Read Ebook {PDF EPUB} The Heart of the Qur'an An Introduction to Islamic Spirituality by Lex Hixon Spirituality & Practice. The Heart of the Qur'an An Introduction to Islamic Spirituality. Book Review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat. In his new foreword to this book originally released in 1988, Sufi teacher and author Neil Douglas-Klotz ( The Genesis Meditations ) salutes the beauty and clarity of Lex Hixon's meditations on over 900 key passages from the Islamic Holy Book. Although many Westerners are quite familiar with the Tao Te Ching , the Bhagavad Gita, and the Dhamapada, they know nothing about the Qur'an. The intent of this labor of love is, according to Douglas-Klotz, "to communicate to readers some of the same experiential qualities that the text holds for practicing Muslims." Hixon, who died in 1995, was a pioneer in multifaith explorations, practicing Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam at various times. The Heart of the Qur'an reveals the great wisdom in the Islamic tradition and the depth and breadth of its spiritual riches. Neil Douglas-Klotz has arranged the passages of this new edition thematically and provided commentary on Allah as the Ground of Being, creation, judgment, religious diversity; the prophets; the Prophet Muhammad; prayer; gratitude and giving; pilgrimage and the journey of the soul; struggle with the small self; honesty and justice; and lovers of love, a life of compassion. At the outset, Hixon notes: "The Holy Qur'an, we must always remember, does not contain the human speech and thought of the Prophet Muhammad, but is the Divine Song of power and love sung directly by Allah, the ultimate Source of the universe, through the personal, cultural and spiritual being of His Prophet." Allah the Most High is the Creator of the world and yet knows our most innermost thoughts. "When three of you are talking together privately, Allah is actually present as if He were a fourth member of the conversation." Look anywhere and you will see signs of this presence: "Among the demonstrations of Love that flow continuously from the Source of Love is the Creation for every human being of an intimately related partner in life, providing communion, strength and repose. Allah Most High has established between wife and husband the possibility for truly selfless compassion and profound love. The relationship of marriage contains deep spiritual teaching for those who contemplate deeply . . . "Among the demonstrations of Love that flow continuously from the Source of Love is the peaceful sleep by which beings are refreshed at night or during the day. Thus the natural activities of daily existence, all the ways that conscious beings instinctively and intuitively reach out for the gracious and abundant gifts of Allah, become clear spiritual teaching for those who perceive clearly." These blessings flow from the Source of Love and the proper response is one of gratitude. Again and again this spiritual practice is singled out as significant. The Qur'an contains many comments about the diversity of human religions and the importance of harmony among them. Here is a passage that reveals Islam's veneration of Jesus and Mary: "The Supreme Source sent Jesus, son of My beloved Mary, to walk the noble way of all the Prophets, those deeply cherished guides of humanity. Through the Prophet Jesus, the Source of Wisdom transmitted the Radiant Gospel, full of the same Light of Truth that streams through the Living Torah, resonant with warning and guidance for those who turn with purity of heart toward Allah Most Sublime. The people of the Living Gospel, called Christians, can continue to live wisely in the light of the Revelation granted to them through My beloved Jesus. Only those are turning away from Allah Most High who abandon the wisdom that flows to their own people, through their own Prophets, through the Source of Wisdom." In other passages, prayer is designated as "your life's purpose" and people are admonished to treat others with respect. We found this summary statement to be most beautiful: "Remind your people that the deep human response for which Allah Most Merciful calls is the commitment to justice that transforms daily life into continual acts of kindness and generosity toward all persons, recognizing them as one intimate family." The Heart of the Qur'an. "Neither as Christians or Jews, nor simply as intellectually responsible individuals," says Hixon, "have members of Western civilization been sensitively educated or even accurately informed about Islam." As tensions between America and the Middle East grow, we should promote cross-cultural understanding, not violence. This new edition, with a new foreword and commentary by Neil Douglas-Klotz, allows the reader to drink from the illuminating fountain of the Holy Qur’an—the foundation of Islamic culture. First published in 1988, Hixon’s poetic meditations on over nine-hundred passages from the Qur’an show that they are not relics from the past but exist in a timeless present, communicating as vividly as when they were first uttered. Through clear and accessible language, Hixon illustrates how the teachings of Islam can be applied to contemporary everyday life issues such as love, relationships, justice, work, and self-knowledge. In addition to the selections themselves, the book contains readable, lively introductions to the tradition of Islam, its basic precepts, and what it says about other religions. As the first such work in English to be written by a Muslim, The Heart of the Qur’an continues to show that Islam is among the great wisdom traditions of humanity. Lex Hixon. "I grew up in the cultural openness and wild sacred energy of Southern California. I was not raised conventionally or religiously. Freedom was the keynote of my parent's philosophy. At thirteen I went to a conservative Boy's Academy in Connecticut. These were four years of blessed discipline. The effect of this almost monastic atmosphere was a great intensification of my awareness. Here, under the guidance of wonderful minds and spirits, I became a practicing poet, philosopher, musician, and spiritual seeker. These four strands have interwoven in my life ever since then. "Rather than returning to the cultural comforts of California, I remained in the more challenging context of the east coast, attending Yale University for four years, then moving to New York City. I graduated in Philosophy, with an honors paper on Soren Kierkegaard, my first formal spiritual guide. Kierkegaard opened wide for me the dimension of the spiritual, which he clearly demonstrated to lie beyond what he called the aesthetic and the ethical or logical. "At age 19, I became consciously Christian, under the guidance of the father of a college roommate, Vine Deloria Senior, a Lakota Sioux Episcopal priest. The rich, non-European Christianity of Father Deloria, subtly based in his Native American heritage of vision-quest, blended into the intense, existential Christianity of Kierkegaard, with its sharp critique of Hegelian rationalism, the tendency of European expansionist thinking. Thus, my spiritual life began as a confluence of European and non-European currents. "During college, I encountered traditional Zen through Alan Watts as well as the non-tradition of Krishnamurti. I also discovered The Gospel of Ramakrishna, which I began reading after graduation in 1963. I met the author of this extraordinary book, Swami Nikhilananda, by visiting the address of the publisher, printed on the back cover. My wife Sheila and I studied, traveled and meditated with the Swami for the last seven years of his life. He became the God-father of our four children. Following his guidance, I began studies for the Ph.D. at Columbia University, finally completing my dissertation on the Gaudapadakarika in 1976. My gratitude to him knows no bounds. "During my ten years as a graduate student, I became a radio journalist, broadcasting a weekly, two hour interview show called "In the Spirit," over New York radio (WBAI), from 1971 to 1984. This endeavor involved a tremendous amount of fieldwork in newly emerging American spiritual consciousness, as well as an opportunity to meet the finest representatives of world-traditions who visited New York City. I met literally hundreds of teachers and students - both unknown and well-known, both authentic and not-so-authentic-observing the interesting dynamics of cultural interaction and spiritual growth. At this time I also began to study classical Indian music under the master sarodist, Vasant Rai. "In 1975 I offered a course at the new School for Social Research. These well- attended spring term lectures were recorded, transcribed, and painstakingly edited. They became Coming Home: The Experience of Enlightenment in Sacred Traditions, published by Doubleday in 1978. Some twenty thousand copies were sold before the book went out of print. In 1988, Jeremy Tarcher reprinted Coming Home, and it has become a classic in its field. "In 1980, I accepted the formal responsibility as a spiritual guide, or Sheikh, in the seven hundred year old Khalwati-Jerrahi Order from Egypt and Istanbul. My duty included care and guidance for four communities of Sufis. I was privileged to make the traditional Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, with my Sheikh in 1980, at the pivotal age of forty. Three books emerged from this Islamic experience: Heart of the Koran published in 1988, Recollecion de la Miel (Gathering Honey) published in 1989, and Atom from the Sun of Knowledge. These books are well regarded by Muslims and non-Muslims alike and they represent a kind of informal peace initiative. "Beginning with Zen, under the Japanese master Eido Roshi during the late sixties, and moving into Tibetan Tantric Buddhism in the mid seventies, my study and practice of Buddhist meditation has been ongoing. A book, Mother of the Buddhas, has emerged from this experience as well. My wife and I were privileged to make the pilgrimage to Bodhgaya and Sarnath in India with our Lama, Tomo Geshe Rinpoche, in 1981. In 1983, Sheila and I entered a formal, three year study of the mystical theology of the Eastern Church at Saint Vladamir's Seminary. We sacramentally joined the Orthodox Church, attending for a period of several years, and we still attend the chapel there as parishioners. None of these spiritual studies and practices have become outmoded in my life, and I try to remain current in four sacred traditions - Ramakrishna Vedanta, Vajrayana Buddhism, the Jerrahi Dervish Order, and Eastern Orthodox Christianity. "In 1992, came the publication of Great Swan: Meetings With Ramakrishna. This book holds the key to unlock all my life experiences. It provides a bridge between East and West, a bridge which I have crossed in both directions and which many people will be able to cross comfortably, maintaining their intellectual, cultural and spiritual integrity. Essential secrets for the unfolding of cultural interaction and spiritual growth in the 21st century are encoded in this vibrant portrait. With Ramakrishna as our inspiration, our subtle task is to create a global society based on the intuitive sense of the Sacred, a society with rich diversity yet without boundaries." Lex "entered" final liberation on November 1st, 1995, which was also, fittingly enough, both All-Saints Day and Jagaddhatri Puja, the holy day dedicated to Sri Sarada Devi's chosen ideal. He remained conscious and light-hearted right up to the moment of leaving the body, despite dealing with cancer. Lex Hixon "passed away" as he had lived, consciously, happily, and spiritually. His final book entitled "Living Buddha Zen" was released just prior to his passing. In the Spirit Radio on WBAI New York City. From the early 1970's through the late 1980's, Lex Hixon hosted a radio program at WBAI in New York City that was unprecedented in its depth, scope, insight and creativity. Entitled "In The Spirit," it appeared as both "Body/Mind/Spirit" for a time and "Spirit/Mind/Body" as well. On this long running inspirational program that spanned two decades and which was sponsored in listener supported fashion on WBAI Radio, Lex interviewed educators, healers, clergy, authors, artists, psychics, spiritual leaders, teachers and a host of others. As a list, the fruit of this selfless work reads like a comprehensive Who's Who of the spiritual, artistic and intellectual heart and mind of both eastern and western cultures. With subtle tenderness and insight, though never lacking the penetrating edge which makes for excellent broadcasting, Lex welcomed the orthodox and the unorthodox, the conservative and the radical, the famous and the obscure, the popular and the controversial, the powerful and the humble, the aggressive and the retiring. He interviewed swamis, priests, rabbis, roshis, sheikhs, rinpoches, yogis, gurus, poets, musicians, psychics, occultists, authors, writers, teachers, politicians, businessmen and more-a collection which also includes such guests as the Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa, to name a few. This set of programs, which numbers over 300 titles, is now offered on CD in individual recordings ranging from the half-hour interview to the ninety-minute program. Special rates are available for those who are interested in the entire set of 331 programs or for orders exceeding 10 programs. The Books of Lex Hixon. Lex Hixon's literary works came about from direct experience in the field of spirituality combined with intellectual refinement and human sensitivity. Being intensely involved in both the cultures and religions of the world, his was a view of universal acceptance honed by discrimination and dedicated to harmony based on unity. These living books are for all who take their spiritual path seriously as also for those who desire to intensify their commitment to and expand their understanding of religion, philosophy and spiritual life. Additionally, novices and newcomers to the path will find in these works a timeless message of hope and inspiration which will facilitate a transformation of the human mind and a spiritualization of everyday life. Heart of the Qur'an. - An Introduction to Islamic Spirituality (Revised) Bog 6-10 hverdage (Sendes fra fjernlager) kr. 174,42 E-bog Levering med det samme kr. 184,95. Leveringstid 6-10 hverdage (Sendes fra fjernlager) Forventet levering 30-06-2021. Beskrivelse Yderligere info Anmeldelser. Neither as Christians or Jews, nor simply as intellectually responsible individuals, says Hixon, have members of Western civilization been sensitively educated or even accurately informed about Islam. As tensions between America and the Middle East grow, we should promote cross-cultural understanding, not violence. This new edition, with a new foreword and commentary by Neil Douglas-Klotz, allows the reader to drink from the illuminating fountain of the Holy Qur'an--the foundation of Islamic culture. First published in 1988, Hixon's poetic meditations on over nine-hundred passages from the Qur'an show that they are not relics from the past but exist in a timeless present, communicating as vividly as when they were first uttered. Through clear and accessible language, Hixon illustrates how the teachings of Islam can be applied to contemporary everyday life issues such as love, relationships, justice, work, and self-knowledge. In addition to the selections themselves, the book contains readable, lively introductions to the tradition of Islam, its basic precepts, and what it says about other religions. As the first such work in English to be written by a Muslim, The Heart of the Qur'an continues to show that Islam is among the great wisdom traditions of humanity. Lex Hixon. The following is an excerpt from the introduction by Shaykha Fariha al-Jerrahi to the collection of Hadiths: 101 Diamonds from the Oral Tradition of the Glorious Messenger Muhammad . Shaykh Nur al-Jerrahi, a Modern Sage. In each time there are certain human beings entrusted with keeping the transmission of divine knowledge alive. They protect the creation through their light, and before leaving this world, they pass this role on to others. Lex Hixon, Shaykh Nur al-Jerrahi, the author of this English text, called these beings sages. He himself was one of them--a modern day sage. At all times, Nur affirmed the teaching that supreme Truth surpasses all conception and cannot be grasped, yet it is everywhere and is all that exists. The only way for seekers to realize truth is to unveil it within themselves, for they are never separate from it. Nur personally experienced Supreme Reality as boundless love, and he poured this wine of perfect love into countless open hearts. No amount of words can describe him or his means of teaching which were surprising, disarming, and compassionate. Whether he was called ‘Shaykh Nur’ or ‘Lex’ by the seekers of various paths who surrounded him, his life was always dedicated to revealing the true nature of the human spirit, and freeing the modern mind from the prison of materialism and existential doubt. He helped to liberate religion from the weight of compulsion, convention and patriarchy. He envisioned a humanity consistently inspired by the breath of divine love and continuously disappearing into divine Existence. He was a friend of all the great religious traditions, and worked for their mutual understanding and love. He never wanted to reduce one of these sacred worlds to the other, as he felt that each is a perfect expression of truth, and each has the potential to bring about complete realization. For thirteen years, as a part of his relentless exploration and service, Lex conducted a radio program called In the Spirit. From this platform he interviewed spiritual teachers from all over the world, helping to draw an untold number of listeners into their own spiritual path. On one of the shows he met the living teacher who became his master and guide in the Sufi path. Shaykh Muzaffer Ozak al-Jerrahi was one who had become fully mature, a ‘master of essence’, the Qutub of his time. He embraced Lex as his spiritual son, and gave him the name Nur, divine light. Indeed Nur would manifest Islam as a dazzling path of light, truth and holy love. The lightning bolt had leapt from the East to the West. Through the remaining fifteen years of his life Shaykh Nur Lex Hixon became a gushing spring of inspiration. Shaykh Muzaffer appointed him as the head of the community of American dervishes who gathered in the Masjid al-Farah in New York City. After the Shaykh’s passing on February 12, 1985, many dervishes received mystic dreams of Nur as his successor, and so they took the pledge of the student to the teacher, the holy bond which is able to bring about complete spiritual realization in the heart of the aspirant. After the first transitional years, Nur’s community began to grow and spread, particularly through his travels for book readings and his participation in spiritual gatherings. And so there formed a series of circles of lovers of God across the Americas, connected to the spiritual lineage of Shaykh Nur, Shaykh Muzaffer and the founding saint, Pir Nureddin Jerrahi. Spiritual lineage is transmitted from heart to heart through the special relationship of teacher and student—the bond between one who embodies the light and the vessel who receives it in order to become a new embodiment. Spiritual transmission, formless and wordless, is likened to a ray of light leaping from the breast of the teacher into the heart of the student. This ray brings about a birth in the heart of the student called the qalb weled, the child of the heart. This child has the unique characteristics of its lineage. Following the guidance of the teacher and nourished with the light of Qur’an and Hadith, the child of light grows and matures until it too becomes a guide for others. This process brings about the formation and guarantees the continuation of spiritual community, which is the matrix of Sufism and the living embodiment of Qur’an and Hadith. In Islam, as in all the sacred traditions, knowledge becomes real when it is lived.