Mysticism Books

Book SynopsisThe origin of Sufism -- Self criticism; Reflection; Privacy and seclusion; Heart; Hope or expectation; Asceticism. People follow the Sufi path when they sense that Islam has a deeper dimension. The resulting self-purification leads to this inner dimension of Islamic rituals, a deeper understanding of the Divine acts, and a greater knowledge and love of Him. After this, God draws the novice to Himself. With the help of a spiritual guide, the novice begins the life-long journey back to God. This continual process of spiritual development along a path of the innate human poverty, helplessness, and powerlessness before God is undertaken in the knowledge that everything comes from God. Each novice does what is necessary to grow spiritually, and God bestows the appropriate blessings and stations. The highest aim of creation and its most sublime result is belief in God. The most exalted rank of humanity is knowledge of God. The most radiant happiness and sweetest bounty for jinn and humanity is love of God contained within the knowledge of God; the purest joy for the human spirit and the purest delight for the human heart is spiritual ecstasy contained within the love of God. Indeed, all true happiness, pure joy, sweet bounties, and unclouded pleasure are contained within the knowledge and love of God. And Sufism is the school where people can realise the highest aim of creation.

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Book SynopsisBaba Rexheb, a Muslim mystic from the Balkans, founded the first Bektashi community in America. This is his life story and the story of his communities: the traditional Bektashi tekke in Albania where he first served, the displaced persons camps to which he escaped after the war, the centuries-old tekke in Cairo where he waited, and the Bektashi community that he founded in Michigan in 1954 and led until his passing in 1995. Baba Rexheb lived through the twentieth century, its wars, disruptions, and dislocations, but still at a profound level was never displaced. Through Bektashi stories, oral histories, and ethnographic experience, Frances Trix recounts the life and times of this modern Sufi leader. She studied with Baba Rexheb in his community for more than twenty years. As a linguistic anthropologist, she taped twelve years of their weekly meetings in Turkish, Albanian, and Arabic. She draws extensively on Baba's own words, as well as interactions at the Michigan Bektashi center, for a remarkable perspective on our times. You come to know Baba Rexheb and his gentle way of teaching through example and parable, poetry and humor. The book also documents the history of the 700-year-old Bektashi order in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in the Balkans and Egypt and its transposition to America. It attests to the role of Sufi centers in Islamic community life and their interaction with people of other faiths.Trade Review"A fantastic book, a rich source of unique information and insight, a great pleasure to read for anyone, and a must for any course touching on Muslim mysticism in practice." * Walter G. Andrews, University of Washington *"A rich story with many themes: exile, mysticism, the fall of empire, friendship, community building, and much more. I know of no other study like it." * Sholeh A. Quinn, Ohio University *

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Book SynopsisThis concise book seeks to make available to the public what may be called "the other side of Islam - not the violent aspect appearing in the nightly news headlines which focus on radical terrorists, but the long and rich tradition at the heart of Islamic spirituality known as Sufism. With great lucidity and clarity, Stoddart offers a succinct, yet comprehensive overview of Sufism's fundamental doctrines and spiritual practices, which are followed by many millions of Muslims throughout the world. Known for his capacity to give clear explanations of unfamiliar and complex material, Stoddart emphasises the importance of the role of art and beauty, highlights its intricate symbolism and explains the central role of the invocation of the Name of God in Sufi spiritual practice; an appendix includes central Koranic, Prophetic and traditional Sufi sayings. This new edition is based upon an earlier and much shorter book Stoddart wrote 35 years ago, which was highly acclaimed by leading experts in the field of Islamic Studies. Harvard professor Annemarie Schimmel remarked that it was "Useful ... adorned with many good illustrations ... (and) contains many important points clearly expressed."

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Book SynopsisLeo Schaya (1916-1986) was a brilliant author and editor whose only book to appear in English was the much-acclaimed The Universal Meaning of the Kabbalah, which is often cited in books on Jewish mysticism. This new book, Universal Aspects of the Kabbalah and Judaism, is a collection of writings by Schaya, including some previously unpublished material, that highlight the particular way in which Judaism expresses universal truths and concepts. Schaya explains in great depth and beauty how the God of Israel manifests His goodness, power, and mercy in multiple levels of creative emanations, which are the main focus of the Kabbalah. Even more, however, Schaya looks through Judaism's particular forms and demonstrates that at its core Judaism reveals the same mysterious universal source from which all of the great religious traditions of the world draw their spiritual sustenance and energy.

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Book SynopsisJalal al-Din Rumi (1207-73), founder of the Mevlevi Sufi order of Whirling Dervishes," is the best-selling poet in America today. The wide-ranging appeal of his work is such that UNESCO declared 2007 to be International Rumi Year." However, his writings represent much more than love poetry. Rumi was one of the preeminent thinkers of Sufism, the esoteric form of Islam. In this groundbreaking collection of 13 essays on Rumi, many of the world's leading authorities in the field of Islamic Studies and Persian Literature discuss the major religious themes in his poetry and teachings. In addition to discussing the ideas of love, ecstasy, and music in Rumi's Sufi poetry, the essays offer new historical and theological perspectives on his work. The immortality of the soul, freewill, the nature of punishment and reward, and the relationship of Islam to Christianity are all covered, in order to bring Rumi's poetry properly into the context of the Sufi tradition to which he belonged.Trade ReviewThe message of Rumi serves as a beacon of light to dispel the shadows which prevent modern man from seeing even his own image in its true form, and from knowing who he really is." -- Seyyed Hossein Nasr, The George Washington University, author of Sufi Essays and The Heart of Islam Jalaluddin Rumi, better known simply as Rumi, was perhaps the finest Persian poet of all time and a great influence on Muslim writing and culture. His poetry is still well known throughout the modern world, and he is one of the best selling poets in America." BBC The phenomenal interest in Rumi begins with the fact that in the West today we are spiritually starved... We're reaching out for more and [Rumi] persuades us that there is an alternate reality that transcends, exceeds, and surpasses in every way this mundane mode of existence." -- Huston Smith, author of The World's Religions

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Book SynopsisAt the very heart of Islam lies the spiritual way of Sufism. Far removed from the negative portrayal of Islam in the headlines, Sufism is rooted in the harmonious qualities of peace, love, beauty, and wisdom. Its primary focus is to return human beings to unity with God. This select treasury of Sufi wisdom includes nearly 400 short sayings from as many as 100 of the greatest Sufi saints and sages in history, covering a vast span of 1,400 years. It includes notable sayings from well-known figures such as Rabiah, al-Hallaj, Junayd, al-Ghazali, Ibn al-Farid, Ibn Arabi, Rumi, and Ahmad al-Alawi. Also featured are over 150 verses from the Koran and the Hadith (Prophetic sayings), which form the foundational sources of this esoteric form of Islam. Whether expressing itself in pithy paradoxical aphorisms, extended intellectual instruction, or rapturous mystical poetry, this compendium of Sufi wisdom will illuminate the spiritual traveler's way of return to God.Trade ReviewThis work serves as a sure guide for the understanding of authentic Sufi doctrine and the principles of the method of reaching the Truth which the doctrine explains and to whose realization it points." -- Seyyed Hossein Nasr, The George Washington University, author of Sufi Essays and The Heart of Islam For anyone drawn to the metaphysics of Sufism, as seen from the perspective of divine unity, this is a rich collection of valuable insights." -- Carl W. Ernst, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, author of How to Read the Qur'an and Teachings of Sufism This is a wonderful selection of texts focusing on the tight connection made in Islam between theory and practice, or knowing the truth of God and living in His presence." -- William C. Chittick, State University of New York, Stony Brook, author of The Sufi Path of Knowledge and The Sufi Doctrine of Rumi This is a Sufi volume with a difference! Scholars and students alike will be intrigued, charmed and educated by the wide range of well-chosen Sufi materials contained in this fascinating volume." -- Ian Richard Netton, University of Exeter, author of Sufi Ritual This elegant and well-chosen anthology of Sufi texts is not only a delight to read, but provides one of the most accessible and useful general introductions to Sufi metaphysics available in English. The emphasis on the mystical fruitfulness of the Qur'anic texts is especially welcome." -- Timothy J. Winter, Cambridge Muslim College, co-author of Understanding Islam and the Muslims This work brings together some of the most profound and transformative words of wisdom that unveil the mystical heart of the Islamic faith, referred to as Sufism. Given the media coverage of Islam, it is not surprising that many people, all over the world, are wondering how it is that well over one billion Muslims can believe in and practice the religion of Islam: this book will provide a wonderfully clear and spiritually compelling answer." -- Reza Shah-Kazemi, Managing Editor, Encyclopaedia Islamica, author of Paths to Transcendence and The Other in the Light of the One Drawing on over one hundred different sources and classical texts, Peter Samsel has assembled a superb collection of Sufi sayings, anecdotes, aphorisms and poems, hadith and Qur'anic citations concerning divine Unity and the contemplative discipline of invocation of God (dhikr) in Sufism. The author's own extremely original and insightful analysis of the doctrine of Unity in Sufism reveals the ecumenism at the heart of exoteric Muslim fideism." -- Leonard Lewisohn, University of Exeter, editor of The Philosophy of Ecstasy This remarkably wide-ranging volume ... [provides] an inspiring and thought-provoking collection of spiritual wisdom and insights drawn from the Qur'an, hadith, and more than a hundred classical Sufi authors and teachers, together representing all the major genres of Islamic spiritual writing." -- James W. Morris, Boston College, author of The Reflective Heart

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Book SynopsisThis intimate guided tour of early Hasidism and Hasidic storytelling gives readers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Hasidic wisdom. In A Heart Afire, the teachings and tales of old-world Hasidism are richly enhanced by the enlightening insights, interpretations, and personal reflections of Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shaolmi, a modern-day Hasidic master and founder of the Jewish Renewal movement, and his disciple Netanel Miles-Yépez, a scholar of comparative religion. Together they add a deeply meaningful dimension to these stories and a facile bridge between old and new interpretations of them. A Heart Afire explores many of the lesser-known stories and teachings of the first three generations of Hasidism, especially those of the Ba'al Shem Tov, his heirs (male and female), and the students of his successor, the Maggid of Mezritch. Readers get a rare introduction to some of the more radical teachings of these popular Hasidic masters, and insights that connect them to the ecological, ecumenical, and feminist values of the modern world. Enlightening and spiritually uplifting, A Heart Afire reveals surprising relevancy today in cherished Hasidic wisdom and narrative of the past.

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Book SynopsisAl-Ghazali's Kitab adab al-'uzla (The Properties of Retreat) is the sixth book in the Rub' al-'adat (Quarter of Customary Practices) in his monumental work known as Ihya' 'ulum al-din (Revival of the Religious Sciences). Focusing on the issue of seclusion, or retreat from society, the main discussion in this book is the question of whether it is better to engage in social intercourse (al-mukhalata) or remove oneself from society to focus on perfecting one's relation to God. As he addresses this issue, al-Ghazali takes us through the numerous benefits and dangers of seclusion while laying out the rules to guide the one who chooses this option. He explains that although it depends on many factors, the most important is the person's intention and purpose for going into seclusion. If it is not done for the sole purpose of drawing near to God, seclusion becomes a harmful path of self-deceit. Although Kitab adab al-'uzla is premised on approaching the issue of spiritual fulfillment in the Islamic context, al-Ghazali presents to us his deep insight into the human condition that relates to Muslims and non- Muslims alike.Table of Contents The Proprieties of Retreat Book 16 Detailed Table of Contents Editor's Note Biography of Imam al-Ghazali About the Revival of the Religious Sciences Translator's Introduction Acknowledgments The Proprieties of Retreatal-Ghazali's Introduction Chapter 1: On the Transmission of the Opinions and Statements and the Evidence Given by the Two Groups on the Matter [of Retreat] Mentioning the Evidence of Those Inclined Toward Socializing and the Weakness [of the Evidence] Mention of the Evidence of Those Inclined to Prefer Retreat Chapter 2: On the Benefits and the Corrupt Aspects of Retreat and Unveiling the Truth About Its Virtue Six Benefits of Retreat 1 Completely Focus on Worship and Contemplation 2 Retreat Frees one From the Disobedient [Acts] 3 Freedom from Tribulations and Controversies 4 Freedom from the Evil of People 5 It cuts off people's desire for you and your desire for people 6 Freedom from Witnessing Disagreeable [People] Chapter 3: On the Harms of Retreat Seven Benefits of Socializing 1 Teaching and Learning 2 Giving and Receiving Benefits 3 Teaching and Learning [Good] Manners 4 Familiarity and Intimacy 5 Attaining Reward for Oneself and for Others 16 Humility [Gaining] experience Bibliography Indexes Index of Qur?anic Verses Index of ?adithIndex of Supplications and Invocations Index of People and Places Subject Index About the Translator

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Book SynopsisThe process of discovering one''s unique purpose unfolds step by step through levels of intelligence and intuition, developing trust and faith in one''s own inner realization and guidance. Wish and will, desire and self-discipline assist in planning and sustaining the effort to serve and satisfy this purpose. A personal awakening in inner truth, happiness and peace comes with the knowledge that fulfilling one''s individual purpose serves to fulfil the purpose of the whole of Creation.

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Book SynopsisThe fundamental principles of Sufi healing and health, with updates for a modern audience.This volume contains Hazrat Inayat Khan's most significant teachings on the health and healing of the physical body and the mind. Inayat Khan tells us that the purification of the body leads to the purification of the breath, the purification of the breath leads to the purification of the mind, and the purification of the mind leads to the purification of the heart. This volume discusses all four stages, with a primary focus on the purification of the mind. There are also extensive lectures on the subjects of health and healing, lectures that anticipate the findings of contemporary mind-body medicine. Together, the collected teachings in this volume provide a full picture of the fundamental principles of Sufi healing.

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Book SynopsisDrawing from the most authentic texts available in the original Persian/Farsi language, Vraje Abramian offers this extensive collection of stories, teachings and poetry from major saints, mystics and sages in the history and evolution of Sufism. Sufi Masters throughout the ages have always reminded seekers that the final answers lie in Silence, where the ego-mind is absent. Still, they have also been great poets and storytellers, whose words were capable of life-altering effects. This is a fresh and extensive collection that will both instruct and encourage individuals on the path of love and transformation. Readers and seekers today need such roadmaps of sanity and wisdom, pointing the way through lifes detours. Reading the works of saints and sages serves as a GPS for todays wayfarer. Includes selections from todays most well-recognised and highly acknowledged masters, like Rumi, Hafiz and Jesus. More uniquely, however, it introduces us to teachings and anecdotes of the obscure hermit, the mad but unknown dervish, the crazy naked ascetic. Many of these voices offered a shock to his or her contemporaries, jarring them from the complacency which makes automatons of humans. Others, contained a paradoxical twist on the religious life or practice of their times, but soaked with an age-old wisdom that is still vital to practitioners today. Read between the lines here! The translator instructs us. Abramian advises readers that the language adopted by Sufi teachers was designed to break the habits that normally deaden our sensitivities. He has therefore selected pieces that remind us to wake up, to take stock, to continue carefully observing. And, by careful sequencing of topics, the book gently guides readers toward the essence-truths or core-teachings of these wise ones. Translator and editor Vraje Abramian is uniquely qualified to make this offering to religious studies today. As an Iranian by birth, a lifelong practitioner of spiritual disciplines, and an accomplished teacher of English, his collection and translations are characterised by academic authority, poetic word-craft and spiritual insight.

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