Sufism and Surrealism

In his prose work "Sufism and Surrealism" (admirably translated by Judith Cumberbatch), Adonis presents the writings of Sufis as "the force behind the change in Arab poetical writing." (p. 130) He sheds light especially on the writings of the Sufi, Ibn `Arabi. He explains Surrealism in literature, and it becomes apparent why Arabic poetry would relate to Surrealism and why it would especially relate to Surrealism through the writings of the French poet Arthur Rimbaud. It is Adonis' own insights that I find exciting and revealing in that he throws light on the thought behind his own poems.

I chose to read this book because the title has a compelling effect on me. I have always been intrigued about life and death and whatever is in between. Adonis has captured Rimbaud's writings in my opinion. The parallelism between the Sufi seers and Rimbaud's depth, breadth, vision, passion, and truth are enlightening. In particular the mystery of life, universal truth and the paradox of language has been overshadowed by conventional language as we know it.I recommend this to anyone who is interested in the mystery of life, human nature and the universe.

The first few essays made me reflect on the connection between spirituality and the creative process. I have also read the chapter on Rimbaud and the Sufism-like elements in his work. The book is beautifully written and has a wealth of ideas, highly recommended.

Good