The Unveiling of Secrets is a mystical diary of astonishing intensity, written by one of the outstanding figures of Sufism, Ruzbihan Baqli. The first English translation of this extraordinary text, it intimately records an inner life filled with visions of God appearing to Ruzbihan in an overpowering manifestation of divine qualities. Vividly as well as visually described, this beautiful classic of spiritual autobiography will appeal to anyone seriously concerned with the life of the spirit.

"A fine pick for any seeking a first-person gentle account of spiritual exploration."--The Bookwatch, July 1997

". . .this translation offers rich veins of knowledge and beauty."--NAPRA ReView, Fall 1997

"This mystical diary is another jewel to be added to the treasure trove of Islamic classics."--Frederic A. Brussat, Values & Visions Reviews Service, August 1997

"Ernst's clean, idiomatic translation makes smooth reading that, because of its visionary content, frequently dazzles. . ."--Ray Olson, Booklist, October 1, 1997


"This book opens before us a world of fragrant roses, visions of incredible boldness, described by one of the greatest visionaries in the realm of
mystical love in Islam, Ruzbihan. The reader is transported by this congenial translation into the sphere of Absolute Beauty, and overwhelming
Divine Love. May many readers enjoy this work which seems so far from the image of Islam current in the West!"-
-DR. ANNEMARIE SCHIMMEL
Professor Emeritus of Indo-Muslim Culture,
Harvard University
and author of Mystical Dimensions of Islam

"Ruzbihan is back! One of the great Sufi mystics from the century just before Rumi, almost unknown for hundreds of years, comes among us again in this powerful and necessary book. I am grateful to Carl Ernst, who leads us through these spiritual diaries."
-COLEMAN BARKS
translator of The Essential Rumi

"This is the first work of Ruzbihan Baqli, one of the colossal figures of Sufism, to be translated into English. Rendered into a language that is at once elegant and accessible, this beautiful classic of spiritual autobiography should appeal not only to scholars of Islamic thought, but also to anyone seriously concerned with the life of the spirit."
-SEYYED HOSSEIN NASR
University Professor of Islamic Studies
The George Washington University

"The Unveiling of Secrets put me in what Ruzbihan might call 'a station' of pure awe. This book explodes contemporary notions of autobiography. It overwhelms doubt without argument, overwhelms with the integrity of its own telling, and immerses the willing reader, the sincere one, in the central mystery and joy of life. It brings, in this translation, an iltibas- -an investiture of dignity and mercy and grace--to the English language itself. This book takes us where we cannot go and lets us stand there listening as it reads itself. Open it, and watch a man love God as God loves man."
-DAVID JAMES DUNCAN
author of The River Why, The Brothers K, River Teeth, and My Story as Told
by Water

[Return to Catalog] - [Fons Vitae titles] - [Sufism] - [Order books]