all of the major branches of islamic mysticism, ‘irfān, refer to imam ‘ali (‘a) as a major source for their teachings and practices. hence, we begin with a review of how the mystics viewed imam ‘ali (‘a). after this we consider some controversies about the nature of ‘irfān and its relationship to sufism, for the terms have been used in different ways. then we turn to the sources on the basis of...

St. Bonaventure asserts that man can ascend contemplatively to God through three phases. The first one is contemplate outside us by appreciating the corporeal things as vestiges of deity: this “immanent” phase Bonaventure’s Aesthetics, framed and second stages contemplation God. consists entering into our soul, a spiritual image God: intermediate phase, in which we inside ourselves his constitu...

Teresa of Avila, a 16th-century Carmelite nun known as teacher the mystical life, proposed interpersonal friendship one prerequisites for life prayer. She envisaged prayer an relationship with triune God and considered among aspirants essential. For her, was practical fruit sisterly lived in community. With contemplation destination, attempt is made to bring out nuances Teresa's thoughts on nee...

All of the major branches of Islamic mysticism, ‘irfān, refer to Imam ‘Ali (‘a) as a major source for their teachings and practices. Hence, we begin with a review of how the mystics viewed Imam ‘Ali (‘a). After this we consider some controversies about the nature of ‘irfān and its relationship to Sufism, for the terms have been used in different ways. Then we turn to the sources on the basis of...

The monastic reforms of the 10th century greatly increased role psalter, a biblical book that became main tool monk in personal and collective prayer. Odbert Psalter, produced Saint-Bertin around 999, opens with scene Pentecost which we see Christ represented as king who is static space distinct from apostles, exhibiting an attitude meditation. This not narrative image: this indication for read...