Essential Reading
The following books and texts explore directly an understanding of life in the context of the unity of existence. Some are key texts used in the curriculum at the Beshara School
Key esoteric texts
Whoso Knoweth Himself…
by Balyani, sometimes attributed to Ibn 'Arabi
This short paper is a complete explanation of what unity of existence means, in the context of self-knowledge. It is written from the point of view of unity.
Be As You Are
The teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi
The essence of Sri Ramana’s teachings is conveyed in his frequent assertions that there is a single immanent reality, directly experienced by everyone, which is simultaneously the source, the substance and the real nature of everything that exists.
The book discusses life from an essential point of view through a progression of questions and answers.
The Bhagavad Gita
The Gospel of Lord Shri Krishna – classic sacred Hindu text
It speaks of the nature of action and of man’s function in the creation, and is without equal in the entire Sanskrit literature for the serenity and magnificence of its conception.
Meister Eckhart Sermons
The depth and universality of Eckhart’s teaching and his radical insight gives him a huge following among modern-day seekers of truth.
Rumi, Poet and Mystic
by R.A. Nicholson
Some of Rumi’s best loved poems, masterly and faithfully translated.
Theophany of Perfection
A poem by Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi
An exquisite ode to love. The language of union doesn’t come any more direct than this!
Zen Mind, Beginners Mind
Shunryu Suzuki
Understanding the mind, through informal questions and answers. A book of intense, joyous reflection.
The Gospel According To Thomas
Nag Hammadi Manuscript, translation by Jean-Yves Leloup
“It is almost as though an audible recording of the voice of Jesus had been discovered”.
Spiritual Verses - the Masnavi
By Rumi, in this new translation by Alan Williams
Though Rumi’s Masnavi is vast in scale, it is one of the most personal poems ever written. It is a revolution against imprisonment in personality and against estrangement from our true selves. The verses lead the reader along the path of divine love, towards an understanding of the deepest truth that underlies reality.
Leaving all the space to God
Osman Fazli
It explains in a few sentences the mystery of thought and memory, and outlines the intimate inner work expected from a person aspiring to live life in complete awareness. An exquisite piece of writing.
The Kernel of the Kernel
Ibn ‘Arabi, with commentary by Hakki Bursevi
The interior journey and the way of self-knowledge.
The Wisdom of the Prophets
Ibn ‘Arabi
Ibn ‘Arabi is an unsurpassed master in the exposition and explanation of universality of man and the unity of existence. This book expresses the quintessence of Ibn ‘Arabi’s teaching. It is a deeply esoteric text with its own unique terminology. For an introduction, see next entry.
Spiritual Stayings and Addresses
Al-Niffari
In these ‘Addresses’ the perfect servant is counseled by God with the subtle and precise exhortations of love that union evokes in the heart of the lover.
The Tibetan Book of the Dead
New translation of the complete text, by Gyurme Dorje. It includes an extensive introduction by the Dalai Lama, and commentaries by a number of contemporary Tibetan Masters.
One of the great treasures of wisdom in the spiritual heritage of humanity.