Category: The Jewelled Garden

For some background on the 10th c. CE Persian mystic Abul Hassan Kharqani, see this post. Master said, “I begged my Creator to let me see myself as I am,and Continue Reading →

Han Shan Te Ching (1546–1623 CE) was a highly influential Buddhist monk whose influence in the Chan school continues to the present day. Among his extensive writings is a set Continue Reading →

Loy Ching-yuen (1873 – 1960 CE) was a Taoist tai chi and chi gung master. He was born in Hubei and later married and settled in Shanghai. To know Taomeditateand Continue Reading →

Hung-chih Cheng-chueh (1091–1157 CE) was an influential Chinese Chan Buddhist monk and poet. He is particularly associated with ‘silent illumination’ chan, which may be glimpsed in this poem. Silently and Continue Reading →

The yogi and mystic Sri Ramana Maharshi taught a very clear form of self inquiry, and the text here could be considered the foundation of the spiritual search. Who am Continue Reading →

For some information about the mystic and martyr Mansur al Hallaj, see this post. You went away but remained in meAnd thus became my peace and happiness. In separation, separation Continue Reading →

Juan de la Cruz (1542 – 1591 CE) was a Spanish Catholic priest and mystic, who is regarded as one of the foremost of Spanish poets. He was born in Continue Reading →

Clare of Assisi (1194 – 1253 CE) was one of the first followers of St. Francis, and under his direction founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic order for Continue Reading →

Pattinattar was a 10th c. Tamil Shaivite, and one of the greatest poets of that tradition. Like others in the Siddha tradition, he was strongly against ritualism and the caste Continue Reading →

For some information about the 13th c. Persian Sufi Awhad al-Din Kirmani, see this post. At first, the way of your loveseemed easy. I thought I’d reachyour unionwith speed. After Continue Reading →