Learning How to Learn: Psychology and Spirituality in the Sufi Way (Compass) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Doris Lessing (Introduction)
Key Phrases: innermost consciousness, secondary self, fresh onions, Ibn Arabi, Mulla Nasrudin, Sheikh Abdullah Ansari (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... a textbook of method and attitude." -- Psychology Today, January 1979

"... astonishing in its pioneer content and treatment of human problems." -- World Future Studies Federation Newsletter, October 1978

"Bracing and often shocking ... a brisk and informed commonsense at its highest level." -- Books and Bookmen

"Certain irresistible keys keep the reader on the edge of the seat...marks the watershed in studies of the mind." -- Psychology Today- CHOICE OF THE MONTH, September 1978

"Packed with important information." -- New Society

Product Description

In response to the many inquiries he has received about the Sufi tradition, leading Sufi expert Idries Shah presents a clarifying series of questions and answers that illustrates how traditional Sufi concepts can resolve our social, psychological, and spiritual problems. This is the ideal introduction to Sufi wisdom.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 302 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140195130
• ISBN-13: 978-0140195132
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #193,659 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Introductory overview of Sufism, learning & consciousness, February 11, 1998

By	Roger Clement [e-mail] (Mill Creek, Washington) - See all my reviews

Learning How to Learn is for those who wish to learn more about Sufism or eastern psychologies, or who simply wish to have a better grasp on their own consciousness. It presents a fresh viewpoint on human psychology, learning and spirituality. The author illustrates that much of what we consider to be human thought is in reality little more than chains of habit or conditioning. Much of the book is in a question and answer format, presenting a comprehensive introduction to Sufic thought.

As with all of Shah's books, this one is provocative. You begin to see the operation of automatic assumptions in your life, and you start to ask yourself some challenging questions: Am I really interested in learning, or or am I more interested in gaining attention, approval, reassurance, recognition, power, comfort, etc.? Shah presents illustrations, stories and anecdotes that help you see yourself more clearly. For example, "If you want to assess someone, look at what he does, and ignore his protestations of 'being serious' - at least for the moment. If he is acting seriously, you will be more inclined to accept his claim to be serious. If he is only saying it, no matter how strongly he may believe it, we can only conclude that he has little or no idea of what he is really doing, and ... he is first in need of elementary instruction in straight thinking."

One of Shah's goals is to present the many sidedness and relevance of Sufic thought. He points out that Sufic instruction is highly individualized: What may be useful for one person, at a given time, in particular circumstances may well be inappropriate or even damaging for someone else, or at a different time, or in different circumstances. This may be contrasted with guruist approaches where one exercise or course of study is recommended for all comers.

Shah is not trying to sell us a new set of rituals. He presents no panacea. He is not recruiting people to become dervish dancers or eastern scholars. He is not calling anyone to come and sit at his feet (rather the reverse, actually), nor even to send their money.

Here he is presenting an overview of knowledge that is needed to become able to see fully, think clearly, act wisely, and attain one's full human potentiality. He illustrates that there often is considerable distance between those who actually are prepared to learn and those who merely believe they are. A first step in getting control of your learning is taken by recognizing the automatic assumptions and habitual reactions we all have that interfere with our growth and development. After we learn how to observe these, we can begin to break free from them.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An important book, July 12, 1998

By	Jerrold Richards (out in the beautiful Columbia Gorge) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Essential, readable, based on common sense. Einstein had the insight that we must change how we think or destroy ourselves. This book indicates how. As one of many examples, the chapter on attention-exchange can be put to immediate practical use. The book sets a new standard of definition for the term "expertise" in the fields of psychology and the social sciences. I am guessing that this book will be treasured not just for years, but for centuries.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best introduction to advanced esoteric psychology today., August 10, 1999

By A Customer

If I were forced to recommend one single book to practicing students of esoteric philiosophies, this would be the book. In fact, I've taught classes and workgroups using this book as the primer. I consider this Shah's masterwork, and the stimulus of a turning point in my own practice.