Rūzbihān Baqlī

Book Description

This scholarly exploration invites readers into the profound spiritual world of Ruzbihan Baqli, a remarkable Persian Sufi mystic whose extraordinary visions remained largely hidden until recent decades. Carl W. Ernst presents a comprehensive study of this outstanding figure who died in 1209, drawing from newly rediscovered texts that illuminate one of Sufism's most compelling voices.

At the heart of this work lies Ruzbihan's own visionary diary, "The Unveiling of Secrets," written in Arabic and filled with mystical encounters of breathtaking intensity. Through these pages, readers witness direct spiritual experiences with the divine, angels, prophets, and revered Sufi saints. Ernst skillfully analyzes the structure and language of these mystical revelations, offering insights into how profound spiritual experiences unfold and express themselves.

The study also examines two Persian biographical accounts written by Ruzbihan's great-grandsons a century after his passing, providing contrasting perspectives on the mystic's life and legacy. Through extensive translated excerpts from these primary sources, readers gain access to authentic voices from the Sufi tradition.

Ernst's analytical approach reveals the rhetoric of sainthood that permeates Ruzbihan's writings, helping contemporary seekers understand how mystical experience manifests and communicates itself. This work serves as both historical scholarship and spiritual exploration, offering valuable perspectives for anyone drawn to the depths of mystical consciousness and the rich tradition of Persian Sufism.