The Heart of Sufism (Paperback)

by H.J. Witteveen (Author) "There are three principal schools of philosophical thought in the East: Sufism, Vedantism and Buddhism..." (more)
Key Phrases: art and symbology, mental purification, angelic heavens, Spirit of Guidance, Jesus Christ, Sufi Movement (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
In 1910, when Sufi master Khan left India to travel to Europe and America with the hopes of introducing Sufism to the West, his teacher told him: "Harmonize the East and West with the harmony of your music. Spread the wisdom of Sufism abroad, for to this end you are gifted by Allah." For the next 15 years, Khan lectured widely in the West, and he began to achieve the goals he had set for himself. Witteveen, executive supervisor of the International Sufi Movement, distills the core of Khan's spirituality from the Sufi master's 16-volume collected works. Included in this collection are Khan's teachings on the great Sufi poet, Rumi, the "mysticism of religion," "mental purification," "music and sound," "health and healing" and "the art of personality." On mysticism: "It is not by self-realization that man realizes God; it is by God-realization that man realizes self." On mental purification: "Sympathy breaks the congestion of the heart." On health: "A clean body reflects the purity of the soul, and is the secret of health. It is the purity of the soul itself that gives the tendency towards cleanliness of body." Witteveen's excellent anthology provides a thoughtful introduction to Khan's writings and to Sufism.

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review
"Inayat Khan brought one of the strongest and sweetest lineages from India to the West: the music and open heart of Sufism as it blends with Persian poetry and Western intellect. He is a source and a great joy." –Coleman Barks, author of Open Secret and The Essential Rumi

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Product Details

• Paperback: 378 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 1st edition (March 2, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157062402X
• ISBN-13: 978-1570624025
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #577,441 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Overview of Hazrat Inayat Khan's Teachings, March 28, 2000

By	Scott Huegel (Raleigh, North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This book provides an excellent overview of the voluminous works of Hazrat Inayat Khan, of which the 14 volume "Message Series" is the core. Dr. Witteveen has artfully selected major topics within this message and has presented key writings within each topic.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Fine Book on Sufi Philosophy, June 5, 2002

By	Nicq MacDonald (Sioux Falls, SD United States) - See all my reviews

"The Heart of Sufism" is a fascinating little compendium of essential essays on pan-Islamic spirituality, deliniating the transcendental and transrational aspects of a religion that is often derided as a prerational hotbed of tribalism and terrorism. Inayat Khan's essays show an Islam that embraces both it's Judeochristian roots and contributions from other religions (such as Hinduism and Buddhism), and a breath of fresh, progressive air in a world where stagnant religion can lead to terrible tragedies. However, while "Sufism" is long on theory and metaphysics, there is little information on real practice- those looking for a guide to Sufi spiritual practice must look elsewhere.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended!, November 20, 2007

By	Prospero "Prospero" - See all my reviews

I've had the privaledge to meet and listen to a talk by dr. H.J. Witteveen recently and was impressed by the depth of his insight and healing energy which radiated from his words. I've bought his book and enjoyed every page of it. If you are looking for a book about rediscovery of the true essence of the soul and an inspiration to guide you towards experiencing the spiritual self, I can recommend it.