The Elixir of the Gnostics

William C. Chittick

The underlying theme of Şadrā’s amplification is emblematic of Muslim philosophy: the importance of self-knowledge in an individual’s journey of “Origin and Return,” the soul’s origins with God and its eventual return to Him. Everything, Şadrā says, is on such a path, gradually disengaging from the material world and returning to a transcendent essence—all leading to a final fruition in which everything in the universe returns to God and finds permanent happiness. Philosophy, Şadrā argues, is the most direct means to self-knowledge—and thus the best tool for navigating this journey.

Publication Information

ISBN 10: 0-934893-70-5
ISBN 13: 978-0-9348-9370-1
Page Count: 271
Price: $ 39.95
Sub Site: Middle Eastern Texts Initiative