Tag Archives: Mystical

Ibn Arabi – Sufi Poet & Mystic

In his book The Sufis, Idries Shah provides a detailed account of the life and teachings of one of the most important figures of Sufism, Muhyi al-Din Ibn Arabi (1165-1240). Ibn Arabi was a prominent scholar, mystic, and poet whose writings contributed greatly to the development of Sufism and Islamic theology. Although his life and teachings were controversial in his lifetime, Ibn Arabi is considered an important figure in Islamic spirituality, and is known for his influential teachings on the concept of God’s unity and his emphasis on spiritual experience over intellectual knowledge. We will provide an overview of Ibn Arabi’s life and teachings, with a focus on the chapter in Shah’s book The Sufis about Ibn Arabi.

Biography

Ibn Arabi was born in Murcia, Spain, in 1165. His father was a lawyer from Seville, and his mother was from an important Andalusian noble family. Arabi was educated at the famous Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo, Egypt, where he studied Islamic theology, philosophy, and Sufism. He was also influenced by the teachings of al-Ghazali, an influential medieval thinker and Sufi scholar whose works would later become one of the major sources of Ibn Arabi’s teachings.

At an early stage, Ibn Arabi developed a passionate interest in spirituality and mysticism, and began to develop his own powerful teachings. Eventually, he settled in Damascus and began to teach, travel, and write extensively. His writings spanned many topics, but focused primarily on his theories of unity, love, and integration. He wrote about the divine unity and the essential oneness of all creation, and about the need for a strong connection between the individual and the divine in order to find inner harmony and peace.

Ibn Arabi’s Teachings

Ibn Arabi’s most important contribution to Sufi teachings was his concept of unity in God, or wahdat al-wujud. He preached that since God is one, all of creation is essentially one with Him, and all beings share in His oneness. He believed that humans could experience the fullness of God’s unity through a direct experience of the divine within, and that this experience was a necessary prerequisite for spiritual development. He also believed that the self can only be fully realized when it is connected to the divine, and that this connection is achieved through the practice of dhikr, or remembrance of God.

In his writings, Ibn Arabi also sought to bridge the gap between philosophy and mystical experience, and to emphasize the importance of both forms of knowledge. He argued that true understanding of the divine cannot be achieved through theoretical knowledge alone, but must also rely on subjective experience and direct contemplation of the divine. He believed that the true nature of reality could only be experienced through the direct experience of unity with the divine. 

Ibn Arabi was one of the most important figures in Islamic spirituality. His writings explored the concept of God’s unity and emphasized the need for a strong connection between the individual and divine in order to find inner harmony and peace. His life and teachings provide a powerful example of the importance of spiritual experience in developing a deeper understanding of God and of the world.

The Neo-Platonic influences on Ibn Arabi

Throughout history, the Muslim philosopher Ibn Arabi has been revered for his insistence on universal spirituality, his ability to synthesize different metaphysical traditions, and his expansive view of the world. Ibn Arabi’s writings have been critical to the formation of Sufism and his works continue to be cited and debated in Islamic scholarship. While established as an important figure in classical Islamic theology, Ibn Arabi’s teachings were heavily influenced by Neo-Platonic concepts. We will survey some of the key Neo-Platonic ideas that imbued Ibn Arabi’s writings and discuss the ways in which these ideas were expressed and extended in the philosopher’s work.

The term “Neo-Platonism” first appears in the writings of 15th century German scholar Johannes Reuchlin, who used it to describe the renaissance of Platonism that was taking place in the Islamic world in the 13th century. This period saw a revival of Platonic thought in the Islamic world that was heavily influenced by Neopythagorean speculation on the nature of the heavens, the divine, and the soul. Neo-Platonism influenced a great many Muslim philosophers, including Ibn Arabi.

Ibn Arabi’s writings are immersed in Neo-Platonism, from his One Thousand and One Treatises of Philosophy, to his major work, the Meccan Revelations. In the One Thousand and One Treatises, for instance, Ibn Arabi argues that the Neo-Platonic concept of the “Unity of Being” – the belief that all existence is effectively a single, unified entity – is key to understanding the nature of the spiritual path. In this regard, he goes beyond Neo-Platonic thought and strengthens its core concepts, such as God’s essential unity and the living, personal nature of Being. Similarly, in the Meccan Revelations, Ibn Arabi affirms the Neopythagorean belief in the unity of souls, but argues that a plurality of individual souls is the product of a complex and subtle mystical process.

Ibn Arabi was also influenced by the Neo-Platonic idea of the demiurge, or mediator between the material and the spiritual. For example, Ibn Arabi believed that humanity could become active participants in the cosmic process of self-realization, and argued that the spiritual “guide” was essential to this path. In this way, he was able to incorporate Neo-Platonic ideas of divine mediation into his own spiritual philosophy.

Finally, Ibn Arabi took Neo-Platonism beyond mere philosophical speculation and incorporated its concepts into Islamic theology. He argued that the Islamic tradition contains the truth of both Platonic and Neo-Platonic concepts, and sought to demonstrate how these truths manifest within Islamic theology. In this way, he was able to bridge the gap between these two philosophical traditions, as well as to establish an integrated worldview based on both.

Ibn Arabi’s writings are deeply influenced by Neo-Platonic concepts. Through his works, he was able to synthesize Neo-Platonism with the Islamic tradition and create an expansive vision of the universe that was rooted in the principle of the Unity of Being. While the Neo-Platonic ideas expounded by Ibn Arabi were complex, they ultimately helped to express the essence of his spiritual philosophy.

The Islamic mystic, Muhyddin Ibn Arabi, was a hugely influential thinker and writer who attempted to bridge the spiritual chasm between East and West. Borrowing ideas from both Hinduism and Islam, he created an innovative and controversial synthesis of the two traditions. One of the most influential of these ideas he inherited from Hinduism was the concept of Bhakti (devotional love). Let’s explore how this concept impacted Ibn Arabi’s thought and how it continued to influence Sufi traditions up to the present day.

What is Bhakti?

Bhakti is a Hindu term that refers to a devotional practice of love and sacrifice for a divine entity. It is closely related to the concept of puja, a ritualistic practice of worship intended to evoke a spiritual connection between an individual and the Divine. Bhakti can also be seen as a way of attaining spiritual liberation through the selfless act of devotion. The Bhakti movement itself was a product of the 11th century in which the idea of loving god spread across India, influencing literature and popular culture.

Ibn Arabi’s Influences

Ibn Arabi was deeply influenced by the Bhakti tradition. He saw it as a way to reconcile his Islamic faith with the spiritual practices he inherited from Hindu tradition. His writing was full of references to Bhakti, most notably in his ‘Futuhat al-makkiyya’ (Meccan Openings). Here, Ibn Arabi writes about love as being ‘the greatest of worships’, a sentiment deeply rooted in the Bhakti tradition. Ibn Arabi’s ideas on divine love, proximity and transcendence were largely shaped by his understanding of Bhakti.

Bhakti’s Influence on Sufism

Ibn Arabi’s understanding of Bhakti had a profound influence on the development of Sufism. During the 13th century, Sufi communities began to adopt Bhakti ideas of love and devotion from Ibn Arabi. This was reflected in popular Sufi interpretation of the Quran, which focused heavily on the theme of one’s relationship with god. This idea of a close relationship with the Divine was further developed by later Sufi thinkers such as Rumi and Shabistari.

Conclusion

This search has explored the influence of Hindu Bhakti on the mystic philosopher Muhyddin Ibn Arabi’s thought and how this has carried forward to shape the traditions of Sufism up to the present day. Ibn Arabi’s incorporation of Bhakti ideas into his philosophy provided a bridge between the two distinct traditions of Hinduism and Islam, helping to unite the spiritual practices of both. His understanding of the importance of love, proximity and transcendence inspired later Sufi thinkers and continues to shape Islam today.

Here’s some quotes by Ibn Arabi :

1. “We must accept the presence of God in everyone.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi

2. “God created Adam out of Love, not out of need.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi 

3. “If you do not know your essence, then you do not know your Lord.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi

4. “If you love truth, be a lover; and if you love Wisdom, be a seeker.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi

5. “The God you do not know is preferable to you than the god you believe in comfortingly.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi

6. “Whoever comes to know himself, knows his Lord.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi

7. “He who knows himself, knows his Lord.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi

8. “The entire universe is a divine Face; every thing in it is a sign.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi

9. “He who has knowledge of himself knows all things.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi

10. “Prayer is the most precious pearl of wisdom, and silence is its true form.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi

11. “The worship of one God brings with it a knowledge of all created beings.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi

12. “Rejoice in the knowledge of your own Self.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi 

13. “The more we discover within ourselves, the more we discover God.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi

14. “In truth, God inspires in you the knowledge and wisdom that He has for you.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi

15. “God’s mercy is so great that it forgives you not for a single moment, but for eternity.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi

16. “The source of spirituality is the heart of man, not a book or a teacher.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi

17. “Do not seek to understand in order to believe, but believe in order to understand.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi

18. “No one knows the secrets of God’s relationship with man except God himself.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi

19. “Love is the cause of existence and its end.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi

20. “The human being is my witness that I am God and that God is me.” ― Ibn ‘Arabi


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The Gnostic Christ

In the realm of sacred knowing, the Gnostic Christ does dwell,
A timeless presence, a divine spark, a truth no tongue can tell.
Beyond the bounds of mortal flesh, transcendent and profound,
In mystic whispers, hidden truths, eternal wisdom found.

His eyes ablaze with cosmic fire, a love that knows no end,
He guides us through the labyrinth, our souls to mend and mend.
A teacher of the inner path, he leads us to the light,
Through trials and tribulations, he holds us through the night.

The Gnostic Christ, a mystic sage, his essence ever near,
In sacred texts and secret lore, his message we revere.
He unveils the illusion’s veil, the mysteries to explore,
A guide to seek the hidden truths, the treasures to restore.

With gnosis as our lantern, we journey through the soul,
A quest for deeper understanding, to make our spirits whole.
In union with the divine spark, the Christ within us gleams,
The Gnostic path of love and light, forever in our dreams.

Thanks for visiting my blog! To learn more about this “Gnostic Secrets” and to start your own journey with a team of like-minded and inspired wizards & seekers, forging a way to make the world a better place for all, just like you…

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~Sakshi Zion

Law of Attraction and Abundance

The Law of Attraction is real! YOU can empower YOU simply by believing and having Faith in yourself to reach all your potential and goals and just going for it.

Today I started the day off right! I prayed and meditated and visualized abundance and listened to an inspiring audio about trusting the universe. The universe conspires to help you, once you set into motion the right action to manifesting your dreams.

After that, I read from the New Testament. In Matthew Ch. 9, Jesus (Yeshua) is going around healing people, and he keeps telling them that because they have faith, that is why they are healed.

Matthew 9:20-22

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood for twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment, she said, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.” And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Matthew 9:28-30

And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, “Believe ye that I am able to do this?” They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it unto you.” And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, “See that no man know it.”

Matthew 9:36-38

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.”

law_of_attraction

It is because of their faith that they received the blessings and healing they desired and needed.

The last verse I quoted above really struck me, because when you are trying to achieve your goals and dreams, you must also have this faith in yourself. For in starting a new business or endeavor is like planting seeds and after it grows you reap the good harvest. Yeshua is saying that indeed the wealth and abundance is plentiful in the universe but the laborers are few, but with faith in yourself and the blessings of Jah, the Lord of the Harvest, the laborers come and all reap the harvest of abundance and prosperity. Having faith in God or the Universe is part of the flow of energy from the source to you and everything as we share the oneness of infinity, you must have this faith in yourself to achieve and manifest all that you desire. Your Wish is Your Command!

Bringing the Law of Attraction is achieved with flow & focus. If you want to attract something in your life like money, love, health, healing, knowledge, family, ect… then you must focus positive and optimistic energy on having it and faith in yourself and the universe to provide it for you. As you attract it, you are also sending out more of that “good energy” or “positive vibrations” everywhere. Your aura radiates a glow of happiness and prosperity.

Earlier today I came across a YouTube video about attracting money and abundance, using visualizations and Vedic mantras. It really aided in my meditation and may also help yours too!

Maha Lakshmi Mantra: Eastern Law of Attraction to Attract Money (Sankalpa Siddhi)

Blessed Love

I hope you got lots of VALUE from this post! If you have questions or comments, please share your comments below! Thanks for visiting my blog!

~Sakshi Zion

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Amma as Lakshmi Devi blessed me with Financial Freedom!

When I saw Amma in California last year, I asked her for a special money blessing. I was in-between a rock and a hard place and in need of a real break. At the end of the all-night Darshan, early in the morning, Amma appeared in the center of the stage with her hands full of flower petals. As people sang the final bhajans, she slowly let the flower petals fall from her hands, showering flowers, which struck me deeply. Amma does something special known as Devi Bhava which means she becomes absorbed in the mood of the Goddess. She was manifesting in this form as Lakshmi, the Goddess of Fortune. You can often see images of the Goddess Lakshmi in the similar form, in which she showers coins in blessings to the viewer/devotee. The coins represent fortune, abundance, and prosperity. Anyone who receives the blessings of Lakshmi will have some sort of abundance.

I knew that I was sealed with Amma’s blessings, who channeled those supreme blessings from the Supreme Goddess, Herself. From then on, my life started to change and opportunities began to open themselves to me, for me to make more money and do the type of work I enjoyed, the Home Business Industry is one of the most exciting and booming new ways to make a 6-7 figure income! I researched it before starting professionally and found it to be such a powerful yet often misunderstood way to create a thriving income and freedom based lifestyle from home or while traveling. You can make $1000 a day or more by simply writing blogs daily, just like this. You can write about anything you like! Just like this!! I can write about things I care about or that interest me, and make “good money” doing it. To me, this is a blessing to which I give abundant thanks to God for. Hallelujah! Jai Maa!

From Amma’s Official Website Amma.org :

Amma Means Mother in Many Languages

Mata Amritanandamayi is known throughout the world as Amma, or Mother, for her selfless love and compassion toward all beings. Her entire life has been dedicated to alleviating the pain of the poor, and those suffering physically and emotionally.

English: Mata Amritanandamayi.
English: Mata Amritanandamayi. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Goddess Lakshmi
Goddess Lakshmi (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I hope you got lots of VALUE from this post! If you have questions or comments, please share your comments below! Thanks for visiting my blog!

~Sakshi Zion

Ps. Get Access Now to my FREE Ebook! How I use Law of Attraction to Travel the World and Live my Dreams!

HAPPY NARASIMHADEVA APPEARANCE DAY

“Lord Narasimha is here and also there. Wherever I go Lord Narasimha is there. He is in the heart and is outside as well. I surrender to Lord Narasimha, the origin of all things and the supreme refuge.”~Narasimha Purana

Narasimha is the Lion form of God in India. He represents Divine Majesty and Protection.

I always felt a connection to this Lion form of God because of how much I loved the form of Christ as the Lion of Judah.

Listen to Bob Marley singing the song Lion of Judah:

If you want to learn about the Cat Mystery Schools and divine parallels of Cats from around the world in sacred traditions, check out my friend Jahnagga Baba’s very well done video:

Enjoy! Jaya Narasimhadeva!

I hope you got lots of VALUE from this post! If you have questions or comments, please share your comments below! Thanks for visiting my blog!

~Sakshi Zion

Ps. Get Access Now to my FREE Ebook! How I use Law of Attraction to Travel the World and Live my Dreams!