present fractured time, he
explores how everything in our world is a manifestation of a singular
Essence or One Being, and how this singular Ultimate Reality can also
be found in Buddhist teachings, among others. Ibn 'Arabi's understanding
of the unity of life and the reality of love speak directly to the mind and
the heart. Dissolving into Being is a valuable addition to contemporary
Sufi studies."
Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, author of Sufism, the Transformation of the Heart
"Dissolving into Being is a must-read for anyone seeking a clear and
lively exposition of Sufi metaphysics."
Mohammed Rustom, Carleton University, Canada, author of Inrushes of the
Heart: The Sufi Philosophy of ʿAyn al-Quḍāt
Publishing Information
Publishing Information
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