Sufi Symbolism: The Nurbakhsh Encyclopedia of Sufi Terminology, Vol. 5: Veils and Clothing, Government, Economics and Commerce, Medicine and Healing [Hardcover]

Javad Nurbakhsh (Author), Terry Graham (Translator), Neil Johnston (Translator), Sima Johnston (Translator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0933546459 | ISBN-13: 978-0933546455 | Publication Date: December 1, 1991

This volume explores the physical and metaphysical veils between God and man, as well as the inner experiences of mystics regarding political power, government, war, peace and above all, sickness, health, life and death.

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About the Author

The author, Dr. Javad Nurbakhsh, was the Master of the Nimatullahi Sufi Order for over 55 years, prior to his death, in October 2008, at the age of 82. In addition to bringing the teachings of the Nimatullahi Sufism to the West and other parts of the world, Dr. Nurbakhsh also wrote extensively on Sufism and was responsible for the editing, publishing and translation of many classic Sufi texts that have existed previously only in manuscript form.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 434 pages
• Publisher: Khaniqahi Nimatullahi Publications (KNP) (December 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0933546459
• ISBN-13: 978-0933546455
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,283,962 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Universal spiritual hierarchy of Divine Grace, November 17, 2004

By 

Peacock Eye - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sufi Symbolism: The Nurbakhsh Encyclopedia of Sufi Terminology, Vol. 6: Titles and Epithets (Hardcover)

Sufi Symbolism is an encyclopedia of 16 volumes, with all possible entries on the symbolism and mystical knowledge of the Sufi path. Each entry provides a great variety of quotations by the masters of the Path. Many of these quotations are translated for the first time in the English language.

While the entire series is primarily useful for in-depth references to the subjects discussed, this particular volume VI almost reads as a textbook. Moreover, the particular subject of this volume is very interesting.

"Titles and epithets" of the Sufi path are discussed, meaning the various categories of travelers, adherents to particular creeds, adepts, saints and prophets; in their various approaches, degrees and ranks. What appears is a whole spiritual hierarchy, forever subsisting in eternity, maintaining the spiritual order of humanity, and serving as conduits of divine grace to maintain the covenant of humanity with its Creator.

Just a few quotations:

"The Pole of the Universe (qotb) holds the balance that regulates the general flow of grace; he measures that flow according to his knowledge, which follows from his knowledge of God, which in turn arises from quiddities yet to be manifested. The outflow of the spirit of life, from most sublime to the basest existence, is in his hands. (...)" - Jorjani

"The rule of the "Universal Pole" (qotb) is constantly thus:
if one goes away, another must come."
- Shah Ni'matullah Wali

"The "substitutes" (abdal) revolve in the seven heavens of the "pole" (qotb),
and the "supports" (autad) are stationary in the four corners of the "recourse" (ghauth).
- Mozaffar `Ali Shah

This book is very worthwhile indeed to read if you are interested to have a comprehensive overview of these subjects. There is no other, comparable compendium, to my knowledge.

"Love is "devil-may-care" (la-obali), not reason;
reason only seeks that from which it may gain."
- Rumi

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great, October 8, 2007

By 

Aetherus Rex "Green Bard" (Branson Mo.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sufi Symbolism: The Nurbakhsh Encyclopedia of Sufi Terminology, Vol. 5: Veils and Clothing, Government, Economics and Commerce, Medicine and Healing (Hardcover)

If you are studying Tassawuf (Sufism), This book will help you understand the deeper aspects of symbology. Especially when reading poems, many will not make sense unless you can decode the symbolic use of different things. I reccomend all of Dr. Nurbakhsh's books, and especially the Nimatullahi Sufi Order! Ya Haqq!