Ascent to Heaven in Islamic and Jewish Mysticism by Algis Uždavinys


Ascent to Heaven in Islamic and Jewish Mysticism
Title : Ascent to Heaven in Islamic and Jewish Mysticism
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1908092025
ISBN-10 : 9781908092021
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 202
Publication : First published August 20, 2011

In this groundbreaking work of comparative religion, Algis Uzdavinys takes us deeply into the "closed and blessed gardens of myth", showing us the capital importance of the many varieties of "ascent to heaven". From the Pyramid Texts down to Second Temple Judaism and apocalyptic Christian literature; and, in parallel, down the theurgic path of Platonic and Hermetic literature to the sanctum of the Islamic revelation in Mecca, we are vividly presented with the sacramental impact of elevation to the domain of the supernal archetypes and heavenly principles. As with other books by the author, the face of antiquity is revealed anew, full of intriguing, challenging and enraptured insights.

Ascent to Heaven in Islamic and Jewish Mysticism Reviews

  • Dina Kaidir

    The mythical garden of tradition is a closed and blessed system from which the contemplative does not willingly depart in order to become involved in the cold and neutral space of an "exact science", such as "comparative religion."
    ~Frithjof Schuon~

    A Sufi mystic circumambulates the Ka'bah of his own heart, represented by the Abrahamic Meccan sanctuary. He moves in circles, reciting the Name of God, connecting him to the beginning within the Holy of Holies.

    The book speaks about the inner work of a lover of God, not so much about perfecting the mechanical movement of the physical body, rather, the sincere preparation of our hearts to receive His Grace, if He so wills you to ascend...draw near.

    I loved the way the book seemed to fluidly weave us through the wisdom of the ancients to describe the varieties of "ascent to heaven."

    An anagogical* read :)

    *Late Latin anagg, from Late Greek, spiritual uplift, from anagein, to lift up : ana-, ana- + agein, to lead; see ag- in Indo-European roots.