The Beloved: Reflections on the Path of the Heart

"His power came from some great reservoir of spiritual life else it could not have been so universal and so potent, but the majesty and beauty of the language with which he clothed it were all his own." -- Claude Bragdon Kahlil Gibran, on Love: Love was the central theme of Gibran's life which he expressed in prose poems, and drawings; "Just reading the English translation for this collection of his love-related Arabic works makes my bones ache with the amazing insights he portrays through moving language." ankh fire "Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself. But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires: To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To know the pain of too much tenderness. To be wounded by your own understanding of love; And to bleed willingly and joyfully. To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving; To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstasy; To return home at eventide with gratitude; And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart, and a song of praise upon your lips." G. Khalil Gibran The Beloved: For Gibran, love was the eternal way for any human being to reach completeness, in self realization transforming their life by the power of the encounter with the beloved; "Who among you would not cross the seas, traverse deserts, go over mountains and valleys to reach the woman whom his spirit has chosen? What youth would not follow his heart to the ends of the earth to breathe the sweetness of his lover's breath, feel the soft touch of her hands, delight in the melody of her voice?" The Arkana Edition: This Penguin Arkana edition of the unique selection of Gibrans writings on the mystical union in love and marriage which he dedicated to the spirit that embraced his spirit and the heart that poured its secrets into his heart, will kindle a fire in the emotions of poetry responsive readers like Ankh fire. The introduction by Robin Waterfield is concise but eloquent and informing. The translator John Walbridge of Indiana University, who lived and studied in the Middle East introduced G. Khalil Gibran, in a nice biography analyzing his thought, and how he liberated traditional Arabic of his time, writing in a simple diction of modern new form. He compares the passion expressed in his early writings, with the its Lebanese setting and American influence. This new translation of the gifted poet's early Arabic composition is a contemporary fresh one which reflects the original text more closely. G. Kahlil Gibran, 1883-1931: I encountered Gibran before appreciating Arabic poetry, as a young kid I was amazed by the beauty of his art and the romance of his expression, in 'The Prophet.' Later, I read him in Arabic, before I found out how the Libanese emigrant poet has touched the Western hearts. This collection of Gibran's early stories, parables and poetic prose, were written in Arabic before his

I have probably not read any author with more of a gift for beautiful words than Kahlil Gibran. Just reading the English translation for this collection of his love-related Arabic works makes my bones ache with the amazing insights he portrays through moving language. This book is a very well assembled collection, with a decent introduction about Gibran's life (knowing the author, after all, is essential to understanding their work.) With a nice harmonized blend of short stories and poetry, The Beloved is an important addition to both beginners' and the experienced's understanding of a very unique philosopher. It also includes some of Gibran's mystic artwork, for which he was almost as well known as for his writing. The translators/editors did an excellent job in portraying Gibran's style and gorgeous words as closely as possible to the original Arabic. No one has had the poetic rhythm Gibran did; hopefully appreciation for his extraodinary gift for language will grow. (PS, if you haven't read Gibran's The Prophet, do.)

My first venture into the words of Gibran was his most famous work, 'The Prophet.' Wonderful as it was, I must say that I prefer this piece of writing by far. What I found most astounding is that this was penned when he was a very young man! These are the words of an old soul who has tasted the heights and depths of the realm of love embraced and love lost. The language is musical, spare, deep... each word carefully chosen and perfectly placed (I speak of this particular translation of the original work). It is a short read but powerful and deeply impacting. This one is worthy of a permanent place on your bookshelf.

I bought this book because I love Gibran's _The Prophet_, and because I always call my Beloved by that title.I bought it to give it to her, and read it first. It put into words so elegantly so many things I have tried to say in the time that I have known her.Anyone who has truly loved another to the point where you feel your soul touched by their soothing word will understand the spiritual reflections of _The Beloved_.As for the cover art, well: Do what you do is to judge a book by its cover? This, of course, is a foolish thing to do and is quite silly in light of the age-old adage against it.The cover art embodies the relationship between love and spirit. "Lust" is not included in this equation. Gibran, as many others, has realized that true love is a glorious and righteous thing - provided in this world by God for those who would seek it. And the consummation of such love is a more pure and wonderous act than you give it credit for.Such a book had to be inspired by greater powers.-DB

It is better to remain silent in front of such wonder..