On the Nature of Sufi Knowledge : A Lecture Before a Live Audience, Plus Teaching Stories and Narratives [Audio Cassette]

Idries Shah (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1997

The third in a series of lectures by Idries Shah given before a live audience. Shah talks about the purpose of Sufism and the method and expression of its aim. He compares Sufi education with that obtained from a university or school. He emphasizes that the learner must have some stability of mind in order to approach Sufi studies correctly. His topics cover many subjects, including assumptions that prevent understanding; the difference between Sufis and idealists or "good" people who base their conduct, beliefs, and actions on principles; sincerity versus emotionality; familiarity with the material; and developing the right attitude towards it.

The second tape in this set includes selections from Shah’s Wisdom of the Idiots and Seeker After Truth read by members of The London College of Storytellers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

As the urgency of our global situation becomes apparent, more and more readers are turning to the books of Idries Shah (1924-1996) as a way to train new capacities and new ways of thinking. Shah has been described as "the most significant worker adapting classical spiritual thought to the modern world." His lively, contemporary books have sold more than 15 million copies in 12 languages worldwide and have been awarded many prizes. They have been reviewed by The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Times, The Tribune, The Telegraph, and numerous other international journals and newspapers.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

I want to clear away the brushwood, I want to give you indications of Sufism which will connect with your existing institutions, with your psychology, with your sociology, with your idea of spirituality, with your cultural institutions, with your literature.

Copyright © 1969, 1970, 1982, 1992. Idries Shah. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Ishk Book Service (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883536049
• ISBN-13: 978-1883536046
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,904,144 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Realizing the Real, August 9, 2001

By 

Ben Fried (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Nature of Sufi Knowledge : A Lecture Before a Live Audience, Plus Teaching Stories and Narratives (Audio Cassette)

An introductory lecture, to a live audience, about the ancient yet Modern science and Practical methodology of learning to perceive more accurately the true nature of our every day reality, actions and motivations. Richly strewn with entertaining stories, anecdotes and jokes. Expect a mind-bending roller-coaster but do not expect to grasp much before repeatedly listening several times. If you comprehend the timeless dictum "The Truth shall make you Free" than you are likely to appreciate this experience. By virtue of your attentive and repeated listening to the lecture and the accompanying readings of intriguing short stories from Shah's books you have taken your first step towards equiping yourself for the road to deeper understanding and self liberation, despite yourself. Can be the most salutary use of your time on the road and in the air.

5.0 out of 5 stars Light at the end of the tunnel!, August 9, 2001

By 

Ben Fried (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Nature of Sufi Knowledge : A Lecture Before a Live Audience, Plus Teaching Stories and Narratives (Audio Cassette)

An introductory lecture, to a live audience, about the ancient yet Modern science and Practical methodology of Human-development through learning to perceive, more accurately, the true nature of our every day reality, experiences, actions and motivations. Richly strewn with entertaining stories anecdotes and jokes. Expect a mind-bending roller-coaster but do not expect to grasp much before repeatedly listening, several times. If you comprehend the timeless dictum "The Truth shall make you Free" then you are likely to appreciate this experience. By virtue of your attentive and repeated listening to the lecture and the accompanying readings of intriguing short stories from Shah's books you have taken your first step towards equiping yourself for the road to deeper understanding and self liberation - Despite Yourself. Conceivably, the most salutary use of your time on the road or in the air.