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Dolors's Reviews > The Prophet
The Prophet (A Borzoi Book)
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The richness of his poetic prose and its inherent musicality is what I take with me from Al-Mustafá, Gibran’s famous Prophet.
There is also a universal spirituality that doesn’t succumb to the pressure of organized dogma that makes of this short fable a classic that might appeal to any reader regardless of his present, absent or muddled religious beliefs.
The roundness of the last chapter reminds me of the serene wisdom of the ancient aphorisms in The Tao Te Ching because it allows multiple interpretations that don’t compete against each other: philosophy and mysticism go hand in hand along the natural cycle of existence rather than being at odds in constant disparity of visions that often lead to uncertainty, and eventually, to corroding guilt.
Precious gifts arrive at the right moment and allow joy to coexist with misery, hope with despair, gratitude with frustration, without forcing us to choose one over the other. One door closes so that many others might be opened if we are courageous enough to persist, if we keep on walking. Accepting life as it comes with all its imperfect balances is far from easy and sometimes we crave for that comforting presence that will becalm the stirred waters of a troubled conscience, the disparate chorus of contradictory longings, the festering pain of unhealed wounds.
May you be fortunate to find that soothing voice that will appease storms within you, be it in the form of poetic allegory, unconditional support from those who truly care about you, or both; and be blessed, like I was, like I am.
There is also a universal spirituality that doesn’t succumb to the pressure of organized dogma that makes of this short fable a classic that might appeal to any reader regardless of his present, absent or muddled religious beliefs.
The roundness of the last chapter reminds me of the serene wisdom of the ancient aphorisms in The Tao Te Ching because it allows multiple interpretations that don’t compete against each other: philosophy and mysticism go hand in hand along the natural cycle of existence rather than being at odds in constant disparity of visions that often lead to uncertainty, and eventually, to corroding guilt.
Precious gifts arrive at the right moment and allow joy to coexist with misery, hope with despair, gratitude with frustration, without forcing us to choose one over the other. One door closes so that many others might be opened if we are courageous enough to persist, if we keep on walking. Accepting life as it comes with all its imperfect balances is far from easy and sometimes we crave for that comforting presence that will becalm the stirred waters of a troubled conscience, the disparate chorus of contradictory longings, the festering pain of unhealed wounds.
May you be fortunate to find that soothing voice that will appease storms within you, be it in the form of poetic allegory, unconditional support from those who truly care about you, or both; and be blessed, like I was, like I am.
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Reading Progress
July 17, 2013
– Shelved
October 9, 2016
–
Started Reading
October 9, 2016
–
73.85%
""A little while, and my longing shall gather
dust and foam for another body.
A little while, a moment of rest upon the
wind, and another woman shall bear me.""
page
96
dust and foam for another body.
A little while, a moment of rest upon the
wind, and another woman shall bear me.""
October 10, 2016
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-27 of 27 (27 new)
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Jacob
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Dec 16, 2016 11:53AM
As usual it flows directly from your heart, Dolors.
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If that last paragraph had been your entire review, I still would have been contented, Dolors, because I now see how this read was transformative for you. I love when precious gifts take the form of books and what better time than around the holiday, right? :) Spirituality and a tease of philosophy is always a good respite.
Beautiful and reassuring - your review, and the book, which I read long ago. I'm glad you found the precious gift of a soothing voice at the right moment. Blessings to you, especially in this festive season.
What a beautiful review. I remember when I was in undergraduate school, everyone, including me, was reading The Prophet. It is on my shelves somewhere and I must get it out and read it again.
Jacob wrote: "As usual it flows directly from your heart, Dolors."Many, many thanks Jacob. That's the greatest compliment you could ever give me.
Cheryl wrote: "If that last paragraph had been your entire review, I still would have been contented, Dolors, because I now see how this read was transformative for you. I love when precious gifts take the form o..."You understand my mood completely, Cheryl. It's hard not to lose faith in the goodness of people these days, but writers like Gibran or Maalouf keep the trust alive. This is a simple tale, full of basic advice but beautifully written anyway, and yes, it did work for me, so Santa brought me a present in advance this year! ;P
Cecily wrote: "Beautiful and reassuring - your review, and the book, which I read long ago. I'm glad you found the precious gift of a soothing voice at the right moment. Blessings to you, especially in this festi..."Blessings to you and to yours as well, Cecily. What a precious gift being a reader is, isn't it? One never feels truly alone as long as a book is within hand's reach. And to have other readers with whom to share these experiences enhances its beauty. Doubly blessed, we are! :)
Jill wrote: "What a beautiful review. I remember when I was in undergraduate school, everyone, including me, was reading The Prophet. It is on my shelves somewhere and I must get it out and read it again."I am glad the review stirred some good memories, Jill. This was my first read of Gibran's famous work, but I know it won't be my last. May you have a wonderful holiday and happy reading!
Dolors wrote: "Jacob wrote: "As usual it flows directly from your heart, Dolors."Many, many thanks Jacob. That's the greatest compliment you could ever give me."
I will be happy to give it again, anytime.
As ever, your own harmonious voice sounds in unison with the soothing voice that blessed you, dear Dolors, feeling like balm to my soul. Thanks for writing down these heart-felt, poetic and beauteous musings this fable stirred with you.
You encapsulate the soul of this book in just the same way this book is written: without prejudice. Thank you for taking me back to the time I had dived into this sea of wisdom, only to emerge much calmer, if not with assurances of my future course. After all, isn't it enough if a voice simply lets us be? Uplifting, comforting, ameliorating write-up, my dear.
Interesting Dolors, I must admit have never heard of this but sounds fascinating!.
You write so beautifully. I read this book first in high school and it was very meaningful at the time. When I return to it, I still find much meaning. The poet in you resounded in your review. I was somewhat surprised you didn't rate it a 5 and wondered why.
A beautiful, comforting review, Dolors. How nice to find this to read during this often hectic season.
A great thing about Gibran's quest for spirituality is that it transcends the narrow bounds by which we divide ourselves into this or that group. To find this universalism echoed in your musical prose felt like being blessed with that soothing voice that comes from the mouth of the prophet-sage before storms strike, just when the wounded humanity most needs succour.
Ilse wrote: "As ever, your own harmonious voice sounds in unison with the soothing voice that blessed you, dear Dolors, feeling like balm to my soul. Thanks for writing down these heart-felt, poetic and beauteo..."I am glad my thoughts reached your shores, Ilse. In a recent review you published you wondered about books finding us when we need them most, to offer soothing comfort or to stir feelings we are trying to get over, but whatever the case, they keep us company and offer an unjudging hand on which we can rely on as we thread this bumpy journey that is life... And in that sense, we readers are blessed, aren't we?
Seemita wrote: "After all, isn't it enough if a voice simply lets us be? ."Precisely, Simi! And Gibran's voice doesn't only let us be, he lets us make our own choices. Plus, I found his advice poetic and deep, a fable that I am sure will speak differently to me in every stage of my life. Thanks for stopping by to encourage me, dearest Simi! :)
Steven wrote: "Interesting Dolors, I must admit have never heard of this but sounds fascinating!."It's a quick read, Steven. Unpretentious and simple, but replete with truths nevertheless. Thanks for taking the time to read.
Deyanne wrote: "You write so beautifully. I read this book first in high school and it was very meaningful at the time. When I return to it, I still find much meaning. The poet in you resounded in your review. I w..."I am so glad to have reminded you of this beloved work, Deyanne. Thanks a bunch for your generous words... me, a poet!? my dream come true! :)
As for my reason for not rating the book 5 stars, because the poetry in it (like in the Tao) didn't allow my imagination to fly. These works are made to be spiritual rather than artistic companions, and I guess I need that other aspect to give wings to my expectations...
Carol wrote: "A beautiful, comforting review, Dolors. How nice to find this to read during this often hectic season."Glad you think so, Carol. I actually read it a few weeks ago, but books like this are a good choice any time. Thanks as always for your kind, generous words to my scribblings.
Jibran wrote: "A great thing about Gibran's quest for spirituality is that it transcends the narrow bounds by which we divide ourselves into this or that group. To find this universalism echoed in your musical pr..."Thanks a lot for that comment, Jibran. It shows that you more than got my meaning in the lines I wrote above. Gibran's work is meant to embrace, to warn, to raise awareness without enforcing religious dogma, and that always deserves respect from my part. We are short of that sort of visions, aren't we? May we keep reading and spreading works that vouch for the goodness of people...
Precious gifts arrive at the right moment and allow joy to coexist with misery, hope with despair, gratitude with frustration, without forcing us to choose one over the other. One door closes so that many others might be opened if we are courageous enough to persist, if we keep on walking. Despite the obvious religious connotations to which I can't actually relate but respect anyway, of course, Christmas is the time of giving and receiving gifts. Mine came early, in the form of a sublime and serene paragraph written by your magical pen. The wisdom that shines through your delightful review, I'm sure it's just the beginning of a wonderful journey, as we read and absorb Gibran's prose. Thank you so much for writing this. :) I look forward to hearing that soothing voice.
Florencia wrote: "Precious gifts arrive at the right moment and allow joy to coexist with misery, hope with despair, gratitude with frustration, without forcing us to choose one over the other. One door closes so th..."Oh Flo, you are such a generous perso... you give yourself fully and value others, making them feel special. That is a rare quality to find nowadays, in these frenetic times of immediacy and shallow relationships. And so, I am fortunate to hear not only Gibran's voice, but also that of real friends who are always there, to give me a warm embrace from afar, although distance doesn't matter when feelings are this true. May 2017 be full of good news and exciting projects for you, dear Flo!
You are one of the fortunate connoisseurs of the human condition who can, unlike others, express poetically, but yet very eloquently what it means to be human: to quote you, "sometimes we crave for that comforting presence that will becalm the stirred waters of a troubled conscience, the disparate chorus of contradictory longings, the festering pain of unhealed wounds." For this, I applaud your review above which depicts so well what being human means. This is one of those famous books that you just have to read, but the pressure to find it good is so high (just like the pressure to see some movies (like The Godfather)). I keep postponing to read them (see this type of movies), but I feel quite guilty that I keep doing so.
Deea wrote: "You are one of the fortunate connoisseurs of the human condition who can, unlike others, express poetically, but yet very eloquently what it means to be human: to qquote you, "sometimes we crave f..."Deea, thanks so much for always showing me such empathy and understanding. Talking books with you is sheer pleasure.
Some books and movies need specific timing, you will discover them when it's the right moment for you...no pressure! :)
I approached this allegory without much expectations and was charmed by its unpretentious wisdom. It reminded me very much of the Tao Te Thing in tone and content, and I found it a very soothing read. May it serve its purpose when you decide to tackle it, my dear friend.
Such an interesting and insightful review, Dolors. This book has been on my radar for quite some time already, and I really think it's time to finally check it out. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Gibran's novel. :)
Councillor wrote: "Such an interesting and insightful review, Dolors. This book has been on my radar for quite some time already, and I really think it's time to finally check it out. Thank you for sharing your thoug..."Thanks to you for taking the time to read and to leave this kind comment, Councillor. May Gibran's wisdom reach the shores of your mind when you decide to read it!
