The Alchemy of Human Happiness (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781905937592)

Stephen Hirtenstein is a Senior Research Fellow of the Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi Society and Editor of the Society Journal, as well as director of Anqa Publishing. He also works as a senior editor on Encyclopaedia Islamica, and teaches Sufism and Sufi poetry at the University of Oxford. His particular interest is in the conservation of the existing manuscripts of Ibn 'Arabi's works. His publications include The Unlimited Mercifier (a biography of Ibn 'Arabi) and translations of shorter treatises (Divine Sayings, Seven Days of the Heart). Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi (1165-1240) is unquestionably one of the most profound and remarkable figures in the history of world spirituality, and became known within the Islamic world simply as 'the Greatest Master' (al-Shaykh al-Akbar). He provided the most comprehensive understanding of Islam from its most literal to its most profound meaning, and his influence upon later generations of spiritual masters can be seen in countries as far apart as Spain and Indonesia. Ibn 'Arabi's writings are founded on a totally harmonious vision of Reality as One and Many, integrating all apparent differences without destroying their truths. They are singularly appropriate and needed in the world of today.