Oriental Mysticism

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Oriental Mysticism

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

E. H. Palmer offers a lucid exposition of Sufi philosophy, exploring the spiritual journey toward divine unity. Blending Persian mysticism with Islamic doctrine, this work invites readers to transcend worldly perception through allegorical contemplation, poetic imagery, and the esoteric path of the 'Traveller' seeking the hidden treasure of God.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1867, E. H. Palmer's *Oriental Mysticism* offers a comprehensive exposition of the Sufi system, a tradition within Islam that seeks to reconcile philosophy with revealed religion through mystical interpretation. Palmer frames the spiritual life as an allegorical journey undertaken by the 'Traveller,' representing the developing perceptive sense, who strives to attain Divine Light and the knowledge of God. A central paradox of this path is that there is no physical 'road' to God, for God encompasses all existence; yet, the error of imagining a separate existence is the necessary step toward realizing unity. Palmer distinguishes between the 'Law' (Prophetic words), 'Doctrine' (Prophetic example), and 'Truth' (Prophetic vision), arguing that the final goal is for humanity to speak, act, and think aright. The text outlines a cosmology of four universal sources: the Nature of God, the Constructive Spirit, and the Invisible and Sensible Worlds. Palmer asserts that all existence is a manifestation of the Divine, describing the universe as a mirror in which God sees Himself. He further delineates the distinct offices of the Prophet, vested in Muhammad, and the Saint, reserved for the future Mahdi. Palmer also addresses how early prejudice shapes belief, contrasting those who rely on external attributes with those who seek internal evidence. Through extensive use of Persian poetry and technical glossaries, the work presents a detailed overview of Sufi metaphysics, the nature of God's attributes, and the stages of spiritual ascent, ultimately asserting that the heart is the mirror in which God sees Himself.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/e-h-palmer_oriental-mysticism.epub

Local file path

data/epubs/url-1ab0b7f807968bf6.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-06-30 03:57 UTC

Categories

• Religion
• Philosophy