{"id":6334,"date":"2018-12-10T10:27:29","date_gmt":"2018-12-10T17:27:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.poetry-chaikhana.com\/blog\/?p=6334"},"modified":"2018-12-11T10:28:35","modified_gmt":"2018-12-11T17:28:35","slug":"holiday-book-recommendations-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.poetry-chaikhana.com\/blog\/2018\/12\/10\/holiday-book-recommendations-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"Holiday Book Recommendations 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
\n<\/td>\n\nI sometimes make a particular effort to experience slow time. But the calendar seems to speed up each year. It’s easy to be surprised that the winter holidays are here. It is already the eight day of Hanukkah. Christmas is only a couple of weeks away. The Winter Solstice. New Year.<\/p>\n

I have had a tradition in past years of sending out a list of recommended books around the holidays. In my mind, you received this email at least two weeks ago. Let’s just say that’s when this was sent out, shall we?<\/p>\n

If you’re still looking for some gifts to give, to family, to like-minded friends, or even to yourself as a way to begin the new year, consider the gift of poetry and inspiration. Poetry lasts in ways few other gifts can. A really good poem unwraps itself a little more each time it is read, becoming a continuously opening gift to the mind and the heart.<\/p>\n

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Here is a a holiday sampler to consider as gifts for you and your loved ones:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Let’s start, of course, with some Poetry Chaikhana publicatons…<\/p>\n

== Poetry Chaikhana Publications ==<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\"This<\/a><\/td>\n		\n
\n
\nThis Dance of Bliss
\n<\/a><\/span>
\nEcstatic Poetry From Around the World<\/span><\/p>\n

A Poetry Chaikhana Anthology<\/i><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/small><\/small><\/small>Edited with Commentary by Ivan M. Granger
\n<\/span><\/small><\/small><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

This Dance of Bliss<\/em> is an inspiring collection of poems and wisdom stories from the world’s great sacred traditions. Rumi, St. John of the Cross, Lalla, Goethe, Hildegard von Bingen, Dogen, Khayyam, and many others gather together within these pages to sing their ecstatic songs.<\/p>\n

Ivan M. Granger accompanies each poem with his own reflections and meditative commentaries, inviting us to explore the insights and private raptures of these mystics, seers, and saints-until we too are swept up in this dance of bliss!<\/p>\n

\u201cThis book is a treasure, a feast, an oasis.<\/strong> Ivan M. Granger’s profound gift for selecting the kind of poetry that lights up the cave of the heart and melts the boundaries between the soul and the Divine is fully met by his lucid reflections on the soul-transfiguring power of each piece in this magnificent collection.<\/small><\/i>\u201d
\n<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nMIRABAI STARR
\nauthor of God of Love: A Guide to the Heart of Judaism, Christianity & Islam<\/a><\/i><\/small><\/small><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n


\n<\/small><\/small><\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/small><\/small><\/small> PURCHASE: Amazon<\/a><\/b> or Wordery<\/a><\/b> (free shipping worldwide)<\/small><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\nTo satisfy that longing (or awaken it)…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nThe Longing in Between<\/a><\/big>
\nSacred Poetry from Around the World
\n(A Poetry Chaikhana Anthology)<\/em><\/p>\n

Edited with Commentary by Ivan M. Granger<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

In many ways this is my most personal publication, combining favorite soul-inspiring poems from the world’s great religious and spiritual traditions, accompanied by the thoughts, meditations, commentary, and occasional tangents that have been central to the Poetry Chaikhana poem emails for years. Selections from Rumi, Whitman, Kabir, Machado, Issa, Teresa of Avila, Dickinson, Blake, Yunus Emre, John of the Cross, Lalla, and many others.<\/em><\/p>\n

These are poems of seeking and awakening… and the longing in between.<\/em><\/p>\n


\n<\/em><\/em>“The Longing in Between is a work of sheer beauty. Ivan M. Granger has done a great service, not only by bringing [these poems] to public attention, but by opening their deeper meaning with his own rare poetic and mystic sensibility.”
\n~ ROGER HOUSDEN, author of the best-selling Ten Poems to Change Your Life<\/a> series<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/b><\/small><\/p>\n


\n<\/b><\/small>PURCHASE: Amazon<\/a><\/b> or Wordery<\/a><\/b> (free shipping worldwide)<\/small><\/td>\n

\nFor the modern mystic…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nMarrow of the Flame<\/big><\/a>
\nPoems of the Spiritual Journey
\nby Dorothy Walters<\/p>\n

Introduction by Andrew Harvey<\/small><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Dorothy Walters explores the spiritual journey through its ecstasies, struggles, and vistas. Each step is observed with the keen insight and clear voice of a modern woman who is both a skilled poet and genuine mystic.<\/em><\/p>\n

Dorothy Walters’s poems are immediate and inviting, transcendent and often playful. Many of these poems are in dialog, with Rumi and Rilke, Denise Levertov and Lalla, each poem contributing its own wisdom and humor to the ongoing conversation that passes between visionaries and sages through history and across cultures.<\/em><\/p>\n


\n<\/em><\/em>Marrow of Flame has already become a modern classic among spiritual seekers.<\/em><\/p>\n

“These poems make me gasp.<\/b> Dorothy Walters–part buddha, part elf–weaves mythic literacy with subversive compassion.” ~ Mirabai Starr<\/i><\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/b><\/small><\/p>\n


\n<\/b><\/small>PURCHASE: Amazon<\/a><\/b> or Wordery<\/a><\/b> (free shipping worldwide)<\/small><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

A few words to find silence…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\n
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Gathering Silence<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/small><\/small><\/small> Sayings by Ivan M. Granger
\nCollages by Rashani R\u00e9a
\n<\/span><\/small><\/small><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n<\/p>\n

Gathering Silence<\/i> is a collection of meditative sayings and bits of poetry, accompanied throughout by stunning full-color artwork by internationally-known collage artist, Rashani R\u00e9a.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gathering Silence<\/i> is a truly beautiful book, filled with color, creative thoughts, and meditative moments. Perfect for an altar or meditation space, by your bed or on a coffee table. A wonderful gift for family, friends, and fellow seekers!<\/p>\n

I hope you will agree that this book is a work of art!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

\nThe individual is really
\na magical act of seeing
\nwith no fixed eye.<\/small><\/i><\/div>\n<\/td>\n
\n
\n
\nAll of mysticism comes down to this:
\nto recognize
\nwhat is already
\nand always here.<\/small>
\n<\/i><\/div>\n<\/td>\n
\n

\nProtect
\nthe wild places
\nin yourself.<\/small><\/i><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/small><\/small><\/small><\/small><\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/b><\/small><\/p>\n


\n<\/b><\/small>PURCHASE: Amazon<\/a><\/b> or Wordery<\/a><\/b> (free shipping worldwide)<\/small><\/p>\n

<\/small><\/small><\/small><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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For illumination…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nThe Illuminated Rumi<\/a>
\nTranslations by Coleman Barks
\nArt by Michael Green<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Excerpts of Rumi’s poetry accompanied by amazing digital collage artwork that draws you deeply into each page. This book entrances on several levels. An excellent gift book.<\/em><\/p>\n

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For the wise woman…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nWomen in Praise of the Sacred: 43 Centuries of Spiritual Poetry by Women<\/a>
\nEdited by Jane Hirshfield<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

This is the first anthology I got years ago that made me say, Wow! Includes Sappho, Rabia, Yeshe Tsogyel, Hildegard von Bingen, Mechthild of Magdeburg, Hadewijch of Antwerp, Lalla, Mirabai, Bibi Hayati, Marina Tsvetaeva. The best collection I’ve found of women’s voices in sacred poetry.<\/em><\/td>\n

\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nThe Shambhala Anthology of Women’s Spiritual Poetry<\/a>
\nEdited by Aliki Barnstone<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Another very good anthology of spiritual poetry by women, from ancient to modern times. Poets like Mirabai, Mahadevi, Lal Ded, Sappho, Sun Buer, Dickenson, Tsvetaeva. The two books together — this with Women in Praise of the Sacred<\/a> — make a good collection.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nThe Kundalini Poems: Reflections of Radiance and Joy<\/a>
\nby Dorothy Walters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The continuing poetic dialog between Dorothy Walters and the unfolding dance of the Kundalini. Words of a modern mystic to be savored.
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

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For the prayerful heart…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nHeaven on Earth: Timeless Prayers of Wisdom and Love<\/a>
\nEdited by Stephanie Dowrick<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prayers as poems. Poems as prayers. A wonderful selection from Rumi to Rilke, from the Buddha to the Bible. Prayers of celebration. Prayers that heal. Prayers for sorrow. Prayers for daily life. Whether we formally pray or not, whether we connect to a personal sense of God or not, these prayer poems awaken the heart and revitalize the spirit, reconnecting us to life all around us. <\/em><\/p>\n

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A Sampling of Sufi Wisdom…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nThe Shambhala Guide to Sufism<\/a>
\nBy Carl W. Ernst, Ph.D.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Not a collection of poetry, but good book to help you begin to understand who the Sufis really are. An intelligent, insightful look at the history, practices, philosophies, schools, and even politics of Sufism. If you’ve loved the poetry of Rumi but only have a vague idea of how Sufism fits within the Islamic faith, this book is a good place to start.<\/em><\/td>\n

\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nTales of the Dervishes: Teaching Stories of the Sufi Masters over the Past Thousand Years<\/a>
\nBy Idries Shah<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Short wisdom stories from the Sufi tradition that surprise with unexpected insight, delightful humor, and enigmatic conclusions that invite deeper contemplation. I have been rereading this favorite collection for years.<\/em><\/td>\n

\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nTravelling the Path of Love: Sayings of Sufi Masters<\/a>
\nEdited by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee has gathered together an excellent collection of short sayings and poetic excerpts from many of the great Sufi masters throughout the centuries. Gathered together in themed chapters, such as The Longing of the Heart, The Path, Mediatation and Prayer, and The Valley of Love. Open this book to any page late at night and find a hidden gem to contemplate.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

For the Christian contemplative…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nFor Lovers of God Everywhere: Poems of the Christian Mystics<\/a>
\nby Roger Housden<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

This has quickly become one of my favorite collections of sacred poetry within the many Christian traditions. John of the Cross, Merton, Hildegard von Bingen, Gibran, Dante, Meister Eckhart, Blake… and Roger Housden’s brief, thoughtful insights.<\/em><\/td>\n

\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nSelected Poems of Thomas Merton<\/a>
\nby Thomas Merton<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

I can’t recommend this collection highly enough. Merton, in addition to being a deep mystic, was a truly excellent contemporary poet. His poems feel entirely modern, yet touch on the eternal. While drawing on Catholic imagery, one can hear whispers of Eastern philosophy and insight in his words. Poems to reread and meditate deeply upon.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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For the Jewish mystic…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nThe Dream of the Poem: Hebrew Poetry from Muslim and Christian Spain<\/a>
\nTranslated and Edited by Peter Cole<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

An excellent collection of the great Hebrew poets and writers who emerged from the flowering of Jewish culture in Medieval Spain. A nice sampling of important figures of Kabbalah, philosophy, and culture, like Hanagid, ibn Gabirol, Halevi, Abulafia, and many more. While T. Carmi’s Penguin Book of Hebrew Verse<\/i><\/a> is more comprehensive, Cole has more of a poet’s sense of language.<\/em><\/p>\n

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A little Zen in your pocket…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nZen Poetry: Let the Spring Breeze Enter<\/a>
\nEdited by Lucien Stryk and Takashi Ikemoto<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

A good collection without being overwhelming. I especially like it’s selection of Japanese haiku: Basho, Buson, Issa, Masahide…<\/em><\/td>\n

\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nHaiku Enlightenment<\/a>
\nBy Gabriel Rosenstock<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

This book is an excellent sampling of haiku, traditional and modern, and, at the same time a wise and playful exploration of the essence of haiku insight. A bit pricey for this slim volume, but enthusiastically recommended for meditators, writers, and haiku enthusiasts. Also look for its companion volume Haiku: The Gentle Art of Disappearing<\/a>.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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For the Rilke lover…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nRilke’s Book of Hours: Love Poems to God<\/a>
\nTranslated by Anita Barrows and Joanna Macy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

There are several very good translations of Rilke available, but I’ve slowly come to the opinion that Barrows and Macy, more than any others, get the tone just right. Their Rilke translations glow and uplift, but without losing the shadows that also haunt the spaces between his words. Perfect!<\/em><\/td>\n

\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nIn the Company of Rilke<\/a>
\nby Stephanie Dowrick<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

A lovely, insightful meditation of the poetry of Rilke and why it speaks so powerfully to us today. The perfect companion book to pair with your favorite Rilke collection.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Artist, Therapist, Shaman…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nPoetic Medicine: The Healing Art of Poem-Making<\/a>
\nBy John Fox<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Not a book of poetry, but a book that belongs on every poetry lover’s bookshelf. This is a book about the transformational nature of poetry – reading it, speaking it, writing it. Poetry as therapy. Poetry as a pathway to self-exploration. Poetry to rediscover your true voice. I was surprised how much I liked this book.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Lover and the Beloved…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nFor Love of the Dark One: Songs of Mirabai<\/a>
\nTranslated by Andrew Schelling<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Andrew Schelling’s translations embody that tension between heartbreak and ecstasy that runs through all of Mirabai’s poetry. These poems can be read as love poems or as spiritual poems — but, of course, they are both.<\/em><\/td>\n

\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nLove’s Alchemy: Poems of the Sufi Tradition<\/a>
\nTranslated by David and Sabrineh Fideler<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Another very good collection of Persian Sufi poetry. This book focuses on poems and poets that are not as well known in the West. A good place to discover some new names.<\/em><\/td>\n

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<\/a><\/td>\nWine of the Mystic: The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyan: A Spiritual Interpretation<\/a>
\nby Omar Khayyam
\nCommentary by Paramahansa Yogananda<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

A 20th century Indian Yogi commenting on the spiritual meaning of an 11th century Persian Sufi’s poetry. That combination yields both perfume and controversy — but plenty to contemplate. Lovely artwork and border scrollwork. And Fitzgerald’s delightful translation of this classic. Recommended.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Transcendent Hindu verses…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nSpeaking of Siva<\/a>
\nTranslated by A. K. Ramanujan<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

This book became an immediate favorite of mine ever since I picked up a copy of it a few years ago. Stunning poems from the Shiva bhakti tradition of India. Basava, Devara Dasimayya, Akka Mahadevi, Allama Prabhu. The commentary in the book, though a little academic, is genuinely insightful. Enthusiastically recommended!<\/em><\/td>\n

\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nI, Lalla: The Poems of Lal Ded<\/a>
\nTranslated by Ranjit Hoskote<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

There are several translations of the poetry of Lalla available in English now, good ones too, but Ranjit Hoskote’s versions are my favorite. They seem to marry a love of the original language with a poet’s sense of English, without ever losing the mystic’s fire at the center of each poem. Recommended.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\nAnd for blessings…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\nTo Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings<\/a>
\nby John O’Donohue<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

I keep being told by people how much they love this book of poetic blessings from the Irish philosopher, poet, and mystic, John O’Donohue. These poetically crafted blessings and meditations on the passages of life manage to elevate the spirit, warm the heart, and, on occasion, bring a tear to the eye.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

For even more book recommendations, click here<\/a>.<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n


\n<\/i>(I let the list get a little long this year, but, even so, I had to leave off so many amazing books. The drawback to loving so much poetry.)<\/i><\/p>\n

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Let’s remember that, in the midst of winter’s dark, this is the time to renew the light — within ourselves and our world. Regardless of religion, may we recognize our shared brotherhood and sisterhood within the human family, all within the lap of the generous green earth that is our home.<\/p>\n

I hope you and your loved ones have a special holiday season —<\/p>\n

— and that the new year brings you bright blessings!<\/p>\n

Ivan<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I sometimes make a particular effort to experience slow time. But the calendar seems to speed up each year. It’s easy to be surprised that the winter holidays are here. It is already the eight day of Hanukkah. Christmas is only a couple of weeks away. The Winter Solstice. New Year. I have had a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[811],"class_list":["post-6334","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-books","tag-poetry-book-recommendations"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.poetry-chaikhana.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6334","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.poetry-chaikhana.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.poetry-chaikhana.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.poetry-chaikhana.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.poetry-chaikhana.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6334"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.poetry-chaikhana.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6334\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6346,"href":"https:\/\/www.poetry-chaikhana.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6334\/revisions\/6346"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.poetry-chaikhana.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6334"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.poetry-chaikhana.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6334"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.poetry-chaikhana.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6334"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}