The Alchemy of Human Happiness (Mystical Treatises of Muhyiddin Ibn 'Ara)

Description

The quest for happiness and fulfilment lies at the very heart of all human life, and in the teaching of one of the world's greatest mystical writers, Ibn 'Arabi, true happiness consists in the vision of One Reality underlying all manifestation. This is a goal within the potential of every person. In this first English translation of a core chapter from the famous Meccan Illuminations (al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya), Ibn 'Arabi comprehensively summarises all his major teachings on human perfectibility and true happiness. Using the imagery of alchemy and ascension, he gives the reader a unique insight into the spiritual journey by contrasting two ways of acquiring knowledge: the rational and the mystical. With an introduction to Islamic alchemy, the Hermetic tradition and the mysterious elixir, this book is an essential text for anyone interested in Sufism, Islamic spirituality or medieval alchemy. Title Page Copyright Contents Abbreviations Acknowledgements The Translation Introduction Chapter 167 within the Futūḥāt Alchemy and the Hermetic Tradition Transmutation into Gold Cosmic Order The Elixir Chapter 167: Contents and Themes The Two Travellers The Private Face (al-wajh al-khāṣṣ) Idrīs, the Prophet of Alchemy and Medicine Translation Part I Part II The 1st Heaven: Adam & the Moon The 2nd Heaven: Jesus, John & Mercury The 3rd Heaven: Joseph & Venus The 4th Heaven: Idrīs & the Sun The 5th Heaven: Aaron & Mars The 6th Heaven: Moses & Jupiter The 7th Heaven: Abraham & Saturn The Lote-Tree The Lunar Mansions The Constellations & Gardens The Footstool & the Supreme Light The Throne & Its Bearers The Universals The Cloud & Beyond The Return Faith & Knowledge Appendix A: The Cycle of Creation according to Ibn ʿArabī Appendix B: Macrocosmic and Microcosmic Correspondences Bibliography Arabic text (begins at the end of the book)