Desert Wisdom: The Middle Eastern Tradition - from the Goddess to the Sufis

by Neil Douglas-Klotz

Part oracle, part meditation book, and part Aladdin's cave of Middle Eastern myth and sacred story, Desert Wisdom offers a fresh way to hear the ancient visionary voices of the Middle East that generated three (or more) of the world's great religions.Renowned Sufi scholar and teacher Neil Douglas-Klotz, author of The Sufi Book of Life and Prayers of the Cosmos, has revisioned his acclaimed 1995 classic for the 21st century. Praised by scientists, poets and mystics alike for its ecological approach to "hearing" the native wisdom of the Middle East on its own terms, Desert Wisdom takes us on a journey from ancient Egypt throughout the Middle East to Sufi poets like Rumi and Hafiz. In between, we spend time hearing Genesis the way a storyteller might have told it and sit at the feet of the Aramaic-speaking prophet, Yeshua of Nazareth. Through it all, Desert Wisdom presents us with ancient wisdom about life's biggest questions "Why am I here? Who am I? And how do I love?"“This book weaves ancient sacred messages by the golden thread of unity, revealing clearly the one spiritual reality behind all existence. Open the book anywhere, and you will discover delightful inner openings and insights. You may even hear a silent dialogue between the sacred soul and its shadow. A most timely and useful contribution to all religious and spiritual studies.--Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri, Founder, The Academy of Self Knowledge, South Africa, author of The Thoughtful Guide to Sufism and Son of Karbala“If you talk with your friends while in the midst of reading Desert Wisdom they will probably suspect you’ve fallen in love.”--Brian Swimme, co-author with Thomas Berry of The Universe Story“Middle Eastern enchantment for the soul. Bravo!--Fred Alan Wolf, Ph.D., American Book Award-winning author of Taking the Quantum Leap, featured in the film “What the Bleep Do We Know?”“Read this book aloud. Let the sounds wrap around your heart. These are translations so unhampered by reduction, stiffness and religiosity that the modern window opens quiet on the ancient garden.”--Carolyn McVickar Edwards, Author of The Storyteller’s Goddess“A prophetic and mystical accomplishment of the first order!”--Dr. Matthew Fox, author of Original Blessing and The Reinvention of Work

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published April 1, 1995

About the author

Neil Douglas-Klotz, Ph.D. is a renowned writer in the fields of Middle Eastern spirituality and the translation and interpretation of the ancient Semitic languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Arabic. Living in Scotland, he was for many years co-chair of the Mysticism Group of the American Academy of Religion. A frequent speaker and workshop leader, he is the author of several books. His books on the Aramaic spirituality of Jesus include Revelations of the Aramaic Jesus, Prayers of the Cosmos, The Hidden Gospel, Original Meditation, and Blessings of the Cosmos. His books on a comparative view of Native Middle Eastern spirituality include Desert Wisdom: A Nomad’s Guide to Life’s Big Questions and The Tent of Abraham (with Rabbi Arthur Waskow and Sr. Joan Chittister). His books on Sufi spirituality include The Sufi Book of Life: 99 Pathways of the Heart for the Modern Dervish and A Little Book of Sufi Stories. His biographical collections of the works of his Sufi teachers include Sufi Vision and Initiation (Samuel L. Lewis) and Illuminating the Shadow (Moineddin Jablonski). He has also written a mystery novel set in the first century C.E. Holy Land entitled A Murder at Armageddon.
In addition, he recently edited five “Little Books” published by Hampton Roads, four devoted to a new selection of the work of Lebanese American writer, poet, and mystic Kahlil Gibran, and one dedicated to Wild Wisdom, a collection early ecological writers and mystics.

Reviews

[Aira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Douglas-Klotz, a renowned scholar of Sufism, draws upon his expertise to guide us through a desert landscape rich with history and spiritual significance. Our journey begins in ancient Egypt, where we encounter the foundational wisdom of this cradle of civilization. From there, we traverse the vast expanse of the Middle East, encountering the profound poetry of Sufi masters like Rumi and Hafiz.

Interspersed throughout the book are fresh interpretations of the Genesis story and insightful reflections on the teachings of Jesus. Douglas-Klotz's focus on "hearing" these ancient voices on their own terms fosters a unique ecological approach to spirituality.

The book delves into the core questions that have pondered humanity for millennia: Why are we here? Who are we? How can we cultivate love? Through the lens of desert wisdom, Douglas-Klotz offers a multifaceted perspective that draws connections between various spiritual traditions.

The vastness of the desert itself becomes a metaphor for the human experience. Just as the desert teaches resilience and adaptation in the face of harsh conditions, Desert Wisdom equips readers with tools to navigate the complexities of life. Desert Wisdom has garnered praise from a wide audience, including scientists, poets, and mystics alike. This broad appeal stems from the book's ability to bridge the gap between religion and secular life.

Whether you are a seasoned spiritual seeker or simply curious about the wisdom of the ages, Desert Wisdom offers valuable insights and a fresh perspective on life's biggest questions. So, pick up a copy, embark on this enriching journey, and allow the desert to whisper its secrets into your soul.

[Jae · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought provoking second edition of the book now formatted in the same way as The Sufi Book of Life with the detailed notes held as a separate section which makes for a better flow when using the translations and meditations as a practice.
A book to dip into.