Customer Reviews

The Hundred Tales of Wisdon : Life, Teachings and Miracles of Jalaludin Rumi from Aflaki's Munaqib

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This Middle Eastern classic by the great Sufi mystic & poet Jalaludin Rumi has been a part of Sufi study for 700 years. Part biography and part anthology, its tales, anecdotes and narratives are still used to develop insights beyond ordinary perceptions. Rumi taught Christians, Jews and Muslims alike. This may account for his current appeal. He is much in vogue in the West. His major work, The Mathnavi-i-Maanavi (Couplets of Inner Meaning) is considered to be one of the world's greatest books.

"You get out of it what is in it for you." wrote Rumi. He also wrote, "Do not look at my outward shape, but take what is in my hand."

The Hundred Tales of Wisdom is full of surprising; often shocking tales. Some are very funny. I think it may be better appreciated and better understood by those familiar with Idries Shah's The Sufis, Commanding Self and Knowing how to Know.

I think this book will appeal to those interested in Rumi's life and work or in Eastern thought and classical literature. It may also appeal to lovers of inspirational literature.... and to those who search for a clear understanding of themselves and their possibilities.

This is a mediaeval hagiography of significant legendary and miraculous happenings in the life of Rumi and his companions.It isn't the usual stuff found on most peoples reading lists in the west at this time.Nevertheless there is a certain tone to be heard here.If you hear it, it may ring with other sounds you've heard befor; if that happens you may hear more.

For someone taking the path to truth, when one believes they "got" this teaching in the bag this book proves that the student still has a lot to learn. This book is filled with great tales and tales that will leave you scratching your head. If you are a serious seeker of truth, this book comes highly recommended. Myself being a student of philosophy, I have to say this book hits it out of the park in terms of learning how to really think. Not a how to book nor a book on how one should live ones life, but a book that explains how to work alongside the power of truth to the advantage of helping others find the way down the right path, whatever that may mean to anyone who manages to buy this book. It is hard to read at times because of ones capacity to really sit think and feel about the material. It may offend some but then again the book is meant to challenge a twenty first century conditioned mind.