Hi Omss -
It seems like each year I'm surprised at how quickly the holiday season has come upon us. (Is that a sign that I'm getting older?) I figured this is a good time to send out a reminder that books of sacred poetry make wonderful gifts (including gifts to yourself ;-).
Here are some special recommendations I've gathered together for you and your loved ones:
For the eclectic...
This is a compact anthology, but a wonderful collection that includes Li Po, Wu-Men, Rumi, Kabir, Mirabai, Rilke... And the added bonus of Stephen Mitchell's way with words. One of my personal favorites.
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For the wise woman.....
This is the first anthology I got years ago that made me say, Wow! Includes Sappho, Rabia, Yeshe Tsogyel, Hildegard von Bingen, Mechthild of Magdeburg, Hadewijch of Antwerp, Lalla, Mirabai, Bibi Hayati, Marina Tsvetaeva. The best collection I've found of women's voices in sacred poetry.
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For the Christian contemplative...
This has quickly become one of my favorite collections of sacred poetry within the many Christian traditions. John of the Cross, Merton, Hildegard von Bingen, Gibran, Dante, Meister Eckhart, Blake... and Roger Housden's brief, thoughtful insights.
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This is the book that, years ago, introduced me to the stunning poetry of Symeon the New Theologian, igniting my passion for his visionary poetry of light and transformation. You'll also find poems and poetic renditions of writings from many other saints and mystics of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Still a favorite of mine.
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I can't recommend this collection highly enough. Merton, in addition to being a deep mystic, was a truly excellent contemporary poet. His poems feel entirely modern, yet touch on the eternal. While drawing on Catholic imagery, one can hear whispers of Eastern philosophy and insight in his words. Poems to reread and meditate deeply upon.
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A Sufi sampler...
Something about Andrew Harvey's selections and translations always strike a pure note. This book is a delightful collection of poetry and Sufi wisdom stories. Rumi, Kabir, al-Hallaj, Shabistari, Ansari... This is one I return to again and again.
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Illuminated and Illustrated...
Excerpts of Rumi's poetry accompanied by digital collage artwork that draws you deeply into each page. This book entrances on several levels. An excellent gift book.
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A 20th century Indian Yogi commenting on the spiritual meaning of an 11th century Persian Sufi's poetry. That combination yields both perfume and controversy -- but plenty to contemplate. Lovely artwork and border scrollwork. And Fitzgerald's delightful translation of this classic. Recommended.
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Brief selections from Ibn Arabi's metaphysical love poem "The Interpreter of Desires" combined with the amazing Arabic calligraphy of Hassan Massoudy. If you didn't think calligraphy could be fine art, you have to look at this book. Find a quiet place, open this book, and lose yourself in any page...
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A little Zen in your pocket...
A very nice sampler of Japanese and Chinese Zen poetry. Han Shan, Li Po, Wang Wei, Basho, Soseki, Ryokan, Issa... The book fits well in your hand when you're walking to the riverside or the local coffee shop.
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For the contemplative activist...
Poetry by the beloved modern master Thich Nhat Hanh, exploring service and suffering, humanity and interbeing, breath and stillness, beauty and bliss.
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Poetic keys to the journey...
What can I say? Read the first few pages and you won't want to stop. An exploration of the power of poetry to open our lives in surprising, healing ways and, at the same time, an engaging personal memoir. Highly recommended.
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For those early mornings...
You can't go wrong with anything by Mary Oliver, but if you're looking for a good introduction to her poetry, Why I Wake Early is a nice place to start. This collection is one to enjoy, one poem at a time, in those quiet moments before the busyness of the day starts.
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And for blessings...
I keep being told by people how much they love this book of poetic blessings from the Irish philosopher, poet, and mystic, John O'Donohue. These poetically crafted blessings and meditations on the passages of life manage to elevate the spirit, warm the heart, and, on occasion, bring a tear to the eye.
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For even more excellent book recommendations, click here.
May you and your loved ones have a special holiday season during this time when the sacred light renews itself in the midst of darkness
Diwali (early Nov)
Ramadan (Oct - Nov)
Birth of Bahaullah
Guru Nanak's Birthday
Bodhi Day
Hanukkah
Winter Solstice
Christmas
and may the new year bring you bright blessings!
Ivan
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Ivan M. Granger's original poetry, stories and commentaries are Copyright © 2002 - 2010 by Ivan M. Granger.
All other material is copyrighted by the respective authors, translators and/or publishers.
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