Dissolving into Being
[Copies available from 23 September 2024]
Overview
Dissolving into Being is a brilliant new introduction to Sufi mystical philosophy, a tradition traced back to the works of Sufism’s most renowned master, Ibn ‘Arabi (d. 1240). To help bridge the gap between specialized studies of Ibn ‘Arabi and a more general readership, Dissolving into Being highlights several of his insights, on subjects ranging from the origin of the world and the reality of love, to the nature of life after death, destiny, peace and conflict, and religious diversity, all through an exploration of his masterwork Gemstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-hikam).
This excellent book will appeal to anyone seeking a new approach to Sufi thought as well as those familiar with Ibn ʿArabi's ideas, especially those who want to explore the Gemstones of Wisdom.
William Rory Dickson is Associate Professor and Chair of Religion and Culture at the University of Winnipeg. His books include Contemporary Sufism: Piety, Politics, and Popular Culture (2018) and Unveiling Sufism: From Manhattan to Mecca (2017).
Endorsements
“This is an exquisitely beautiful and sharply insightful contemporary engagement with Ibn ‘Arabi’s ideas. With charm and remarkable lucidity, W. Rory Dickson makes complex metaphysical concepts, theological debates and perennial philosophy both accessible and compelling to the reader. This is indeed delightfully ‘fresh food’ for the spiritual seeker and the intellectual. Truly one of the most valuable, discerning and useful contemporary contributions to the study of Ibn ‘Arabi’s ideas.”
“William Rory Dickson brings Ibn ‘Arabi’s Gemstones of Wisdom into conversation with modern spirituality. Dissolving into Being dives deep into a rich variety of themes in Islamic mysticism and comparative religion, and provides an engaging and accessible modern commentary that is a pleasure to read.”