Come to the Secret Garden: Sufi Tales of Wisdom (Hardcover)

by M. R. Bawa Muhaiyaddeen (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

These inviting tales provide simple, yet profound advice to young children. M. R. Bawa Muhaiyaddeen speaks of the generosity of nature, of the tree that gives its fruit selflessly without expecting anything in return, and the forest life that lives in unity. He also warns about tiny red ants that can cause so much damage even though they are small, and reminds us to guard ourselves against any negative qualities, no matter how minor.

The stories also tell children about their true nature one of purity and resplendent light that comes from God.

Perfect for bedtime stories, these selections are gems of wisdom that young children can take in, ponder, and draw from in their lives.

About the Author

Muhammad Raheem Bawa Muhaiyaddeen, a Sufi mystic, can best be remembered for his efforts to bring unity through understanding to the faithful of all religions.

Little is known of his early personal history. Records of his life began in the early 1900's when religious pilgrims traveling through the jungles of Sri Lanka first caught glimpse of a holy man. They were overwhelmed by the depth of divine knowledge that he imparted.

Sometime later a pilgrim invited him to a nearby village, and with that began his public life as a teacher of wisdom.

Throughout Sri Lanka, people from all religious and ethnic traditions would listen to his public discourses. Many consulted him on how to conduct life's affairs, including public figures, politicians, the poor, and the learned.

In 1971 Bawa Muhaiyaddeen accepted an invitation to visit the United States. Here, once again, people from all religious, social and ethnic backgrounds would join to hear him speak. Across the United States, Canada and England, he won recognition from religious scholars, journalists, educators and world leaders. The United Nation's Assistant Secretary General, Robert Muller, asked for Bawa Muhaiyaddeen's guidance on behalf of all mankind. Time Magazine turned to him for clarification during the hostage crisis in 1980. Thousands more were touched by his wise words when interviewed in Psychology Today, the Harvard Divinity Bulletin, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Pittsburgh Press.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 437 pages
• Publisher: The Fellowship Press (June 1, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0914390279
• ISBN-13: 978-0914390275
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,666,618 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful sufi stories for anyone no matter your faith., November 26, 1998

By A Customer

This book is for anyone between the ages of 8 and 88. Moral based stories many of them from the animal kingdom. Take the hand of a kindly sage and enter the secret garden where the inner mysteries of God's creation are revealed. Through its humorous insights and unique perspectives, this collection of short stories will enchant the hearts of children and adults alike.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful gathering of stories for 'children' of all ages., February 6, 1998

By	Doc H "How" (USA) - See all my reviews

One of Bawa Muhaiyaddeen's 2 collections of short tales with a moral or wisdom point. The author deftly explains the inner meaning of each story in an easily approachable style. Many of the stories concern the prophets of God. We raised our 7 children reading them a story or two each night at bedtime. (Takes 5-10 minutes each) Bawa Muhaitaddeen was a Sufi of towering stature. Any of his books are illuminating for all. A MUST read!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Come to the Secret Garden, November 7, 2001

By	"mintin99" - See all my reviews

I grew up on this book. A great book full of stories for people of all ages. A definite must!