The Four Pillars of Spiritual Transformation: The Adornment of the Spiritually Transformed (Hilyat al-abdal) (Mystical Treatises of Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi) Paperback – June 1, 2009

The whole universe is inside of you, if you only dare to look. The four pillars keep you grounded so you can start to reach for the wisdom that resides within you and each and every one of us. This short book is a gem and helps you to connect with your heart. Ibn Arabi knows his stuff.

There is a reason why Ibn Arabi is referred to as the Greatest Shaykh. Whether one is a Shi'ite or a Sunni, one cannot help but notice the wisdom that flows from every page he writes. This particular treatise is very brief-- about 15 pages or so once you get past the translator's introduction, appendices etc. In the treatise, Ibn Arabi discusses his 4 pillars of knowledge-- silence, seclusion, hunger and vigilance-- and in a short space discusses how one uses these to move the soul in a particular direction. As with all of the Shaykh al-Akbar's works, his brevity most certainly does not entail a lack of detail. His writing works on a great number of levels and requires a tremendous amount of reflection in order for the reader to fully benefit from it. Well worth the read.

Silence, Hunger, Isolation and the Night Vigil are the four main points stressed in this mystical work. The original Arabic title is "Adornment of the Substitutes." Through these 4 practices can people reach the highest spiritual states disciplining the Ego and purifying the heart. I found this book extremely beneficial and life changing. These 4 practices can be applied to every aspect of your life.

This rendition of Ibn Arabi's classic is accessible and inviting. A must have for the shelf of any spiritual seeker.

Great Book

Book is over priced. Was a bit shocked when it arrived and found that is was a very small book, the size of a card and 1/4 inch thick!

This book is bilingual. It helps to understand original Arabic terminology. Very well written introduction based on "Futoohat-e-Makkia". I enjoyed reading it .

I love the way this man writes. Why hasn't more of his stuff been translated?