The Bond with the Beloved: The Mystical Relationship of the Lover & the Beloved

Beautifully written.For those who know.This Beautiful WoundSometimes an arrow of love pierces the heart and penetrates the deepest core of the soul so that she doesn’t know what has happened or what she wants, except that all she wants is God. She feels like the arrow has been dipped in a poisonous herb that makes her reject herself for love of him. She would gladly give up her life for him. It’s impossible to explain the way God wounds the soul or to exaggerate the agony it causes. It makes the soul forget herself entirely. Yet this pain carries such exquisite pleasure that no other pleasure in life can compare to that happiness. The soul longs to die of this beautiful wound!—Teresa of Avila, THE BOOK OF MY LIFE

Dr. Vaughan-Lee writes beautiful books but this one is by far, my favorite! He has a way with words that touches your soul with authenticity--the words flow from the pages into my heart. I usually read fairly fast but this book was so rich and deep that I felt the need to savor each part so I only read a page or two a day. It was like having the richest, most decadent chocolate in the world -- I ate a small morsel at a time to drag out the pleasure. Thank you, Dr. Vaughan-Lee, for sharing your wisdom and brilliant insight with the world!

This book to me sang of the love story between our Beloved lord and longing soul. This is one book that I want to read over and over again for there is so much to learn from this book in terms of inspiration for practicing and honoring our relationship with God. I am not very familiar with Sufism. However, my practices and zazen groups couldn't explain the longing I feel for Lord. A very divine longing, painful as it is, I would not trade it for any pleasure. Reading this book was like instant recognition and acceptance of what was happening in heart already- although unacknowledged. I feel very grateful towards Llewellyn ji for writing this marvelous book.

This is a deep book in the Sufi system. Dr. Vaughan-Lee is the disciple of Mrs Irina Tweedie. He proves that Sufism is not really tied to any religion and we can use any concept from any of them if it resonate with our nature. Sufism is the way of love, we advance in it only through love not through scriptures and dogmas. This book is important for any one who is searching for God.

I had learned about Llewellyn Vaughn-Lee when he did an interview with Oprah Winfrey. During that interview, from the moment he began speaking, I knew he had something to say that would transform my lfie. I had gone to a book store to purchase one of his books, but I could not find it. I found it on Amazon and ordered it. I have been on a spiritual journey for more than 30 years, and nothing has spoken to me like this book. For the serious spiritual seeker, this book is essential. It will take the reader to a depth heretofore unknown. This book is a treasure, and I hope more people discover it.

I'm not even finished with this book yet, but I am savoring every morsel. It speaks to my deepest heart, and I find companionship, resonance, and relief in its pages. Thank you to Llewellyn Vaughn-Lee.

An excellent journey in the Christian and Muslim shared understanding of the mystical yearning for the experience of the Divine and how to get there in beautiful lyrical language.A favorite - given as a love gift to many sincere spiritual seekers.

If you really want to get closer to God, the practice put forth in this book should do it.

Very pleased