Andrew Harvey (religious writer)

Andrew Harvey (born June 9, 1952) is a British author, religious scholar and teacher of mystic traditions, known primarily for his popular nonfiction books on spiritual or mystical themes, beginning with his 1983 A Journey in Ladakh. He is the author of over 30 books, including, The Hope, A Guide to Sacred Activism, The Direct Path, the critically acclaimed Way of Passion: A Celebration of Rumi, The Return of the Mother and Son of Man.

Quotes

• The Hindu tradition provides exquisite, firm guidance toward this attunement because it has always recognized that different temperaments take different paths into the Sacred Marriage. It has not only recognized the validity of other religions, but has also acknowledged within itself a variety of paths...Perhaps the supreme gift of Hinduism to the world is that its Tantric traditions have kept the truth of the splendor, majesty and power of the Bride vibrant and alive in all her unbridled fullness. Worshipping Her as Devi, Ambika, Durga, Lakshmi or Kali, the Hindu Tantric mystics have known how to adore Her both as Queen of Transcendence and Earth Mother, and love Her both in Her terrifying, life-devouring aspects and as infinitely benign and tender.
  • Teachings of the Hindu Mystics (Boston, MA: Shambala Press, 2001) pp. xv-xxix, quoted in S. Londhe, A Tribute to Hinduism (2008) [1]

Translations

Teachings of Rumi (1999)

The branch exist because of the fruit.

• The branch might seem like the fruit's origin:
  In fact, the branch exist because of the fruit.
  • Mathnawi

• "There's no courage", The Prophet said, "before the war has begun."
  Drunkards vaunt their bravery when you speak of war.
  But in the blaze of battle they scatter like mice.
  I'm astonished by the man who wants purity
  And yet trembles when the harshness of polishing begin...
  When a man beats a carpet again and again
  It's not the carpet he's attacking, but the dirt in it.
  • Mathnawi