Customer Reviews

The Knowing Heart: A Sufi Path of Transformation

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Helminski, writing with the ease and fluidity that comes from years of discernment, discusses the seven levels of the self, the important role of the spiritual teacher, the blessings of spiritual conversation, the courtesy of the path, and the sacredness of everyday life. The author's exquisite overview of Sufism and all its resources enables him to enchant us with the sayings of Muhammad, aphorisms that stir the soul, themes for contemplation from Rumi, and a helpful glossary. ~Frederic Brussat

Sufism, which has been described as the mystic heart of Islam, is little known and little understood in this country despite the advocacy of popularizers such as Idries Shah. Helminski, a Mevlevi Shaikh and translator of the great Sufi poet Rumi, offers a clear and well-grounded introduction to Sufism, liberally seasoned with insights from the Koran and the writings of Rumi; his is perhaps the best beginner's guide now available. For most libraries.

The Knowing Heart draws a sweeping picture of the Sufi way, covering such topics as the structure of the spiritual path, the centrality of love, Sufi psychology, the importance of spiritual friendship and community, spiritual faculties, and the sources of the Sufi tradition. Clearly the fruit of personal, heartfelt experience, Helminski's work is a refreshing addition to a body of literature that all too often neglects the profound role that tradition plays in Sufism. He accomplishes this task without subverting either tradition or the needs of his audience. In marked contrast to the "pick-and-choose" spirituality that seems so popular nowadays, The Knowing Heart speaks from the heart, yet a heart humbled and submissive to the sources which enliven it.

I do this review not as a result of my strong emotions those have stimulated upon reading the book, but also, maybe more importantly, because of the responsibility i felt.

Having been/raised Muslim all my life, i was familiar with the facts and concepts that Kabir Helminski included. However, KH prepared a very well tuned compilation of our 'being' consisting of nothing too much or too less. One word would describe this intimate and honest work: 'Moderacy'. Moderate as to contain every simplicity and complexity. Just like the 'Oneness' containes all in its sacred stillness.

He flows in the words with a touching rythm and makes you flow hand-in-hand with love. He does his final touch while shaping up the expressions and the descriptions in total faith. You can absorb as long as you strive to be as honest, as clean, as faithful, as open, as humble, as objective, as subjective, as prudent as he is...Only if you strive, not necessarily you be. It won't change your faith, will only refine it as it was meant to be, couple of million years ago.

As i have just stated above, KH doesn't claim something new; one can derive alot even though he/she thinks that he/she already knows it all. He just, with God's help, knows how to place the pearls in our craving soul with an absolute love, conscience and wit. All of us deserve this.

I had my share, and my gratitude goes first to God then to KH.

God bless KH and all the belivers.

The Knowing Heart: A Sufi Path Of Transformation is Kabir Helminski's latest contribution to the growing body of Sufi literature and reveals that in Sufi tradition and belief the human heart is more than just a fanciful metaphor, but an objective organ of intuition and perception able to perceive the beauty and meaning in life. Every human heart has the innate capacity and the destiny to bring the spiritual qualities of the world of divinity reality into the human world of appearances. Kabir Helminski presents the Sufi way as a practical spirituality suitable for all cultures and times. The Knowing Heart also offers insights into contemporary life and how to experience a new sense of self, transform relationships, and enhance creativity, all while learning how to meet and master the spiritual challenges of the times and realizing our own "sacred humanness". The Knowing Heart is a very highly recommended addition to personal and academic Sufi studies reading lists and library collections.

For all of the Ratmouse's criticisms and scepticism (as I have stated- I am here to collect bad reviews and undermine the human race), I will hand it the humans for one thing- writing and publishing this book. Here we enter a fascinating branch of Islam- the Sufi realm of mysticism where a loving heart and selflessness are guiding principles. In the past I have drawn attention to Islam's general construct, then to the Koran's most hostile verses. Now I would like to complete this look at Islam by recommending this book. The only call to arms someone like Bin Laden might find in this book is the call to open one's arms and accept people of all races, religions, ethnicities and creeds with a loving heart. Author Kabir Helminski has here provided a kind of spiritual Jihad where loving one's neighbors is the meaning of enlightenment and life. But this book is so much more- it takes one through levels of development, like the unpeeling of an onion, until only the ocean of happy compassion remains. Not saying that the RatMouse now has a little halo over his grimy ears, but he certainly now tries to learn from the words of wisdom presented in this majestic tome. Allah, with a loving heart, is great.

The Knowing Heart: A Sufi Path Of Transformation presents the Sufi way as a practical spirituality suitable for all cultures and times as Kabir Helminski offers insights relevant to life in today's modern, technology oriented, rapidly evolving, fast-paced and complex world. In cultivating a "knowing heart" the reader will learn to experience a renewed sense of self, transform his or her relationships, enhance creative capacity, and learn to meet the spiritual challenges so pervasive to our time. The Knowing Heart is enthusiastically recommended for students of Eastern philosopher in general, and the Sufi belief system in particular.