Customer Reviews

Essential Sufism

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Sufi practitioner is a mystic. Sufi practices are the mystical practices of Islam. Many of those whom Islam heralds as saints and sages were Sufi masters. For nearly 1500 years, Sufi practices have co-existed with a diversity of other practices and cultures in which Islam has survived and thrived.

'According to many Sufis, the essential truths of Sufism exist in all religions. The foundation for all mysticism includes the outer forms of religious practice, plus a life based on moral and ethical principles. The roots of the tree of religion are founded in religious law.... The branches of the tree are mysticism.... The fruit of the tree is the Truth, or God.'

Edited by James Fadiman and Robert Frager, this book reaches from the very beginnings of Sufi practice to the present, and pulls together materials that are luminous and spirit-provoking, from prayers that have survived a millennium to contemporary poetry. Writers such as Ibn al-Arabi, Ahmad al-Ghazzali, Hafiz, Rumi and Attar fill this book with an enchanting sense of a divine presence in the curiously distant yet all-to-present reality.

Many of the teachings of Sufi are very basic and practical, much moreso than one would think a mystical framework would be. And yet, God is practical in many ways. God particularly expects those with wisdom to impart the wisdom, and this is best done practically for many hearers. Action is the final essential component of wisdom.

The task of the Sufi is to recognise the Truth, to learn and remember it, and secondly, to help others to the Truth as well. As the task evolves, it becomes one process, which infiltrates daily life, worship, and all of existence. Nothing is apart from God. The Sufi strives to recognise this wholeness.

'Oh heart, sit with someone
who knows the heart;
God under the tree
which has fresh blossoms.'
- Rumi

For many of the Sufi, the path to Truth is the path of Love. 'Whatever we wish to know well, we must love.' Yet, there is resistance and fear in this love. Love can transform us, make us unrecognisable even to ourselves, and this is worrisome. Yet God will always know who we are.

Sufi literature also has a humourous aspect to it; the Hodja stories of Turkish collections is illustrated here. These are interesting, because they always illumine more upon closer examination.

'I can see in the dark,' boasted Hodja one day while sitting in a tea shop.
`If that's true,' said his friends, `why do we sometimes see you carrying a light at night?'
`Well,' he replied, `I only use that lamp to prevent other people from bumping into me.'

Ultimately the goal of all mystical practice, and perhaps most especially the Sufi, is the experience of knowing God. The paths to God are as numerous as the seekers, the Sufi believe, which is why the path through other religious faith is not discounted. Through prayer, remembrance and service, the Sufi comes to know God, and join with God.

One day a man asked a sheikh how to reach God. `The ways to God,' the sheikh replied, `are as many as there are created beings. But the shortest and easiest is to serve others, not to bother others, and to make others happy.' - Abu Sa'id

The call of God is powerful, and Sufi practice is one of the most powerful responses to this call in the world. Sufi are an impatient lot, who long to see God now. May your journey be enlightened by walking some of their paths.

This is a solid introduction to the basic tenets of Sufism. Described as the impatient mystics of Islam, Sufis seek God all the time in all living things and actions, rather than just waiting for the hereafter. Interestingly, they also call themselves "lovers" because they have an active and continuous love for the Almighty. Sufism can be of interest to non-Muslims because it is made up of many tenets that are beyond particular belief systems, not unlike Buddhism or Confucianism, and can be applied while practicing other religions. (Though I am not claiming to be an expert on comparative religion here.) After some useful introductory descriptions, this book contains mostly parables and aphorisms, some from the Koran but mostly from later poets and mystics, that shed light on the Sufi belief system. Included are interesting takes on key concepts like charity, daily life, education, and one's place in the universal scheme of things; as well as refreshing stances on Satan and death that may seem alien to the Westerner but make a lot of sense. This compendium may not be intensive enough to make you a convert, but it certainly provides much enlightenment and spiritual food for thought. [~doomsdayer520~]

Now that I have an actual identity here I am simply reiterating my former review. This book takes qoutations from many different sufi "dervishes", some are ancient and some contemporary. Nonetheless the wisdom in this book is largely timeless. From Sheik Muzaffer and Rumi and as far back as Muhammad himself. this book does not limit its spiritual wisdoms to only muslims (I am not really a muslim) but to any person who seeks the spiritual side of themselves. These wisdoms are arranged in short quotes and small fable-like stories making it extremely easy to read. In short, it is a very interesting and enlightening book. The broad spectrum of material in this book ranges from such lofty concepts as spiritual experience, contemplation and knowledge, love, God and Satan yet also has such worldly concerns as Sufi humour. Even the sections not directly concerned with humour show that the Sufis have always been masters of irony and mirth. The one thing I think impressed me the most about this book was the incredibly intricate and beautiful calligraphy. The readability of this book is excellent. All these "Essential..." books are great, read them.

For non-Muslims, this book is essential to understanding a very important aspect of Islam that people don't see, either due to ignorance or because of bias. It deals with universal morals, ideals and ethics (ranging from love of humanity, to patience, to gratitude) that are central to tassawwuf (what is known in the west as Sufism). Sufism/tassawuf is actually considered (traditionally) to be an Islamic science dealing with the purity of an individuals heart in relating with God and creation. To those who thought Islam is some sort of evil, alien force, this book will prove how ignorant they are.

Specifically, I'm recommending this book for Muslims, as it holds a wealth of knowledge going back to the words of the Prophet (PBUH), to modern scholars. The words of all the women and men in this book are PRICELESS, and should be read as they are beautiful expressions of of our pan-Islamic heritage.

Yet for anyone in seeking to own an open heart, this is the book for you.

If you are wondering just what is sufism can best be described as or are looking for inspiration I would recommend this book. A large part of the book covers God, satan, virtues,humor, prayer, charity, teacher and student relationships, etc. by offering sayings, stories, lectures, and fables. Many of them were written by well known sufi saints like Rumi, Rabia, etc. and Muslim figures throughout history. There's even a section that contains hadith, the traditions of prophet Muhammad.

The Mystics of Islam are called Sufis. Sufism is about love, devotion and knowledge. I love the quote, "We can find within ourselves all that we want and need." This is a fascinating book about Sufism. It is a pleasure to read and the wisdom can only be embraced willingly and joyfully.

This book takes qoutations from many different sufi "dervishes", some are ancient and some contemporary. Nonetheless the wisdom in this book is largely timeless. From Sheik Muzaffer and Rumi and as far back as Muhammad himself. this book does not limit its spiritual wisdoms to only muslims (I am not muslim) but to any person who seeks the spiritual side of themselves. These wisdoms are arranged in short quotes and small fable-like stories making it extremely easy to read. In short, it is a very interesting and enlightening book.

This is the first book which i read on Sufism and it taught me alot not just about this topic but as well as about life in general. The book teaches you how u can live a quality life. It defines sufism very well and then goes on with each chapter focusing on a different topic like love, prayer etc. Anyone interested in reading something quality rules of life must read this book.

This book should be read by every American, not only for advancement on the spiritual path to peace, but to greater understanding of the true nature of Islam and thus to peace with our own brothers and sisters.

This book collects thanks to the careful editing of Fadiman and Frager jewels from the mystic wisdom of the Sufis organized by themes from Daily Life, Love, Virtues, to Death. really the list of chapters is too long to copy here, but each is very valuable for understanding our life and how to lead it in peace and joy, and how to face our inevitable leaving of it.

Please, for your own sake and peace and joy, read this book carefully. Its golden nuggest are so presented as to be avalable and fruitful whether read in a few stolen minutes while commuting or in meetings, or a weekend retreat of contemplation renewal and spiritual growth

Just started reading this book. I want to learn more about Sufism since it is a theme echoed over a over by Gibran, Pamuk and of course its founder the great poet Rumi. I love the concept of becoming "One with the Beloved". In my opinion Pamuk corrupts Sufism and Mystics. Orhan Pamuk's books present a distorted view of Dervishes and Sufis, especially the novel, My Name is Red. He reduces these holy men to their baser instincts.

Of course as a Christian my ultimate Spiritual Goal is to become one with Jesus Christ.

Over the years as I think back I believe I have found elements of Sufism in the writings of Deepak Chopra, the Dalai Lama and I'm sure that as I read more of Dr. Edward Said I will find it there also. Perhaps it is also in Buddhism, I must look at my Buddhist scriptures.

The theme of Being One with the Beloved resonates with me as a Christian because you find this concept in the Bible. Jesus spoke that He and the Father were One. The Epistles constantly speak about being reunited with God, being more like the Father, losing yourself in Him.

I'm the type of Christian who believes one can incorporate the best of other faiths without losing or rejecting one's own belief system. As I get older I lean towards to the Gospel of Inclusion. Besides on Judgement Day we will all answer to God no matter what our faith or belief.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

The aphorisms in this book remind me very much of the Book of Proverbs in the Bible. Proverbs is known as the book of Wisdom. I keep refering to the Bible because this is my faith and my frame of reference. As I read about the Sufis and Dervishes I think about Jesus disciples and how he sent them out to preach the gospel and heal the sick. Jesus told them to take nothing with them except the clothes on their back. I believe the scripture states that the workman is worthy of his hire. The went from town to town, house to house spreading the Good News. Whoever had ears to hear received it, those who did not Jesus told them to shake the dust off their sandals as they left that particular village. I am just speculating but maybe Rumi and other Sufis were inspired by Jesus, his disciples and the apostles.

Another similarity I found was the mention of the Redemptive Names of God. Christians also have this.

________________________________________

Eight Redemptive Names of God

JEHOVAH-JIREH
"The Lord our provider" - This is also the name Abraham gave to the place where the Lord provided a sacrifice in place of Isaac. (Gen. 22:14).
JEHOVAH-NISSI
"Our banner, a banner of love and protection" - Also the name Moses gave to the altar he built after defeating the Amalekites (Ex. 17:15).
JEHOVAH-SHALOM
"Our perfect peace" - Also the name Gideon gave to the altar he built at Ophrah (Judges 6:24)
JEHOVAH-TSID-KENU
"The Lord is our righteousness" - The name is applied to a future Davidic king who would lead his people to do what is right and thus bring peace (Jeremiah 23:6) and to the restored city of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 33:16). The name is possibly a play on the name of Zedekiah ("Righteous [is:] the Lord") who reigned from 597 to 587 B.C..
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH
"The One Who is with us everywhere for He is Omnipresent" - The Jerusalem of Ezekiel's vision (see Ezekiel 48:35 margin) was known by this name. Compare text at Isaiah 60:19-20 and Revelation 21:3.
JEHOVAH-SABAOTH
"The Lord of Hosts, our Protector." C.H. Spurgeon said this about the phrase "The Lord of Hosts:
The Lord rules the angels, the stars, the elements, and all the hosts of Heaven; and the Heaven of heavens is under His sway... [the Lord:] is on our side -- our august Ally; woe unto those who fight against Him, for they shall flee like smoke before the wind when He gives the word to scatter them."
See text at Psalm 46:7.
JEHOVAH-RAAH
"Our Shepherd Who tenderly leads us, loves us and will keep us safe." - the famous Psalm 23 tells us that "The Lord is our Shepherd and we shall not want...." Being illustrated as a shepherd implies a relationship with His sheep (His believers). The term shepherd appears approximately 80 times in the Scriptures, denoting meanings of: feeder, keeper, companion, friend, pastor and herdsman.
JEHOVAH RAPHA
"I am the Lord Your Physician or I am the Lord Your Healer - this name especially was a Name God prophetically spoke about Himself, not one that someone gave Him. Exodus 15:26

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Just wanted to add that some of themed echo the Song of Solomon which contrasts romantic love between Solomon and his Ethiopian wife to his Love and search for God. Also in regards to mystics whether Sufi or Christian, "One cannot be so Heavenly bound that you are no earthly good". Props to my former Pastor, Rev. A.R. Bernard!!

The Mystic experience can also be found heavily in the Catholic Church. There are many famous Catholic Mystics; St. Teresa of Avila, Hildegard of Bingen, Francis of Assisi, Julian of Norwich, Catherine of Siena, etc... Many Catholic Mystics have had the experience of Stigmata, actually having the wounds of Christ on their physical bodies. Some have actually a type of ecstasy something similar to an out of body experience, perhaps a suspension of natural time where one is present with the Lord.

In my brief study of Eastern and Western Mysticism the Path Chooses the Believer not the Believer the Path. I think ones personality also lends itself to a mystical experience