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Little Book of Love
A compendium of writings by the early twentieth-century author of the best-selling The Prophet challenges couples to reevaluate their beliefs about love in order to share healthier and more spiritual relationships, in a volume that features the writer's thoughts on such topics as marriage, beauty, and loss.
54 pages, Hardcover
First published January 28, 1971
56 people are currently reading
777 people want to read
About the author
Kahlil Gibran
1,331 books15.1k followersKahlil Gibran (Arabic:
جبران خليل جبران
) was a Lebanese-American artist, poet, and writer.
Born in the town of Bsharri in modern-day Lebanon (then part of Ottoman Mount Lebanon), as a young man he emigrated with his family to the United States where he studied art and began his literary career. In the Arab world, Gibran is regarded as a literary and political rebel. His romantic style was at the heart of a renaissance in modern Arabic literature, especially prose poetry, breaking away from the classical school. In Lebanon, he is still celebrated as a literary hero.
He is chiefly known in the English-speaking world for his 1923 book The Prophet, an early example of inspirational fiction including a series of philosophical essays written in poetic English prose. The book sold well despite a cool critical reception, gaining popularity in the 1930s and again, especially in the 1960s counterculture.
Gibran is the third best-selling poet of all time, behind Shakespeare and Lao-Tzu.
Born in the town of Bsharri in modern-day Lebanon (then part of Ottoman Mount Lebanon), as a young man he emigrated with his family to the United States where he studied art and began his literary career. In the Arab world, Gibran is regarded as a literary and political rebel. His romantic style was at the heart of a renaissance in modern Arabic literature, especially prose poetry, breaking away from the classical school. In Lebanon, he is still celebrated as a literary hero.
He is chiefly known in the English-speaking world for his 1923 book The Prophet, an early example of inspirational fiction including a series of philosophical essays written in poetic English prose. The book sold well despite a cool critical reception, gaining popularity in the 1930s and again, especially in the 1960s counterculture.
Gibran is the third best-selling poet of all time, behind Shakespeare and Lao-Tzu.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 6, 2012
KAHLIL GIBRAN (1883 - 1931), poet, philosopher, and artist, was born near the sacred cedar grove of Bisharri, in the Lebanon. Even though Gibran spent most of his adult life in the west - mainly the United States - his attachment to Lebanon remained strong. Gibran remains one of the world's most popular and influential thinkers, and he is best known for his inspiring and mystical writings.
My first glimpse of you was not in truth the first. The hour in which our hearts met confirmed in me the belief in Eternity and in the immortality of the Soul.
Love, for Gibran, was both a holistic state of being and a deeply spiritual experience, a 'sacred mystery' that 'remains forever wordless.' Gibran leaves us in no doubt that the only path to self-realization is the path of true love. Gibran's concept of love is not an artificial romantic affectation, but a positive romantic rapture and ecstasy, despite the fact that love can be very wounding and painful. Love, according to Gibran, is a serious matter and makes demands on us; it has its own laws, rights and responsibilities, and in its truest form should lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves.
The selection in this anthology represents an attempt to include the many different aspects of love that Gibran refers to in his works: the love of God; the love of country; the love of family and friends; the love between men and women; the love of nature and the love of all humanity. Sometimes words become powerless and inadequate. The perennial question, which is universally asked, occurs in The Prophet: 'Who among you does not feel that his power to love is boundless?'
I'm a huge fan of Kahlil Gibran's work, and I highly recommend you to read this little book if you are in love or if you want to know more about the deeply spiritual experience of everlasting love! Enjoy!
Here's a teaser of The Little Book of Love:
Love gives naught but itself and takes
naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love.
When you love you should not say,
'God is in my heart',
But rather, 'I am in the heart of God'.
And think not you can direct the course of love,
For love, if it finds you worthy, directs
your course.
Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself.
THE PROPHET
Love is a resolution which accompanies
our being, and binds this present with the
ages past and future.
PROSE POEMS
There is no force in this world that can rob
me of my happiness, for it springs from
the embrace of two souls held together by
understanding and sheltered by love.
SPIRITS REBELLIOUS
Love triumphs.
The white and green of love beside a lake,
And the proud majesty of love in tower or balcony;
Love in a garden or in the desert untrodden,
Love is our lord and master.
It is not a wanton decay of the flesh,
Nor the crumbling of desire
When desire and self are wrestling;
Nor is it flesh that takes arms against the spirit.
Love rebels not.
It only leaves the trodden way of ancient
destinies for the scared grove,
To sing and dance its secret to eternity.
THE EARTH GODS
Love comes in different shapes. Sometimes
it comes in wisdom; at other times in
justice; and oftentimes in hope.
THOUGHTS AND MEDITATIONS
My first glimpse of you was not in truth the first. The hour in which our hearts met confirmed in me the belief in Eternity and in the immortality of the Soul.
Love, for Gibran, was both a holistic state of being and a deeply spiritual experience, a 'sacred mystery' that 'remains forever wordless.' Gibran leaves us in no doubt that the only path to self-realization is the path of true love. Gibran's concept of love is not an artificial romantic affectation, but a positive romantic rapture and ecstasy, despite the fact that love can be very wounding and painful. Love, according to Gibran, is a serious matter and makes demands on us; it has its own laws, rights and responsibilities, and in its truest form should lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves.
The selection in this anthology represents an attempt to include the many different aspects of love that Gibran refers to in his works: the love of God; the love of country; the love of family and friends; the love between men and women; the love of nature and the love of all humanity. Sometimes words become powerless and inadequate. The perennial question, which is universally asked, occurs in The Prophet: 'Who among you does not feel that his power to love is boundless?'
I'm a huge fan of Kahlil Gibran's work, and I highly recommend you to read this little book if you are in love or if you want to know more about the deeply spiritual experience of everlasting love! Enjoy!
Here's a teaser of The Little Book of Love:
Love gives naught but itself and takes
naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love.
When you love you should not say,
'God is in my heart',
But rather, 'I am in the heart of God'.
And think not you can direct the course of love,
For love, if it finds you worthy, directs
your course.
Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself.
THE PROPHET
Love is a resolution which accompanies
our being, and binds this present with the
ages past and future.
PROSE POEMS
There is no force in this world that can rob
me of my happiness, for it springs from
the embrace of two souls held together by
understanding and sheltered by love.
SPIRITS REBELLIOUS
Love triumphs.
The white and green of love beside a lake,
And the proud majesty of love in tower or balcony;
Love in a garden or in the desert untrodden,
Love is our lord and master.
It is not a wanton decay of the flesh,
Nor the crumbling of desire
When desire and self are wrestling;
Nor is it flesh that takes arms against the spirit.
Love rebels not.
It only leaves the trodden way of ancient
destinies for the scared grove,
To sing and dance its secret to eternity.
THE EARTH GODS
Love comes in different shapes. Sometimes
it comes in wisdom; at other times in
justice; and oftentimes in hope.
THOUGHTS AND MEDITATIONS
August 12, 2019
Kahlil Gibran is a phenomenal writer of his times known for his simplistic yet profound writing. This Lebanese-American writer has been influenced by his middle eastern culture, nature mysticism, and spirituality. His words flow seamlessly exploring the various aspects of the subject in focus.
Neil has done a good job at collecting Gibran’s writings on love and relationships to compile and present it to modern readers. We run short of the time of delving deep into an even deeper text and hence, this short breezy read serves its purpose well in indulging us with Gibran effortlessly.
This book consists of several short essays, anecdotes, poems, where Gibran explores the nuances of love. He talks about how love can lead to a larger view of life. He uses quite simple words to explain what is important yet unknown to our senses. Or perhaps we do know things but are unaware of our realization. A few quotes here and there was a telling account of Gibran’s life as he goes on to put forth his experiences in and with love. His explanation of love is not confined to lovers but goes beyond it to seep through our relationships with self, our neighbors, and fellow beings.
Neil has done a good job at collecting Gibran’s writings on love and relationships to compile and present it to modern readers. We run short of the time of delving deep into an even deeper text and hence, this short breezy read serves its purpose well in indulging us with Gibran effortlessly.
This book consists of several short essays, anecdotes, poems, where Gibran explores the nuances of love. He talks about how love can lead to a larger view of life. He uses quite simple words to explain what is important yet unknown to our senses. Or perhaps we do know things but are unaware of our realization. A few quotes here and there was a telling account of Gibran’s life as he goes on to put forth his experiences in and with love. His explanation of love is not confined to lovers but goes beyond it to seep through our relationships with self, our neighbors, and fellow beings.
June 10, 2019
Gibran was aware that different people can have very different recollections of important incidents or conversations, especially those concerned with love
Such events make an emotional impact on memory that influence us in ways we can often only explain to ourselves much later, or not at all
Sand and Foam: Love is the veil between two lovers
Jelaluddin Rumi: The Beloved is all in all, the lover only a veil over her
The spring of love introduces us to beauty, desire and passion
There are only two elements here, beauty and truth
You were a wandering desire in the mist
We sought one another and out of our eagerness dreams were born
Dreams were space without measure
You were a silent word upon life’s quivering lips
Life uttered us
When Life does not find a singer to sing her heart, she produces a philosopher to speak her mind
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
Desire is half of life. Indifference is half of death
Among the hills, when you sit in the cool shade of the white poplars
Sharing the peace and serenity of distant fields and meadows
Let your heart say in silence: God rests in reason
And when the storm comes, and the mighty wind shakes the forest, and thunder and lightning proclaim the majesty of the sky
Let your heart say in awe: God moves in passion
You should rest in reason and move in passion
I loved him in secret, and my sleep was girdled with flames
He is gone now. And something that was in me is gone also
As love matures, we are challenged by our surrounding culture as well as by the unspoken assumptions and illusions we hold
Tears come with parting, loneliness and longing
Through all these experiences, love veils and unveils itself
Sit by me, my beloved, and listen to my heart
Smile, for your happiness is a symbol of our future
Be merry, for the sparkling days rejoice with us
It is something that gathers strength with patience, grows despite obstacles
Warms in winter, flourishes in spring, casts a breeze in summer, and bears fruit in autumn
I found love
When I looked at your eyes, I knew that this path leads to a paradise whose door is the human heart
Love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation
Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding
If you would be revealed you must either dance naked in the sun or carry your cross
The reality of other people is not in what they reveal to you, but in what they cannot reveal to you
Therefore if you would understand them, listen not to what they say but rather to what they do not say
The mother is everything. She is our consolation in sorrow, our hope in misery, and our strength in weakness
She is the source of love, mercy, sympathy, and forgiveness
It is in my heart to be worthy of your love
Then it is also in my heart to be worthy of your hate
The beauty of the day is not only in what you see, but in what others see
And when your friend is silent, your heart ceases not to listen to his heart
For without words, in friendship all thoughts, all desires, and all expectations are born and shared with a joy that is unacclaimed
When you part from your friend you grieve not, for that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence
As the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain
Jesus: Your neighbour is your unknown self, made visible
Your neighbor is your better self, wearing another body
But let there be spaces in your togetherness, and let the winds of the heavens dance between you
Behold, man and woman, flame to flame in white ecstasy
Petal to petal they breathe the sacred perfume
Soul to soul they find the soul of life
And upon their eyelids lies a prayer
You and I and all are children of one religion, for the varied paths of religion are but the fingers of the loving hand of the Supreme Being
Silence separates us from ourselves, makes us sail the firmament of spirit, and brings us closer to heaven
Every seed is a longing
Love is a word of light, written by a hand of light, upon a page of light
I loved him because he quickened my spirit to heights beyond my stature and to depths beyond my sounding
His voice and the trumpet of his voice was the end of my labor and the beginning of my passion
And there were nothing for me then but to walk in the sun and worship the loveliness of the hour
We are all the miraculous gesture of the moment
When love becomes vast, love becomes wordless
And when memory is overladen it seeks the silent deep
Out of my deeper heart a bird rose and flew skywards. Higher and higher did it rise, yet larger and larger did it grow
At first it was but like a swallow, then a lark, then an eagle, then as vast as a spring cloud, and then it filled the starry heavens
Yet it left not my heart
Do you not see how one word uttered in love may bring together elements scattered by an illusion called death
Believe and have faith, for only in faith, which is our deeper knowledge, can you find comfort
Now listen to me, listen to me with your heart
We were in space, my beloved and I, and we were all space. We were in light and we were all light
We were love itself that dwells in the heart of the white silence
And the voice echoed and re-echoed in space
If in thought you must measure time into seasons, let each season encircle all the other seasons
And let today embrace the past with remembrance and the future with longing
It is wrong to think that love comes from long companionship and persevering courtship
Love is the offspring of spiritual affinity, and unless that affinity is created in a moment, it will not be created in years or even generations
I know what I know, and it is enough
Love is a distant laughter in the spirit. It is a wild assault that hushes you to your awakening
Love shall stay, and its finger-marks shall not be erased
What I do today in my solitude will be echoed by tomorrow to the people
What I say now with one heart will be said tomorrow by many hearts
My house says to me: Do not leave me, for here dwells your past
And the road says to me: Come and follow me, for I am your future
Farewell to you and the youth I have spent with you. It was but yesterday we met in a dream
You have sung to me in my aloneness, and I of your longings have built a tower in the sky
Such events make an emotional impact on memory that influence us in ways we can often only explain to ourselves much later, or not at all
Sand and Foam: Love is the veil between two lovers
Jelaluddin Rumi: The Beloved is all in all, the lover only a veil over her
The spring of love introduces us to beauty, desire and passion
There are only two elements here, beauty and truth
You were a wandering desire in the mist
We sought one another and out of our eagerness dreams were born
Dreams were space without measure
You were a silent word upon life’s quivering lips
Life uttered us
When Life does not find a singer to sing her heart, she produces a philosopher to speak her mind
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
Desire is half of life. Indifference is half of death
Among the hills, when you sit in the cool shade of the white poplars
Sharing the peace and serenity of distant fields and meadows
Let your heart say in silence: God rests in reason
And when the storm comes, and the mighty wind shakes the forest, and thunder and lightning proclaim the majesty of the sky
Let your heart say in awe: God moves in passion
You should rest in reason and move in passion
I loved him in secret, and my sleep was girdled with flames
He is gone now. And something that was in me is gone also
As love matures, we are challenged by our surrounding culture as well as by the unspoken assumptions and illusions we hold
Tears come with parting, loneliness and longing
Through all these experiences, love veils and unveils itself
Sit by me, my beloved, and listen to my heart
Smile, for your happiness is a symbol of our future
Be merry, for the sparkling days rejoice with us
It is something that gathers strength with patience, grows despite obstacles
Warms in winter, flourishes in spring, casts a breeze in summer, and bears fruit in autumn
I found love
When I looked at your eyes, I knew that this path leads to a paradise whose door is the human heart
Love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation
Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding
If you would be revealed you must either dance naked in the sun or carry your cross
The reality of other people is not in what they reveal to you, but in what they cannot reveal to you
Therefore if you would understand them, listen not to what they say but rather to what they do not say
The mother is everything. She is our consolation in sorrow, our hope in misery, and our strength in weakness
She is the source of love, mercy, sympathy, and forgiveness
It is in my heart to be worthy of your love
Then it is also in my heart to be worthy of your hate
The beauty of the day is not only in what you see, but in what others see
And when your friend is silent, your heart ceases not to listen to his heart
For without words, in friendship all thoughts, all desires, and all expectations are born and shared with a joy that is unacclaimed
When you part from your friend you grieve not, for that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence
As the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain
Jesus: Your neighbour is your unknown self, made visible
Your neighbor is your better self, wearing another body
But let there be spaces in your togetherness, and let the winds of the heavens dance between you
Behold, man and woman, flame to flame in white ecstasy
Petal to petal they breathe the sacred perfume
Soul to soul they find the soul of life
And upon their eyelids lies a prayer
You and I and all are children of one religion, for the varied paths of religion are but the fingers of the loving hand of the Supreme Being
Silence separates us from ourselves, makes us sail the firmament of spirit, and brings us closer to heaven
Every seed is a longing
Love is a word of light, written by a hand of light, upon a page of light
I loved him because he quickened my spirit to heights beyond my stature and to depths beyond my sounding
His voice and the trumpet of his voice was the end of my labor and the beginning of my passion
And there were nothing for me then but to walk in the sun and worship the loveliness of the hour
We are all the miraculous gesture of the moment
When love becomes vast, love becomes wordless
And when memory is overladen it seeks the silent deep
Out of my deeper heart a bird rose and flew skywards. Higher and higher did it rise, yet larger and larger did it grow
At first it was but like a swallow, then a lark, then an eagle, then as vast as a spring cloud, and then it filled the starry heavens
Yet it left not my heart
Do you not see how one word uttered in love may bring together elements scattered by an illusion called death
Believe and have faith, for only in faith, which is our deeper knowledge, can you find comfort
Now listen to me, listen to me with your heart
We were in space, my beloved and I, and we were all space. We were in light and we were all light
We were love itself that dwells in the heart of the white silence
And the voice echoed and re-echoed in space
If in thought you must measure time into seasons, let each season encircle all the other seasons
And let today embrace the past with remembrance and the future with longing
It is wrong to think that love comes from long companionship and persevering courtship
Love is the offspring of spiritual affinity, and unless that affinity is created in a moment, it will not be created in years or even generations
I know what I know, and it is enough
Love is a distant laughter in the spirit. It is a wild assault that hushes you to your awakening
Love shall stay, and its finger-marks shall not be erased
What I do today in my solitude will be echoed by tomorrow to the people
What I say now with one heart will be said tomorrow by many hearts
My house says to me: Do not leave me, for here dwells your past
And the road says to me: Come and follow me, for I am your future
Farewell to you and the youth I have spent with you. It was but yesterday we met in a dream
You have sung to me in my aloneness, and I of your longings have built a tower in the sky
November 19, 2023
Perfect weekend/evening tea read 💕
March 31, 2023
Mam wrażenie, że będzie to idealna pozycja dla osób, które swoje życie codzienne opierają na religii.
Dla mnie niby było tego nieco za dużo, ale i tak zaznaczyłam mnóstwo cytatów z czego ogromnie się cieszę. Dotyczyły one tak naprawdę uczuć wszelakich. Zauroczenia, zniechęcenia, pożądania, zaciekawienia czy szeroko pojętej miłości i wiary w ludzi. Niektóre były (w moim odczuciu) bardzo trafne. Nadawałaby się np. na tatuaż ;)
Myślę, że za jakiś czas sięgnę po inne pozycje z tej serii. Jestem ciekawa, jak autor podejdzie do pozostałych tematów.
Dla mnie niby było tego nieco za dużo, ale i tak zaznaczyłam mnóstwo cytatów z czego ogromnie się cieszę. Dotyczyły one tak naprawdę uczuć wszelakich. Zauroczenia, zniechęcenia, pożądania, zaciekawienia czy szeroko pojętej miłości i wiary w ludzi. Niektóre były (w moim odczuciu) bardzo trafne. Nadawałaby się np. na tatuaż ;)
Myślę, że za jakiś czas sięgnę po inne pozycje z tej serii. Jestem ciekawa, jak autor podejdzie do pozostałych tematów.
January 26, 2013
I have long been settled in the comfort of bitterness. This reminds me of everything I once felt but couldn't find the words for, and leaves me with hope that I can find it once again.
March 3, 2020
Only really loved the first chapter and his short poems. I was interested in his views on love, but found them still very romanticized.
April 12, 2021
If you love Gibran, there is no need for a review. His writing will just soothe your soul.
July 9, 2021
“You may forget with whom you laughed, but you will never forget with whom you wept.”
October 15, 2018
I guess I should probably read this again sometimes.
June 4, 2022
Pięknie napisane i myślę, że jeszcze kiedyś do niej wrócę, bo jeszcze nie wszystkie teksty w pełni do mnie dotarły.
August 9, 2023
Read it, embrace it and reread it, Until you start singing it !
November 11, 2021
I got this book as a gift for someone special and wanted to read it before I hand it out! Truth be told, I do not have words to express the sweet feeling that reading Kahlil Gibran's words leaves one with, a warm fuzzy feeling, a sensation that strikes very chord and softly cajoles one to ponder about the sweetness of life. The metaphors that Kahlil Gibran uses makes one see the world around us in a different light. The affection between lovers, the relationship between a mother and a child, the universal love that binds humanity, the authors breathes magic into the feeling of love. That love transcends everything is only heightened by the author's words.
February 2, 2022
This was odd and not quite what I expected. I like a lot of Gibran's sentiment here, but I don't think I connected with his words. Sometimes it felt juvenile, and at other times it was bland. I understand I'm the minority here however, and that's fine.
It honestly felt like I was reading one of those religious affirmation books, not a book of romantic poetry. Or maybe I'm not that romantic after all. Either way, this was just okay.
It honestly felt like I was reading one of those religious affirmation books, not a book of romantic poetry. Or maybe I'm not that romantic after all. Either way, this was just okay.
October 16, 2018
The content itself is Gibran‘s which I have read most of and I loved, but I expected the author of this book to have more say or information along with it. There is only a preface and a bio at the end... such a disappointment
Read
February 4, 2018Now that I'm married again,
I should probably read this again.
I should probably read this again.
October 13, 2021
Διαβάστε το review στο site μας:
https://www.culture21century.gr/2021/...
Ο Kahlil Gibran ήταν Λιβανέζος συγγραφέας, ποιητής, φιλόσοφος και εικαστικός καλλιτέχνης, και ίσως αρκετοί να το αγνοούν, αλλά παρά τη σύντομη ζωή του, έχει αφήσει ένα εξαιρετικά σημαντικό και σπουδαίο έργο πίσω του -μέσα σε αυτά και το βιβλίο "Ο Προφήτης", το οποίο παραµένει µέχρι σήµερα ένα από τα πιο σηµαντικά και πολυδιαβασµένα πνευµατικά κείµενα όλων των εποχών.
Παρά που ο Gibran πέρασε το μεγαλύτερο μέρος της ενήλικης ζωής του στη Δύση, οι δεσμοί του με την πατρίδα του έμειναν εξαιρετικά ισχυροί, κάτι το οποίο μπορεί να διακρίνει κανείς τόσο στον τρόπο γραφής του όσο και στην κουλτούρα που διακατέχει τα κείμενά του, η οποία και διαθέτει μια ξεχωριστή αισθητική, κάπως ονειρική κι αέρινη.
Ο Gibran θεωρείται, και διόλου άδικα, ως ένας από τους πιο δημοφιλείς στοχαστές στον κόσμο, με τα έργα του να έχουν μεγαλύτερη επίδραση και επιρροή απ' όσο ίσως να φαντάζεται κανείς, με τα μυστικιστικά του γραπτά να είναι τα πλέον δημοφιλή όλων, τόσο για την έμπνευση που χαρακτηρίζει τα ίδια, όσο και για την έμπνευση που έχουν καταφέρει να προσφέρουν στους αναγνώστες τους.
Σήμερα, οι εκδόσεις οι Διόπτρα φέρνουν και στα δικά μας χέρια ένα μέρος της σοφίας και των στοχασμών του ξεχωριστού αυτού ανθρώπου και συγγραφέα, μέσα από δύο μικρά σε μέγεθος βιβλία, τα οποία, όμως, κρύβουν μέσα τους μερικές από τις μεγαλύτερες και σπουδαιότερες αλήθειες της ζωής και της αγάπης. Φυσικά, ο λόγος για "Το μικρό βιβλίο της ζωής" και "Το μικρό βιβλίο της αγάπης", που όπως μαρτυρούν και οι τίτλοι τους, αλλά και όσα προείπα.
Τα δύο αυτά βιβλία έχει επιμεληθεί ο Neil Douglas Klotz, ο οποίος έχει συγκεντρώσει τα σημαντικότερα ίσως σημεία σκέψης και προσέγγισης των δύο αυτών εννοιών, της ζωής και της αγάπης, που η μία τροφοδοτεί την άλλη και που η μία ζει μέσα από την άλλη. Η ζωή δεν είναι απλά κάτι στο οποίο έχεις δικαίωμα, αλλά που πρέπει να διεκδικείς κάθε της πλευρά και ό,τι αυτή έχει να σου προσφέρει, κάθε μέρα, κάθε ώρα, κάθε στιγμή, προσπαθώντας να αναδείξεις τα καλύτερα σημεία αυτής και μέσα απ' αυτήν να βελτιώσεις το ίδιο σου το εγώ. Η αγάπη, από την άλλη, δεν είναι απλά κάτι που μας συμβαίνει, αλλά κάτι το ιερό, μια βαθιά εμπειρία που μας οδηγεί στην αυτοπραγμάτωση, αρκεί ν' ακολουθήσουμε τα σωστά μονοπάτια μέχρι, όχι να την κατακτήσουμε, αλλά να την αφήσουμε να μας κατακτήσει εκείνη.
Δύο πολύ όμορφα βιβλία, που παρά το μικρό τους μέγεθος περιέχουν πολύ μεγάλες αλήθειες και πολύ σοφά λόγια, τα οποία θα έπρεπε ν' αποτελούν οδηγό κι έμπνευση στη ζωή κάθε ανθρώπου. Μικρές φιλοσοφίες με μεγάλη βαρύτητα, με ρομαντική, τρυφερή και ειλικρινή διάθεση, που μιλάνε κατευθείαν στην καρδιά σου, είτε είσαι λάτρης της ποίησης είτε όχι. Κι αν δεν είσαι, ίσως μέσα απ' αυτούς τους λογοτεχνικούς "θησαυρούς" να γίνεις.
https://www.culture21century.gr/2021/...
Ο Kahlil Gibran ήταν Λιβανέζος συγγραφέας, ποιητής, φιλόσοφος και εικαστικός καλλιτέχνης, και ίσως αρκετοί να το αγνοούν, αλλά παρά τη σύντομη ζωή του, έχει αφήσει ένα εξαιρετικά σημαντικό και σπουδαίο έργο πίσω του -μέσα σε αυτά και το βιβλίο "Ο Προφήτης", το οποίο παραµένει µέχρι σήµερα ένα από τα πιο σηµαντικά και πολυδιαβασµένα πνευµατικά κείµενα όλων των εποχών.
Παρά που ο Gibran πέρασε το μεγαλύτερο μέρος της ενήλικης ζωής του στη Δύση, οι δεσμοί του με την πατρίδα του έμειναν εξαιρετικά ισχυροί, κάτι το οποίο μπορεί να διακρίνει κανείς τόσο στον τρόπο γραφής του όσο και στην κουλτούρα που διακατέχει τα κείμενά του, η οποία και διαθέτει μια ξεχωριστή αισθητική, κάπως ονειρική κι αέρινη.
Ο Gibran θεωρείται, και διόλου άδικα, ως ένας από τους πιο δημοφιλείς στοχαστές στον κόσμο, με τα έργα του να έχουν μεγαλύτερη επίδραση και επιρροή απ' όσο ίσως να φαντάζεται κανείς, με τα μυστικιστικά του γραπτά να είναι τα πλέον δημοφιλή όλων, τόσο για την έμπνευση που χαρακτηρίζει τα ίδια, όσο και για την έμπνευση που έχουν καταφέρει να προσφέρουν στους αναγνώστες τους.
Σήμερα, οι εκδόσεις οι Διόπτρα φέρνουν και στα δικά μας χέρια ένα μέρος της σοφίας και των στοχασμών του ξεχωριστού αυτού ανθρώπου και συγγραφέα, μέσα από δύο μικρά σε μέγεθος βιβλία, τα οποία, όμως, κρύβουν μέσα τους μερικές από τις μεγαλύτερες και σπουδαιότερες αλήθειες της ζωής και της αγάπης. Φυσικά, ο λόγος για "Το μικρό βιβλίο της ζωής" και "Το μικρό βιβλίο της αγάπης", που όπως μαρτυρούν και οι τίτλοι τους, αλλά και όσα προείπα.
Τα δύο αυτά βιβλία έχει επιμεληθεί ο Neil Douglas Klotz, ο οποίος έχει συγκεντρώσει τα σημαντικότερα ίσως σημεία σκέψης και προσέγγισης των δύο αυτών εννοιών, της ζωής και της αγάπης, που η μία τροφοδοτεί την άλλη και που η μία ζει μέσα από την άλλη. Η ζωή δεν είναι απλά κάτι στο οποίο έχεις δικαίωμα, αλλά που πρέπει να διεκδικείς κάθε της πλευρά και ό,τι αυτή έχει να σου προσφέρει, κάθε μέρα, κάθε ώρα, κάθε στιγμή, προσπαθώντας να αναδείξεις τα καλύτερα σημεία αυτής και μέσα απ' αυτήν να βελτιώσεις το ίδιο σου το εγώ. Η αγάπη, από την άλλη, δεν είναι απλά κάτι που μας συμβαίνει, αλλά κάτι το ιερό, μια βαθιά εμπειρία που μας οδηγεί στην αυτοπραγμάτωση, αρκεί ν' ακολουθήσουμε τα σωστά μονοπάτια μέχρι, όχι να την κατακτήσουμε, αλλά να την αφήσουμε να μας κατακτήσει εκείνη.
Δύο πολύ όμορφα βιβλία, που παρά το μικρό τους μέγεθος περιέχουν πολύ μεγάλες αλήθειες και πολύ σοφά λόγια, τα οποία θα έπρεπε ν' αποτελούν οδηγό κι έμπνευση στη ζωή κάθε ανθρώπου. Μικρές φιλοσοφίες με μεγάλη βαρύτητα, με ρομαντική, τρυφερή και ειλικρινή διάθεση, που μιλάνε κατευθείαν στην καρδιά σου, είτε είσαι λάτρης της ποίησης είτε όχι. Κι αν δεν είσαι, ίσως μέσα απ' αυτούς τους λογοτεχνικούς "θησαυρούς" να γίνεις.
August 4, 2020
The Little Book of Love
by Kahlil Gibran
Published by Oneworld Publication
Goodread's Rating: 4.10/5
My Rating: 5/5
“... 'Show me the secret of woman, O Beauty, and enlighten me, for you are knowledge.' He said: "She is you, human heart, and as you were, so was she. She is I, and wheresoever I be, there is she. She is as a religion when the ignorant profane is not; as a full moon when clouds do not hide it; as the breeze untouched by corruption and impurity.' "
The one and only poet who could marry the eastern Sufi of Rumi and Hafez, with the medieval Christian mystics of Maximus the Confessor and Gregory of Narek, and let his ink danced to the Prophet of love which bytes and rhythms were borrowed at weddings, songs and music of Flower Children. The joy, pain, suffering and sorrow were presented as major characters in all his poems, which had strong influences from William Blake as the essential identities. This book, is the sum of all loves.
"I purified my lips with the sacred fire to speak of love,
But when I opened my lips I found myself speechless,
Before I knew live, I was wont to chant the songs of love,
But when I learned to know, the words in my mouth became naught save breath,
And the tuned within my breast fell into deep silence."
📸: @atiqahnikghazali
#MalaysiaMembaca
by Kahlil Gibran
Published by Oneworld Publication
Goodread's Rating: 4.10/5
My Rating: 5/5
“... 'Show me the secret of woman, O Beauty, and enlighten me, for you are knowledge.' He said: "She is you, human heart, and as you were, so was she. She is I, and wheresoever I be, there is she. She is as a religion when the ignorant profane is not; as a full moon when clouds do not hide it; as the breeze untouched by corruption and impurity.' "
The one and only poet who could marry the eastern Sufi of Rumi and Hafez, with the medieval Christian mystics of Maximus the Confessor and Gregory of Narek, and let his ink danced to the Prophet of love which bytes and rhythms were borrowed at weddings, songs and music of Flower Children. The joy, pain, suffering and sorrow were presented as major characters in all his poems, which had strong influences from William Blake as the essential identities. This book, is the sum of all loves.
"I purified my lips with the sacred fire to speak of love,
But when I opened my lips I found myself speechless,
Before I knew live, I was wont to chant the songs of love,
But when I learned to know, the words in my mouth became naught save breath,
And the tuned within my breast fell into deep silence."
📸: @atiqahnikghazali
#MalaysiaMembaca
July 15, 2024
A Timeless Masterpiece of Poetic Wisdom.
Khalil Gibran's "The Little Book of Love" is a treasure trove of profound insights and poetic brilliance. This collection of poems and reflections captures the essence of love in its many forms, from passionate romance to deep friendship and spiritual connection. Gibran's writing is nothing short of exquisite, with each poem crafted in a language that is both lyrical and deeply moving.
The literary quality of Gibran's poems is exceptional. His use of metaphor and symbolism elevates the text to a level of literary artistry that is rarely seen. Each piece is a testament to his mastery of language and his ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity and grace. The poems resonate with timeless wisdom, making them as relevant today as they were when first written.
Gibran's reflections on love are not just beautiful; they are also thought-provoking and inspiring. He challenges readers to rethink their understanding of love and to embrace it in all its dimensions. Whether you are seeking solace, inspiration, or a deeper understanding of love, this book is a perfect companion.
In summary, "The Little Book of Love" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates fine literature and the beauty of poetic expression. Khalil Gibran's work continues to inspire and uplift, making this collection a timeless addition to any bookshelf.
Khalil Gibran's "The Little Book of Love" is a treasure trove of profound insights and poetic brilliance. This collection of poems and reflections captures the essence of love in its many forms, from passionate romance to deep friendship and spiritual connection. Gibran's writing is nothing short of exquisite, with each poem crafted in a language that is both lyrical and deeply moving.
The literary quality of Gibran's poems is exceptional. His use of metaphor and symbolism elevates the text to a level of literary artistry that is rarely seen. Each piece is a testament to his mastery of language and his ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity and grace. The poems resonate with timeless wisdom, making them as relevant today as they were when first written.
Gibran's reflections on love are not just beautiful; they are also thought-provoking and inspiring. He challenges readers to rethink their understanding of love and to embrace it in all its dimensions. Whether you are seeking solace, inspiration, or a deeper understanding of love, this book is a perfect companion.
In summary, "The Little Book of Love" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates fine literature and the beauty of poetic expression. Khalil Gibran's work continues to inspire and uplift, making this collection a timeless addition to any bookshelf.
November 22, 2023
"My first glimpse of you was not in the truth the first. The hour in which our hearts met confirmed in me the belief in eternity and in the immorality of the soul".
"Love knows not its depth till the hour of separation".
"You are a slave to him whom you love because you love him. And a slave to him who loves you because he loves you".
"Love is the only freedom in the world because it so elevates the spirit that the laws of humanity and the phenomena of nature do not alter its course".
"It is wrong to think that love comes from long companionship and persevering courtship. Love is the offspring of spiritual affinity and unless that affinity is created in a moment it will not be created in years or even generations".
"Even the wisest among us bows under the heavy weight of love; but in truth she is as light as the frolicsome breeze of lebanon".
"Love like death changes everything".
"And think not that you can direct the course of love, for love if it finds you worthy directs your course".
"Love knows not its depth till the hour of separation".
"You are a slave to him whom you love because you love him. And a slave to him who loves you because he loves you".
"Love is the only freedom in the world because it so elevates the spirit that the laws of humanity and the phenomena of nature do not alter its course".
"It is wrong to think that love comes from long companionship and persevering courtship. Love is the offspring of spiritual affinity and unless that affinity is created in a moment it will not be created in years or even generations".
"Even the wisest among us bows under the heavy weight of love; but in truth she is as light as the frolicsome breeze of lebanon".
"Love like death changes everything".
"And think not that you can direct the course of love, for love if it finds you worthy directs your course".
August 10, 2019
Well...I have come to this realisation that every book has a right time to be read and appreciated. So when I tried reading Kahlil Gibran's poetry which delves into the deepest trenches of human emotions, I realised that I am still miles away from reaching the level of maturity that the subject deserves.
But then, isn't that one of the greatest wonders of reading...to let you know what is it that you don't know? I am now certain that there are sides of human emotions that are still alien to me; some terrains where I perhaps avoid treading. That there is still a wide chasm between who I am and who I want to become; but now that I know it, I will reach there some day and finally understand the world around me.
So I will come back to this book few years later in the hope of truly enjoying its melody and giving it the love it deserves. It has given me another reason to want to live a little longer. :)
But then, isn't that one of the greatest wonders of reading...to let you know what is it that you don't know? I am now certain that there are sides of human emotions that are still alien to me; some terrains where I perhaps avoid treading. That there is still a wide chasm between who I am and who I want to become; but now that I know it, I will reach there some day and finally understand the world around me.
So I will come back to this book few years later in the hope of truly enjoying its melody and giving it the love it deserves. It has given me another reason to want to live a little longer. :)
August 17, 2020
Oh, Gibran, I’ve got a soft spot for your honeyed words. Who doesn’t want a little slice of classical, chivalrous romance every now and then? Your words are a rich dessert to be had in moderation, when I want to put my feet up after a lifetime of dismissing romance in real life.
I don’t feel that ‘Love’ is some eternal divine force with its strings pulled by the gods, but I glean from these poems a strong feeling. The pureness and the intensity of love. The feeling that you would give all you had for as many lifetimes as you could imagine. That feeling is true. Call it blindness, or call or passion, it is a truth that Gibran channels authentically.
I don’t feel that ‘Love’ is some eternal divine force with its strings pulled by the gods, but I glean from these poems a strong feeling. The pureness and the intensity of love. The feeling that you would give all you had for as many lifetimes as you could imagine. That feeling is true. Call it blindness, or call or passion, it is a truth that Gibran channels authentically.
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May 31, 2021Kahlil Gibran is one of my favourite poets, so I eagerly bought this book a few weeks ago. It extracts his love poems from his different collections and puts them all into this cute little book. Gibran writes of love so beautifully, describing it as a sacred and spiritual experience that touches us in different ways.
Love comes in different shapes. Sometimes it comes in wisdom; at other times in justice; and oftentimes in hope.
Bonus- this book is also interspersed with Gibran’s paintings!
Love comes in different shapes. Sometimes it comes in wisdom; at other times in justice; and oftentimes in hope.
Bonus- this book is also interspersed with Gibran’s paintings!
July 23, 2023
A neat anthology of some memorable poems about love and relationships by the legendary Khalil Gibran. I found many of the poems to be naïve, but I suspect that's just part of what makes Gibran's poems so charming. The Christian elements of Gibran's poems are unsurprisingly major and central. So major in fact, that I recommend familiarizing yourself with the life of Jesus and Christianity more broadly before jumping into this collection.
Overall, a pleasurable read.
Overall, a pleasurable read.
December 18, 2020
A mix of short and long poems. I found it useful how Suheil took out pieces or quotes from specific poems, therein highlighting its point.
Inspiring words and perspectives on love. Certainly a fantastic read.
Also comes with drawings by Kahlil Gibran. Poems and art in one little book, such a treasure!
Inspiring words and perspectives on love. Certainly a fantastic read.
Also comes with drawings by Kahlil Gibran. Poems and art in one little book, such a treasure!
September 25, 2022
" Love is more than an emotion. It is a sacred force that breaks our ideas of who we think we are and transport us on a path that extends through this life and beyond." The book speaks about all kinds of love from different works of Gibran, beautiful poetic verses and like that one handy book to keep which can be read over at times.
June 24, 2020
Poetry is magnificent. Proses were boring.
"Love is more than an emotion. It is a sacred force that breaks our ideas of who we think we are and transport us on a path that extends through this life and beyond."
"Love is more than an emotion. It is a sacred force that breaks our ideas of who we think we are and transport us on a path that extends through this life and beyond."
March 13, 2021
A collection of Khalil Gibran’s writings on love. 4 stars because it feels a little different to read short poems and excerpts of longer work instead of the full originals, but 10/10 recommend as a little book of love poetry to read before bed.
November 14, 2021
Wonderful collection. A great pairing with The Prophet...would love to teach some of these—especially the ones about motherhood and friendship. Definitely recommend—though I found taking time with the poems to be helpful for me—to spread out the reading with other works.
December 17, 2024
Some of these poems were really engaging. I especially liked the story telling ones. But some just didn't hold my interest the same way. Overall the poems were very sweet and it's worth having on your bookshelf
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