Ibn ‘Arabi’s Alchemy of Human Happiness: Interview with Stephen Hirtenstein

The philosophy and practice of alchemy, in one form or another, has been around for millennia and espoused by many different cultures, the idea centering around the chemical and physical transformation of some common ore to its highest most valuable state, gold. Modern chemistry naturally discounts this view as outdated and simply not true. But what if that is to miss the point? What if the true alchemical process has little to do with base and precious metals and everything to do man's inner state of being - and the state of his soul?

One of the most important sections of Ibn Arabi's prolific Futūḥāt, the 167th chapter called 'The Alchemy of Human Happiness', focuses on this very subject. Joining us this week on MindMatters we again have the opportunity to discuss the wisdom of the Sufi master Ibn Arabi with Prof Stephen Hirtenstein and his own translation from the original Arabic of the chapter in question.

Can self-perfection bring happiness? Are there paths by which this happiness may be attained? And can personal fulfillment be a byproduct of such a path? Join us as we ask these questions and examine the text that may bring the alchemical process much closer to the everyday work of self growth than one might otherwise imagine.

[jheredia]

I'm definitely taking the advice from one of the cohosts and will start re-reading the Alchemy of Human Happinness. I was fortunate to go to some of the reading groups for the Fusus and other talks given by Stephen Hirstenstein in London. It's definitely a treasure of knowledge and wisdom which even though I sometimes lose focus and find myself lost in the labyrinths of life, its a truth to which I always return.

[polyontomorphic]

this is a really good conversation. thank you.

[maqboolusman]

Really enjoyed this thankyou, great job Stephen much appreciated ❤

[saminayousaf]

Many thanks to you all and specifically mr Stephen.

[dralmansour]

It is great talk for deep understanding of the subject. I have ibn Arabi, s great books since 15 years. They are very deep in true divine spiritual sense. Thanks to all of you for enlightening us on this great subject.

[chyfields]

Fascinating show. Thank you.
One of your best?

[atiqrahman]

LA ILAHA ILLA HOO, 36 TIMES IN QURAN. UNITY --- affirmation of Unity brings happiness.

[cryptogenie]

He was such a great sufi and scholar . Thanks for doing this work

[atiqrahman]

For a seeker of reality / spirituality, it is profound discussion. Did not know that Ibne Araby was such a deep thinker. Every human being has the capability of attaining this realization that we are and should be in a state of gratitude to THE CREATOR. And this brings in deep sensation of PEACE & HAPPINESS.

[atiqrahman]

Music ---- and its effect on a human being is so pleasing and comforting. Sort of DIVINE PASSION which occurs as a result of MUSIC & SONG.

[chrisshrubshall]

Great interview! Enjoy the shows and subject matter!!!!

[IMAHMS]

The Master and His Emissary
Book by Iain McGilchrist

Describes all the science behind the fact that we have two different persons with completely distinct worldviews and mode of being and knowing inside each of our heads.

[atiqrahman]

Very deep, profound conversation about spirituality.

[fineasfrog]

Given the time limit in a precious conversation like this: When we go off on a tangent or a side track what allows that to work rather than impede? One key to this is to ask the question and keep it available when need be all along the way. That question is: What roughly is the essential question that we have before us? With this in the back of our mind we can ask of ourselves about any tangent or idea that might pop up in our mind during the conversation. We can ask: Will this diversion or idea help with clarifying the question and help the unfolding of the answer/s to this question or will it most probably not? It is a balancing act and one of subtle discernment. However if we keep it in mind, the precious little time will less likely go to a waste of time. Again it is a question of balance, not too tight and not too loose. On the whole you guys do a good job of it. G. I. Gurdjieff once said: "In the course of our talk we must (need to) gradually mark the signpost of a productive conversation." Thanks be and keep up this good work.

[TheCazuzo]

I've read ''traité de l'amour'' treaty of love? by Ibn Araby beautiful, that's where I understood the completion of spiritual suffies with christianity....thanks for your work

[Goldenfish]

Very vast knowledge
Sir
In this video at 9min and 56 sec.
I want to say that camal is called JAMAL and beauty is called JAMAAL.
So slight difference is there.
Route may be same.
Like jamal is jeem+ meem+ laam
And Jamaal is
Jeem + meem+ alif + laam
Thankyou.

[Klazyo]

This is the reality and specially cause what is written on the books and also imam al ghazali goes on the meme road as People who experienced NDE " Near Death Experience ".
There is a word in the Quran called " Tesbih " تسبيح Movement .
Thank you for this video

[MaslakulHudaa]

Very insightful indeed, thank you so much, may Allah reward you guys, amin 💙

[amineessa]

Ibn Arabi and Soufisme in general is more than ever an actual subject, especially after the paradigm of modern astrophysics and the non sense of creative chaos, look to all these infinite constants, the least deregulation of a decimal can shoot the univers to unknown realm which we are not aware of, constants like plank, speed of light, Boltzmann, thousands of others also in biology that moves the universe . and the impossibility of them to align in one dash board without the interference of supreme creator/pilot.

[rokhshanadaudi]

“ Union is the only remedy for separation!!!”