|
It is with great pleasure and delight that I endorse the work of Mirabai Starr, who I find to be a soul companion as well as a professional colleague. In addition to be a gifted author, Mirabai is blessed with the capacity to inspire others with her wisdom and understanding of mystical theology. I referred to her translations of Teresa of Avila's great masterpiece, THE INTERIOR CASTLE, while writing my own book, ENTERING THE CASTLE, because of the excellence of her work. Mirabai is a rare jewel.
Caroline Myss
author of ANATOMY OF THE SPIRIT and ENTERING THE CASTLE
I wanted to tell you how much I respect the balance you achieve in your work: creating intellectually responsible translations that are so provocative, rich, readable and relevant. You make Teresa come alive for the present-day reader, and achieve just the right balance between "translating" her decidedly Christian discourse into a broader frame. I've been struggling (with the usual stars and scars) to teach the deep humanistic and spiritual truths found in these kinds of texts to diverse audiences (religious and secular, from different traditions) and it's so helpful to see others committed to this kind of work too.
Frederick Roden
Department of English, University of Connecticut
Mirabai Starr is an extraordinary teacher not because she is so well versed in spiritual teaching--though she is. What makes her teaching so powerful is that her vast spiritual knowledge is rooted in the real experience of being human. Her genius lies in the profoundly humble way she opens her life as a guide to ours. In making this connection she shows us the deep and mysterious spiritual truths that hold all our lives together. A truly gifted teacher, she points us at once to and beyond ourselves. She does all of this with a spirit so light that all who share her presence are also lifted. Oh, did I say that she is also a lot of fun?
Rev. Bob Thompson
Senior Pastor, Lake Street Church, Evanston, IL
Mirabai Starr possesses passionate eloquence when speaking about mysticism, making the ineffable tangible and real as eating delicious food that's good for you.
The Ark Bookstore always enjoys Mirabai Starr's book signing appearances and talks, not only because of her professionalism and gifted speaking ability, but also, (and primarily), because Mirabai's presence is a manifestation and transmission of her very deep understanding of the spiritual teachings she translates.
Karin Arielle
The Ark Bookstore, Santa Fe NM
I have had the great pleasure to work with Mirabai Starr at retreats that I have given. Her work as a presenter is quite unique, and her style welcomed and embraced by the women who have attended these retreats. Her manner evokes depth and love in the women she speaks to, and also listens to, as she portrays her work with the mystics she has translated, and shares its impact through the experiences of her own life. Mirabai has a profound respect for our deepest, most ordinary humanity as seekers of Truth. Her presence leaves a residual of joy in the hearts of those she works with, no matter how difficult their lives might be.
Anne Scott
author and spiritual guide
Entering a retreat or a workshop with Mirabai is like stepping into a cool, bubbling creek on a hot day. Her buoyant energy goes to work quietly -- and persistently. It circles around all the noisy worries and errant thoughts that human beings bring into any new space and deftly brings everyone to full attention, poised for the spiritual work at hand.
Every detail of a retreat is carefully planned to create and maintain space for individual reflection and transformation as well as time for the group to get to know and enjoy one another. Rituals and silence, laughter and good food, time alone and time together seem to emerge naturally, but afterwards it is clear that Mirabai was reading the group and nudging the right ingredients into place at just the right time.
I think the most powerful aspect of being with Mirabai is this: She is keenly respectful of the deep internal beauty that each person brings into a circle or a room or a workshop. She has a way of gently bringing it out into the open so that it is clearly visible to its owner, as well as to the rest of the group.
Judy Langford
Senior Fellow, Center for the Study of Social Policy, Washington DC
Mirabai's words point toward the Ineffable. She has an outstanding gift for language, plus penetrating insight, married to a heart of authentic compassion. Combined, the result is a gentle dynamite for opening and awakening.
Sara Morgan
psychotherapist and spiritual guide
i want to thank you humbly for giving me The Book of My Life. I wept through the entire last chapter. Here is the message which was whispering to me:
You, too, little one, are meant for this grace, and it is meant for you. Do not think this life or your struggles in it are a punishment or a reflection by which to read your true being. Each veil lived through, grappled with, discarded and grown beyond has been only the layers taken on from ignorance. It gradually lifts. Your perseverence through them is the path by which you approach me, and their existence is nothing but the flakes of dust covering the mirror--your awareness of them is a blessing; your living so as to remove them, a good life--for both, be grateful, daughter. Nothing is wrong.
All of this is for the unioning of a particle of the light with the light. If it can be said that I have desires, this is all my desire. And it is all your desire. This is the coming to meet.
Now, be still and allow to wash over you and into you, bathing every cell--my love--which has never been taken from you, and which nothing you have done or could do has prevented from reaching you. But now, be still. Rest. I am here.
As you have said to me, I say: stay with me.
anonymous poet-friend
I have been present during Mirabai Starr’s classes at the University of New Mexico in Taos, on both Phiosophy and the theologies of the major world religions. Also I have heard her lecture on many of the books she has written and several times have heard her speak on New Dimensions Radio.
One would expect from such a background that she has gathered and synthesized a dazzling amount of knowledge, but she also brings understanding, and especially compassionate wisdom. These are God-sent gifts that are simply given to her. Her life experiences of suffering and love pour into the cup of different levels of understanding which she offers so generously as a teacher, lecturer, writer and guest speaker. I am enriched and honored by her friendship.
Mirabai is an authentic mystic, a true teacher and a wonderful soul. Anyone who comes to her will find their cup will be filled. I recommend her as a person and as a teacher with great confidence and joy.
Andrew Harvey
Spiritual Teacher and Director
|
|
|
