Enlightened Heart: An Anthology of Sacred Poetry
5/5 (5 ratings)
194 pages
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From Stephen Mitchell comes an anthology of poetry chosen from the world's great religious and literary traditions--the perfect companion to Mitchel's bestselling translation of Tao Te Ching
• The Upanishads • The Book of Psalms • Lao-tzu • The Bhagavad Gita • Chuang-tzu • The Odes of Solomon • Seng-ts'an • Han-shan • Li Po • Tu Fu • Layman P'ang • Kukai • Tung-shan • Symeon the New Theologian • Izumi Shikibu • Su Tung-p'o • Hildegard of Bingen • Francis of Assisi • Wu-men • Dõgen • Rumi • Mechthild of Magdeburg • Dante • Kabir Mirabai • William Shakespeare • George Herbert • Bunan • Gensei • Angelus Silesius • Thomas Traherne • Basho • William Blake • Ryõkan • Issa • Ghalib • Bibi Hayati • Wait Whitman • Emily Dickinson • Gerard Manley Hopkins • Uvavnuk • Anonymous Navaho • W. B. Yeats • Antonio Machado • Rainer Maria Rilke • Wallace Stevens • D.H. Lawrence • Robinson Jeffers
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Top reviews from the United States
Canyon Wren
5.0 out of 5 stars This is one of the best collections of sacred/mystical poetry published
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2017
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After wearing out the binding of my paperback edition purchased in 1989, I decided to buy the kindle edition which will never wear out. This is one of the best collections of sacred/mystical poetry published. Poems selected, date as far back as 2nd century, up to Yeats, Rilke, Dickinson's time. Included are verses from the Bible, Rumi, Ghalib, and Kabir. This book travels with me everywhere, and at the end of the day, is on my nightstand, where it's the last thing I read before closing my eyes at night.
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clair rose
5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Goodness for the Heart and Soul!
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2020
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I love to read this before bed - it is an exceptional soulful heart-opening collection of sacred poetry. I can't imagine being without it at my bedside. Highly recommend it!
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Senior Guy
5.0 out of 5 stars Nice variety of poems
Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2021
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An excellent book to browse before bed time . . .
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Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2017
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I had a yoga instructor that used to read a page, paragraph or passage at the end of class while we were in Shavasana pose. The writing just seemed to beautifully fit. So much so I bought the book for myself.
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Laura
5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite collections of poetry
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2014
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A copy of this book literally fell from a book dealer's shelf into my arms years ago, and I have loved it since. Translated by Stephen Mitchell, it is filled with gems that have changed my life, words that I have memorized through the years and which give structure and strength to sleepless nights and times of misunderstanding and confusion.
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Lynette
5.0 out of 5 stars Enlighented, and enlightening
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2014
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What a beautiful collection of "enlightened" poetry! The editor has collected some 2500 years of heartfelt expression from men and women who were in a state of spiritual bliss. It represents many cultures, many religions, and is so inspiring I keep it next to my reading chair with several permanent bookmarks.
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Sylvia
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I have ever held in my hands
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2017
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One of the best books I have ever held in my hands. It is a pure jewel. Sincerely, I don't have the words to describe how beautiful it is. Thank you Stephen Mitchell for this amazing work of love.
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c
5.0 out of 5 stars Truly Uplifting
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2021
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Every poem in this book will give you wings and open doors inside you that you weren't aware were there.
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Daniela Kocvarova
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, beautiful...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 16, 2019
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Robert Frost: "We dance round in a ring and suppose, / But the Secret sits in the middle and knows." This extraordinary book spirals in many voices, taking the reader to the Centre in many ways. Thank you, Stephen Mitchell.
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Angela Morris
4.0 out of 5 stars The contents are fine: the state of the volume was not sufficiently ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 8, 2017
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The contents are fine: the state of the volume was not sufficiently described to include the large number of personal annotations and highlighting of some texts. Very poor quality of the book. angela morris
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JC
4.0 out of 5 stars Lovely
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 16, 2021
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Something for every day here. Though my personal preference is for the earlier, rather than later, mystical writings.
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F Nuttall
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 6, 2018
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A good selection of spiritual poetry from a wide range of traditions.
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PJH
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a truly wonderful anthology. Mitchell has a perfect gift for selecting ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 23, 2015
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This is a truly wonderful anthology. Mitchell has a perfect gift for selecting passages that exemplify spiritual fulfilment. Great service from Wordery as always. Enjoy!
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COMMUNITY REVIEWS
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Average rating4.34 · Rating details · 1,076 ratings · 49 reviews
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Kimber
Apr 16, 2018Kimber rated it liked it
Shelves: spirituality
Contains snippets from mostly longer works--more valuable to read them in their entirety, but a nice introduction to some that are lesser known.
So many verses about rain on the day that I read this! Synchronicity!
flag7 likes · Like · comment · see review
John McCreery
Jan 01, 2009John McCreery rated it it was amazing
Better than the Bible. This is Jesus' textbook. (less)
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Tim
Sep 14, 2019Tim rated it really liked it · review of another edition
49 highlights
A small collection of poetry and mystical writings that show the universal truth.
flag4 likes · Like · comment · see review
Andrew Nelson
Apr 17, 2020Andrew Nelson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
"Ten thousand flowers in Spring, the moon in autumn, a cool breeze in summer, snow in winter. If your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season of your life." Wu-Men
"The man pulling radishes
pointed the Way
with a radish." -Issa
(less)
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Edward Kidder
Jan 29, 2008Edward Kidder rated it it was amazing
Always going back to this one. Good for waiting rooms and as an aid to a search for meaning.
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Daven
Jul 28, 2013Daven rated it it was amazing
Found this in my son Connor's and my favorite old dusty used book/DVD/CD store, The Frugal Muse in Downers Grove, IL . . . It's a gem. I'll likely be carrying this around in my work backpack, etc. permanently. Beautiful and sacred texts transcending many faiths and sets of beliefs, including both obscure and well-known. For example, St. Francis of Assisi's "Canticle of the Sun" -- wonderful.
This copy was originally a gift in its past life: "Ron, Merry Christmas! -- Angela, '89" Sorry to see that Ron gave his copy up, but so happy that it landed with me. Even more meaningful having found it while with Connor, doing one of our favorite things together.
Can't say I'm really "finished" reading this - as I've been digging back into it nearly every morning, and will continue to do so. (less)
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Jay
Jun 30, 2013Jay rated it it was amazing
Shelves: own
"If we attain something, it was there from the beginning of time. If we lose something, it is hiding somewhere near us." - Ryokan
Ancient wisdom for the next time you lose your car keys. (less)
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Mckinley
Mar 23, 2015Mckinley rated it really liked it
Shelves: favorite, poetry
Lovely poetry; a wide variety of pieces covering the divine/sacred from worldwide sources.
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BooksRgood
Apr 04, 2022BooksRgood rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: poemetry
Some excellent spirit finding poems in here - from east to west and all thru the centuries.
Here’s one from Laym An Pang (740-808)
When the mind is at peace,
the world too is at peace.
Nothing real, nothing absent.
Not holding on to reality,
not getting stuck in the void,
you are neither holy nor wise, just
an ordinary fellow who has completed his work.
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Valerie Doherty
Apr 01, 2018Valerie Doherty rated it it was amazing
Good way to end a day and begin the month of April- National Poetry Month. Gorgeous writing throughout.
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Susan
Sep 25, 2018Susan rated it it was ok
This was a relaxing read between commute or stressful situations. I recommend this book as a gentle escape or meditation on life's beauty and mystery. (less)
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Heidi
May 18, 2020Heidi rated it really liked it
It’s hard to rate anthologies- I adored some of these poems and others were just okay. But, the collection included enough gems to make it a very worthwhile read.
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Luke Shuffield
Mar 20, 2021Luke Shuffield rated it it was amazing
Shelves: 2021
What a beautiful little collection. There's something here for everyone, whether you're a devout mystic or someone simply interested in existing. (less)
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kali
Jul 18, 2021kali rated it it was amazing
Shelves: favorites
perfect
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Anne Holly
Jun 24, 2014Anne Holly added it
Shelves: teaching-related, re-read
A quick read, and fairly breezy (for some; those who dwell on each poem may take a while). I selected this as a bit of a palette cleanser after finishing a terrific but rather dense book on Egyptian religion/myth. It was a decent choice, since it was something certainly different. Though I cultivate my spirit, I might be too pragmatic for this collection; though I could recognize the value of the poems collected here, not many of them moved me to any great extent. Still, it was a good review of devotional literature from multiple traditions.
The translations were most likely selected for sentiment or readability over accuracy, but if you are merely seeking inspirational reading, this is probably suitable to your needs. The selection was occasionally drab, with even some otherwise great poets I have enjoyed in the past not being exhibited to their best advantage here. I recommend using this as a stepping stone to seek out more work by the individual artists/traditions, either for greater reliability or to find more variety in their works.
I am not leaving a rating, as this book is too subjective for me to quantify. Like most works categorized "Inspirational", in the right mood, with the right motivation, this book may work for you; or it may just be a friendly way to spend a few hours. Others may simply find it a bit on the Eat, Pray, Love side, and regret it. Thus, no rating. If this book sounds like your cup of tea, do try it; the most you will be out, aside from whatever it costs to read it, will be a few hours, and at least you can be exposed to a few different forms of devotional poetry (even if it doesn't transform your soul, etc). (less)
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Kate
Oct 07, 2009Kate rated it did not like it · review of another edition
Shelves: non-fiction-tbr, spirituality, read-in-2012
"This collection celebrates the radiance of the enlightened heart as it shine through the world's cultures and religious traditions. Beginning with selections from the earliest sacred masterpieces -- the Upanishads, the Books of Psalms, and the Bhagavad Gita (in new translations by the editor) -- this extraordinary anthology also contains poems by the Taoist and Buddhist masters; Rumi and other Sufi masters; Christian poets such as Francis of Assisi, Dante, and George Herbert; Blake, Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Rilke, and other modern poets.
Following on Stephen Mitchell's translations of the Tao Te Ching, The Book of Job, and Rilke, ... this unique and inspiring anthology is a further record of the highest points of human experience,"
~~front flap
I was excited to read this book. I often find inspiration and a deepening of my spiritual life in quotes or writings of many of the saints and masters included in this anthology. Perhaps I was just not in a spiritual place, but nothing in this book touched my heart of my soul. What a disappointment! (less)
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Fungud
Oct 22, 2012Fungud rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Stephen never fails to impress me.
Maybe he takes liberties?? But, it always comes across as very accessible and human.
Only 4 stars because the first half of the book has lead me out of a darkness you ...well, I won't mention here. The second half was lackluster.
Overall, if this means anything, I am 'gifting' this well worn copy to someone who pulled me out of a deep pit of despair. I recommend it. As always, results may vary, but I think he did a wonderful job.
P.S.
have his translation of the Bhagavad Gita, think that's how I was introduced to him, can't wait to get the others...
Have read this many, many times. It gets better with more contemplation.
Esp, the Basho and shorter works.
Love this book. (less)
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Mary Ann
Aug 25, 2013Mary Ann rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: poetry, history-religion, buddhism, inspirational
I have created a new -physical - bookshelf at home and placed on it books I will never "finish" reading. Several are Steven Mitchell collections and translations. These books have exposed me to perspective and awareness, insights and comforts and the long history of human's search for meaning. This book of collected poetry is also a spiritual journey, reflecting many of my personal stops along the way. Here is one of the the most illuminating (for me):
RUMI
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and righ ...more
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Nicolas Shump
Jan 12, 2009Nicolas Shump rated it it was amazing
Both of these anthologies, The Enlightened Heart and the Enlightened Mind, are edited by the scholar, poet, translator, Stephen Mitchell. For those of you interested in poetic and religious ecumenism, I would highly recommend these two works to you. The first is an anthology of world poetry with mostly religious and mystical themes. The second is a related collection of writings from sacred scriptures from nearly all of the major world religions.
Both works demonstrate how much we all, as world citizens, share despite our national, cultural, ethnic, or religious differences. (less)
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G.
Aug 23, 2015G. rated it really liked it
There are choice poems in here. Blake's "Eternity in an hour"; Whitman's "...It is eternal life... it is happiness."; Chuang-Tzu's "Cutting Up an Ox"; The Bhagavad Gita's "I alone am real, Arjuna..."; Shakespeare's "We are such stuff as dreams are made on..." It goes on. Good collection, and the theme of "the center" as a stand in for "God" or "Enlightenment" is refreshingly plural in this book. (less)
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Ivan Granger
Jun 02, 2012Ivan Granger rated it it was amazing
Shelves: poetry, favorites
This is a compact anthology, but a wonderful collection that includes Li Po, Wu-Men, Rumi, Kabir, Mirabai, Rilke… And the added bonus of Stephen Mitchell’s way with words. One of my personal favorites.
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Mejix
Jun 25, 2012Mejix rated it it was amazing
The first 2/3 of the book were sublime, pure ecstasy. The final 1/3 was not on the same level, it was kind of uneven actually. All in all, it was, I think, the right book at the right time. An unforgettable reading experience.
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Mary Storm
Sep 24, 2013Mary Storm rated it it was ok
Shelves: spirituality
This is a wonderful book of sacred poetry. Taken from many traditions, it opens our eyes to the universal longing for the sacred.
Sadly, I read the ebook edition from Amazon. It was so full of misspellings and typos as to drive me mad. The book deserves 5 stars, the ebook edition deserves 1 star.
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Chelsea
Aug 08, 2007Chelsea rated it it was amazing
Shelves: non-fiction
This is an excellent and versatile collection of ancient poetry.
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Eric
Sep 08, 2007Eric rated it liked it
some of this work is great. some of this work is not so great. it's a good way to get into some good stuff though... (less)
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Rah~ri
Oct 31, 2007Rah~ri rated it really liked it
compilation of
so many beautiful poets.
Can't read just one.
when I pick this book up
my nights fly by.
...more
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Tina
May 22, 2008Tina rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: poetry
I loved every one of Mitchell's prose and poetry selections. (less)
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James Byron
Dec 30, 2009James Byron rated it it was amazing
Shelves: poetry
An Anthology of sacred Poetry with personal all time favorites. The book was gift from a friend that keeps giving every-time I pick it up.
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Anthony
Jan 01, 2010Anthony rated it it was amazing
Lots of great works from zen poets, Rilke, Rumi, the Tao, the Bible and more.
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Sisdr
Feb 09, 2010Sisdr rated it liked it
I require it in World Lit I
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