This book is essentially inspired by Gabriel’s love for Rumi. The author is a Biologist by training but has sought answers in transcendental mystical experiences and metaphysical connections of transdisciplinary subjects to heal the human condition. A book that beckons for ‘Unity in Diversity’.Gabriel, as can be vividly sensed throughout the book, is an ardent learner of different mystical schools not just theoretically but on an experiential level as well.
Gabriel expresses the powerful story of Rumi and Shams and its solution oriented life affirming relevance in the modern age. Anecdotes from Rumi’s Mathnavi, Dewan etc., along with different mystical traditions and the author’s commentary on the significance of these poems and aphorisms from an esoteric point of view are also exposed in vivid as well as lucid imagery.
In the book, he doesn’t just talk about the Sufisbut also gives us a grip of Christian mystical traditions,’Gnosticism’, the Jewish mystical traditions,‘Kabala’, and several other traditions which according to him have a deeply embedded calling for unity and coexistence of different faiths. He goes further to express ‘Metanoia’ from Greek metaphysics, ‘Samadi’ from Hindu metaphysics and ‘Satori’ from Buddhist metaphysics.
This book is not just an overview of different mystical traditions but can also be read as a comparison between the eastern perspective of the esoteric self and the pragmatic behavioural psychology of the west.
The author’s approach is chiefly pacifist and he largely rests on Rumi’s philosophy to revive the concept of ‘love’ as the ultimate cosmic force that must prevail despite predominant fundamental theological and scientific dogmas. In order to support his treatise he referrers to the works of Leo Tolstoy, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Carl Jung, ImmanuelKant, Hafiz, Ibn Arabi, Avicenna, Muhammed Iqbal including many others of their forte.
Gabriel views the orthodox facet of any faith as politically motivated and deeply divorced from esoteric experience. He, with the aid of many references from different mystical traditions, pleads ‘love for love’s sake’ is the real essence of divine essence and that ulterior motives in way of love lead to corruption of the heart.
This book calls passionately for the abandonment of rigidity in favour of universal fluidity, harmony and sustainable coexistence.
The humanist approach in writing this book can be easily deciphered as the author steers across ideologies –apparently perceived in dichotomy – and makes visible the common principles that are basic to their existence. Therefore giving shape to a declaration of coexistence, peace and unity.
Overall it is an amazing experience to go through this book as an initiation into the understanding of mystical realms of different traditions.In brief, it has something to offer to everyone. I would especially recommend it to those who believe in the power of Love. Go ahead and savour it!
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Alliya Mujeeb has persued her Masters in English literature. Her intrests include reading and writing. She is currently working on a poetry project of which she has written and translated on her own. Alliya divides most of her time between reading, writing and networking. She can be reached at angelovdaheaven@gmail.com
