Henry Corbin was a philosopher, theologian, and professor of Islamic studies whose work bridged Western philosophical traditions with the mysticism of the Islamic world. His early sensitivity to music foreshadowed the profound resonance and poetics that permeate his writings. A pivotal encounter with the 12th-century Persian mystic Suhrawardi shaped his life's trajectory, illuminating a path where Platonism intertwined with ancient Persian angelology. Corbin fundamentally redirected the study of Islamic philosophy, demonstrating its persistent vitality in the Eastern world, particularly Iran, thereby challenging the notion of its cessation after Ibn Rushd.
It may be that the world which our authors here describe in symbolic language as the "eighth climate" will be seen by Western people as the "lost continent." Should some of them be searching for it, the Spiritual Masters whom the present book seeks to interpret will perhaps serve as their guides.
Creative Imagination in the Sūfism of Ibn 'Arabī
Ibn 'Arabi, a prominent mystic, significantly influenced Shi'ite Sufism through his profound personal experiences and intellectual insights. Henry Corbin explores the connections between Islamic mysticism and Western mystical thought, drawing parallels between Ibn 'Arabi's concepts and Shakespeare's implied cosmology in works like HAMLET and THE TEMPEST. This comparative analysis highlights the shared themes of the imaginal realm and the "place of souls," enriching the understanding of both traditions. The book includes five plates, two in color.
This volume makes two essays by Henry Corbin, the eminent French scholar of Islam, available in English for the first time. Although his primary interest was the esoteric tradition of Islam, Corbin was also a lifelong student of the theological works of Emanuel Swedenborg. The first essay, " Mundus Imaginalis , or The Imaginary and the Imaginal," clarifies Corbin's use of the term he coined, mundus imaginalis , or "the imaginal world." This important concept appears in both Swedenborgian and esoteric Islamic spirituality. The second piece, "Comparative Spiritual Hermeneutics," compares the revelation of the internal sense of the sacred boks of two distinct religions, Christianity and Islam.
An analysis of the life and doctrines of the Spanish-born Arab theologian.
This work, incorporating previously unpublished interviews and articles, retraces the quest of Henry Corbin into the imaginal realm of the unseen self, the domains of angels and numinous beings. A study of religious philosophy, exploration of visionary faith, these pages offer a superb meditation of the great themes of Perso-Islamic mysticism—the Sufi theory of knowledge, the voyage within the soul, le rituel de la coupe —and an illuminating glimpse into the philosophic universes of Sohravardi, Ibn Arabi, and Molla Sarda Shirazi.
The book, first released in 1993, is published by Routledge, a well-known imprint of Taylor & Francis. It explores significant themes relevant to its field, providing insights and analysis that contribute to academic discourse. The content is designed for readers seeking a deeper understanding of the subject matter, making it a valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
Exploring the mysticism and psychological insights of the eleventh-century philosopher Avicenna, this work delves into his significant contributions across various fields. The author, Henry Corbin, uncovers a Persian manuscript that inspires an analysis of Avicenna's mystical recitals, which guide spiritual development. The first part outlines Avicenna's philosophical themes and includes translations of his recitals, while the second part offers a complete translation and notes on the Persian commentary, enriching the understanding of Avicenna's thought and its cosmic implications.
"In the Sufism of ancient Iran, the quest for dawning Light symbolizes the mystic's search for illuminated self-realization. In the path of this spiritual journey, the light arising in one's inner darkness is the Northern Light or the Midnight Sun, which is the brilliant light of truth offering freedom from egotism and from slavery to material existence. The Man of Light in Iranian Sufism presents a penetrating analysis of the writings of the great Iranian Sufis such as Suhrawardi, Semnani, and Najm al-Din Kubra, in which Corbin sees an unfolding and continuity of the idea of light and color as symbols of spiritual development. This intellectually exacting text goes beyond theoretical speculation: Corbin's combination of analysis and clear insight beckons the reader to apprehend the intuitive dimensions of the material being discussed. The Man of Light in Iranian Sufism remains one of the most important expositions of classical Persian Sufism available to a Western audience."--Provided by publisher
Examines the work of Carl Jung in relation to Eastern religion, the wisdom teachings of the Sophia, Sufi mysticism, and visionary spirituality
