An important and basic Baha'i resource for study of the core concepts of art, deriving from the Baha'i teachings a new, world-embracing and stimulating vision of art and its practice. According to Book 7 of the Ruhi Institute, the arts should be included as an "essential element" in "every study circle", for they can "enhance the spiritual development of the participants", and contribute to the spiritual vitality of community life (p. 111). Mirror of the Divine provides ideal supplementary reading for those taking courses of the Ruhi Institute. Many of the concepts regarding the arts that are found in Book 7 of the Ruhi series are explored in Mirror of the Divine, together with quotations from Baha'i Writings from which they were derived. After laying a basis of art theory, Mirror of the Divine draws again on the Baha'i Writings to offer solutions to many of the practical challenges faced by artists and communities. --What is the nature of the spiritual role the arts can play in a new era? --In what ways can the arts contribute to the well-being of humanity? --Should creative work done in the crafts be regarded on an equal footing with work done in the "fine arts"? --In helping to build a new, world-wide community, how can artists find a balance between tradition and innovation? --When translating inspiration into a finished piece, what resources and choices does a spiritually-oriented artist have? What are the hidden dynamics at work? These are just a few of the fascinating and vital questions to which Mirror of the Divine offers answers. The only book of its kind in Baha'i literature, it is a product of many years of research undertaken by author Ludwig Tuman. With over 200 quotations from the Baha'i Writings relevant to the arts (many of which are not found in compilations on the arts), and over 100 illustrations, it is not only important for Baha'i artists and those interested in the arts, but also makes a gift sure to be appreciated. Some of the arts referenced in Mirror of the Divine (in alphabetical order): Architecture ~ Beadwork ~ Calligraphy ~ Ceramics ~ Clothing design ~ Dance ~ Embroidery ~ Environmental design ~ Film ~ Floral design ~ Garden & Landscape design ~ Industrial design ~ Interior design ~ Jewelry ~ Literature ~ Metalwork ~ Music ~ Origami ~ Painting ~ Photography ~ Poetry ~ Pottery ~ Puppetry ~ Rug-weaving ~ Sandpainting ~ Sculpture ~ Stained glass-setting ~ Stonework ~ Story-telling ~ Tapestry ~ Theater ~ Urban design ~ Wall mosaics ~ Woodcraft Some responses to Mirror of the Divine: "…beautifully presented" ~ Hand of the Cause Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum "…We must congratulate you for your brilliant exposition of Baha'i perspective about art. Yours is a pioneering work and we have no doubt, it will be gratefully welcomed by all lovers of art both within the Baha'i community and the world at large." ~ R. N. Shah, Secretary, National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of India "…a timely, audacious and challenging work… Artists working in all disciplines and thoughtful people in general will applaud this seminal contribution to Baha'i literature. I cannot praise it highly enough." ~ Roger White, poet, author of Witness of Pebbles and A Sudden Music "…deftly produced," "an excellent, thought-provoking piece of writing." ~ Constance M. Chen, in a book review for Baha'i Studies, Vol. 7 "Mr Tuman knows his subject very well indeed and one is enlightened by his analyses…" "Mirror of the Divine is relevant to the future progress of all artistic expression." ~ Baha'i Reviewing Panel for the United Kingdom "As an avid reader on the subjects of art and spirituality, I have to say that Mirror of the Divine is simply the best book on the arts I have ever read, whether from a Baha'i perspective or any other, whether from our time period or any previous." ~ Michael W. Hughey, graphic artist and designer "In the Baha'i community we are encouraged to deepen on the subject of the arts in order to more effectively tap into their spiritual power. We learn about the importance of the arts in Book 7 of the Ruhi Institute and need supplemental reading on the subject. For this purpose we have an ideal resource in Mirror of the Divine. It explores relevant quotations from the Baha'i Writings, showing how they combine to form a new and uplifting vision of art. But it goes far beyond art theory and is also highly practical, drawing on the Writings to find solutions to many of the challenges artists face in the daily practice of their vocation. I highly recommend it, without reservations, for study circles, artists of all kinds, Spiritual Assemblies, schools, and all those wishing to promote the aims of the present Plan and future ones through the arts." ~ Dr. Leslie Asplund, musical theatre producer; organizer of the 2002 Arts Conference in the Baha'i Festival of the Arts, New York