The Black Pearl: Spiritual Illumination in Sufism and East Asian Philosophies

This sparkling book shows, as never before, how the highest metaphysical reaches of East Asian philosophies are scaled by contemplative Islam. Combining insightful analysis and personal reflection, Henry Bayman explores the mystical dimensions of Sufism, Buddhism, Taoism, Zen and Confucianism. He delves into the striking parallels and seemingly irreconcilable differences in their conceptions of Absolute Reality: God, the Tao, Buddha-nature, the One. Bayman shows how each system of thought can illuminate the inner meaning of the others. Most importantly, he shows us how we, ourselves, can approach the divine.

Subjects include:
Enlightenment And Gnosis, Buddhahood and Prophethood
Esoteric secrets of the Japanese Tea Ceremony
God in Eastern philosophies such as Buddhism and Taoism
God in the I Ching
Self-cultivation in Sufism, Buddhism and Taoism
Life after death
Nirvana and God
The Koran, The Tao Te Ching, The I Ching, The Secret of the Golden Flower

Henry Bayman is an independant scholar.