Editorial Review

Hafiz, a secret Sufi, came to prominence in his day as a writer of love poems. That love transformed into an all-consuming passion for union with the divine. In Read more

Reviews (61)

Life has never been the same since.
This is a book that I first read several years ago but did not get it whatsoever, or at least that's what I thought.Little did I know that it had done its job by sowing the seed of true knowledge in me.I was again drawn to this book and when I started to read it again, it felt like I finally found my long lost friend or a beloved teacher.This book has taken me through many thick and thin and brought me out radiating with love, determination and zest for all.I have a sizable library, but when I think of the jewels of my library this book has its place on top.The life has never been the same since.

Astonishing soul food
"The Gift" is quite simply one of the greatest books of poetry ever written. Hafiz speaks the language of the awake, burning, longing, and delightfully human heart. This book is the perfect companion on the long, challenging, sacred journey of awakening.

Hafiz - the Irreverent Mystic
Hafiz is a gift to all those with the uncommon sensitivity to realize the universality of the spiritual experience. The book is a delightful example of mystic poetry that is not bound by the silly confines of religion or belief. Hafiz writes with a rare feeling of oneness with the universe that is the apotheosis of mysticism.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient, Classical & Medieval    2. Indo-Iranian Literature    3. Inspirational & Religious    4. Middle Eastern    5. Poetry    6. Sufi poetry, Persian    7. Translations into English    8. Indic, East Indo-European & Dravidian Languages    9. Religion / Sufism    10. Works by individual poets: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (2)

Older Editions are Better
I currently have a 1979 version of this book; however, it is published by the International Headquarters Sufi Movement, Geneva, and not by the Shambhala. I must say that I am a little shocked that the current version being offered to the public does not have the same content (as described by the table of contents) as the 1979 version. My version has "The way of illumination", "The Inner life", "The Soul, Whence and Whither", and "The Purpose of Life". Now, the publishers at/of Shambhala, for whatever reason, thought that they were justified to change things up a bit or a lot by changing the titles of the contents(I can not even imagine why it would be necessary), rearranging the contents, and even omitting content in it's original version. In any event, I find this terribly unsettling. At any rate, if it is possible to get an older version, then do so. Anything written by Hazrat Inayat Khan is for anyone coming from whatever religious background who maybe seeking more, as he respects and cherishes, whole heartedly, the Vedanta, Zend-Avesta, Kabala, Bible, Qur'an, and others. I think that this is what makes him and his work so unique; that he is so unrelentingly loving and understanding of mankind. "The Inner Life" deals with topics such as: original spiritual qualities of man, man's union with God, defining genuine happiness. The best thing about Hazrat Khan is that you do not have to be a proclaimed Sufi to benefit from his work. His work was written for everyone.
Living Sufism
If you have read the Carl Ernst books on Sufism you will get a good feel for the academic view. If you read this you will get a good feel for the living tradition of Sufism. This book is great for those who want to gobeyond studying Sufism to experiancing Sufism. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Islam - General    2. Islam - Sufism    3. Philosophy    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Religious    7. Sufism    8. Islam    9. Mysticism    10. Religion / Sufism   

Reviews (2)

A Fine Book on Sufi Philosophy
"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.

Excellent Overview of Hazrat Inayat Khan's Teachings
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 andhas presented key writings within each topic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. Islam - General    3. Islam - Sufism    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Sufism    7. Islam    8. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    9. Mysticism    10. Religion / Sufism   

Editorial Review

No translator could do greater justice to the gorgeous simplicity of Rumi's poetry than Coleman Barks has done here. These exquisite renderings of the 13th-century Persian mystic's words into American free verse capture all the "inner searching, the delicacy, and simple groundedness" that characterize Rumi's poetry while remaining faithful to the images, tone, and spiritual message of the originals. Barks's introductions to each of the 27 sections (described as "playful palimpsests spread over Rumi's imagination," and "meant to confuse scholars who would divide Rumi's poetry into the accepted categories") are themselves wonderful achievements of a poetic imagination; searching explanations of unfamiliar concepts and funny stories provide colorful background and frame the selections as no dry historical exegesis could. Read more

Reviews (55)

Not really a "translation" as such
I have to say I agree with some of the other reviews here, that this collection of poetry by "Rumi" is in reality modern American poetry by someone drawing only very loosely on Rumi's work. It is rather a stretch to call it a translation! If one were cynical, one might think the large number of books from this "translator" indicates merely a money-making exercise.
An excellent compilation
I enjoyed Essential Rumi and thought that it was an excellent compilation gathered by Coleman Barks.There is a phrasing and verse that Barks understands and imparts on his readers making this old poetry new in each take.He makes the message of Rumi accessible to the 21st century in a beautiful way and I especially liked the variety of subjects addressed in this volume.

Some illumination
As a Persian I felt I can write some illuminating remarks here. I came to this verse from Mowlanaa Rumi in this book: "Let the beauty of what you do be what you love" and I looked a lot for the original poetry. It seems to be sth like this originally:
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Subjects:  1. 1207-1273    2. Ancient, Classical & Medieval    3. Inspirational & Religious    4. Islam - Sufism    5. Jalal al-Din Rumi,    6. Jalåal al-Dåin Råumåi,    7. Maulana,    8. Poetry    9. Religion    10. Sufi poetry, Persian    11. Translations into English    12. Islam    13. Persian (Farsi)    14. Poetry / Inspirational & Religious    15. Works by individual poets: classical, early & medieval   

Reviews (12)

authentic, unorthdox soof-ism, o hoo ishk!
simply excellent as amalgamated text/image gestalt.
A book I wanted to like but . . .
I am generally a fan of Coleman Barks work; this book, however, was a disappointment. The jacket cover says of Michael Green "is working to create a new kind of sacred art for our time."This is an accurate description - he is still "working" with some successes and some failures.The net result is that pursuing the volume's art, one is encouraged to explore further. Sublime !
I have read quite a number of books on Sufism. This is the best and most beautiful introduction among all. Read more

Subjects:  1. English    2. Islam    3. Islam - Sufism    4. Prayer    5. Prayer-books and devotions    6. Prayerbooks - General    7. Religion    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Spirituality - General    10. Sufism    11. Mysticism    12. Religion / Prayerbooks / General   

Reviews (22)

Beautiful Homage
This beautiful volume is a must-have for anyone who loves Rumi, and a fantastic introduction for those who are new to the poetry.It is not a scholarly work, although the light commentary is nicely done. Rather, the work is a lovely mélange of Rumi's poems as translated by Coleman Barks, complemented by the stunning illustrations of Michael Green.It's experiential rather than academic. A tool, not a lecture.
Poetry, Inspiration, and a fascinating perspective
I take something new everytime I read this work, the illustrations are delightful, and provoking.A creative entrepreneur will love it.

Amazing illustrations!
The combination of fantastic illustrations and poems of Rumi goes right through your bones. This book is a must-have for someone who has never read Rumi before, and a no-excuse of not having for someone who loves Rumi's work. Buy! Enjoy! Dream... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1207-1273    2. Ancient, Classical & Medieval    3. Indo-Iranian Literature    4. Inspirational & Religious    5. Jalal al-Din Rumi,    6. Jalåal al-Dåin Råumåi,    7. Maulana,    8. Middle Eastern    9. New Age    10. Poetry    11. Spirituality - General    12. Translations into English    13. Indic, East Indo-European & Dravidian Languages    14. Jalal al-Din Rumi    15. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness    16. Religion / Spirituality   

Reviews (6)

Skip Ladinsky - read Hafiz
Once again, Ladinsky claims to be presenting English speaking readers with the work of the great Persian poet Hafiz, and once again, he hasn't felt the need to actually learn Persian or actually base these works on any previous translation of any poem by Hafiz. These are the poems that Ladinsky imagines Hafiz might have written had he been a twentieth century baby boomer Californian disciple of Meher Baba, instead of a 14th century Persian Sufi Muslim. Ladinsky believes (or claims to believe) that Hafiz told him these poems. If so, the afterlife hasn't done anything for the great poet's literary talent.

all you need is love...
and this book to keep you in touch with your heart.
A MUST
Read Hafiz any where, any time, in any language.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient, Classical & Medieval    2. Indo-Iranian Literature    3. Inspirational & Religious    4. Middle Eastern    5. Poetry    6. Sufi poetry, Persian    7. Translations into English    8. Indic, East Indo-European & Dravidian Languages    9. Literary studies: general    10. Poetry texts & anthologies    11. Religion / Sufism   

Subjects:  1. Ancient, Classical & Medieval    2. Classical Literature    3. Indo-Iranian Literature    4. Inspirational & Religious    5. Islam - Sufism    6. Middle Eastern    7. Poetry    8. Spirituality - General    9. Poetry / Middle Eastern   

Reviews (2)

NOT JUST FOR SUFI'S!
I first read this book a few years ago and still find myself going back for the wisdom found in the teaching-stories. This is MUCH BETTER than any of Idries Shah's stuff. These stories helped me find a real spiritual path after many years as a wayward seeker. Muslims as well Christians, Jews, Buddhists, etc., could find much in this treasure of stories.

An amazing journey for ANYONE who is spiritual
Personally, I was drawn to this book for a number of reasons.I am a follower of Islam and was interested in sampling an alternative "emotional" and mystical approach to the cultivation and maintainence of spirituality.The book seemed to be brief yet captivating, so I checked it out from my local library.After having read the book, I can honestly say that I wish that it had lasted longer!I have read and even enjoyed many books written by Sufi mystics, but this book seemed to me to be a well into which I was further and further drawn,not only by Ozak's style and charisma, but the inherent logic that I personally percieved in his approach to Islam and for that matter any type of spirituality.His didactic, story- based teaching style reflects thousands of years of a tradition that was available to only a few.I feel fortunate that Ozak was one of the few Sufi Masters who shared his reasoning and humanity with us.This book was sublime (as it draws upon the Wise teachings of the Quran and our Prophet Mohammed), yet oriented for less than perfect humans who are struggling daily to maintain sprituality.I highly reccommend it to anyone interested in logic, philosophy, etc., as brainfood.Happy Digestion. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. General    3. Healing - General    4. Islam - Sufism    5. Miscellanea    6. New Age    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Sufism    9. Islam    10. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    11. Mysticism   

Reviews (6)

textbook style guide with detail and clarity
One of the difficulties with having such a unified, unique and untouchably elevated God is in reconiciling Him with the nitty-gritty intimacy of life and creation.
The Best Work on Ibn Arabi's Non-Dualistic Cosmology to Date
Ibn Arabi is not easy reading. By far the best and most comprehensive book to date is this one -- perhaps Chittick's most important work yet. SPK is primarily a collection of translations from various sections of Ibn Arabi's greatest work, the Meccan Revelations, and is structured more as an anthology. Chittick puts in his own commentary here and there which helps decode the complexity of some of the passages. But for the most part, he allows Ibn Arabi to speak for himself. An expository not a deconstructive work
Chittick allows Ibn Arabi to speak for himself without attemptiong to fit him within a philosophical paradigm like other authors (Nicholson, Affifi). This itself is a landmark step in oriental studies. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1165-1240    2. Creative ability    3. General    4. Ibn al-Arabi,    5. Imagination    6. Islam    7. Islam - Sufism    8. Religion    9. Religion - World Religions    10. Religious aspects    11. Sufism   

Reviews (6)

Contours of the Breadth and Depth of Islamic Spirituality
Where do I begin?This book, although old (and, some would argue - perhaps fairly - a bit dated), is an incredible scholarly work on how various mystics within Islam have understood Islam's central claim: "There is no God but God, and Muhammad is His Prophet".According to Schimmel, all of Islamic mysticism can be summed up as trying to understand this core doctrine. BATINIS - THIS BOOK HAS SECRETS!
Attention all batinis - this book is a must-read!

The Awe of the Sufi Path
Annemarie Schimmel is probably the foremost scholar on the Sufi poet Jelalluddin Rumi, whose poetry is suffused with love and awe of the Divine. In much of her book Prof. Schimmel projects the same love, love of Islam and its people, most especially its mystics, the Sufis.It is also extremely informative about the history of Sufism and the different branches of its mystical path. If you are interested in the history of Sufism, and want to understand mystical Islam, this is the book for you.If you are looking for a quick study, or a popular way to practice Sufism, this is not for you.... Mystical Islam and orthodox Islam (as with most religions) are very different in practice and outlook, although there are conservative Sufis and out-there Sufis, as Prof. Schimmel aptly demonstrates. I loved this book and want to read more of her work. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Islam - Sufism    3. Philosophy    4. Religion    5. Islam    6. Religion / Sufism    7. muslim religion; sufi; koran   

Subjects:  1. 1914-    2. Consciousness    3. Eastern - General    4. Interior Design - General    5. Islamic Philosophy    6. Islamic Studies    7. Izutsu, Toshihiko,    8. Mind & Body    9. Philosophy    10. Philosophy, Islamic    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. Sufism   

Reviews (2)

Soul soothing
Hello!
A profoundly written and moving guide
Muraqaba: The Art And Science Of Sufi Meditation is an introduction to the healing practice of Muraqaba, Sufi meditation. Presenting a 16-week program that the novice can follow to improve memory and general well-being, and offer a guideline to enlightenment, author Shaykh Khwaja Shamsuddin Azeemi, the Patriarch of the Sufi Order of Azeemia and renowned spiritual scholar, walks the reader through both the techniques and the underlying ideas behind them, with sample exercises each step of the way. A profoundly written and moving guide, as much about God and human's place in the cosmos as about mental relaxation, Muraqaba is especially recommended to broaden the experience of novice and experienced practitioners of meditation, yet also a welcome addition to religious reference and studies shelves.
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Subjects:  1. Islam - Sufism    2. Religion - World Religions    3. Spiritual    4. Meditations   

Editorial Review

Manuela Dunn Mascetti has culled Kabir and Camille Helminski's translations of Rumi for the great Sufi's most sublime statements on love. In addition, she has combed the vast stores of Persian art, choosing a lush painting to accompany each poem. She has put these together in the form of cards that pique the imagination and get the mystical juices flowing. Although the cards are without question enchanting, touching, and beautiful to look at, the commentaries that Mascetti put together in book form to accompany the cards are equally profound. While commentaries on poetry or Scriptures usually favor precision over lyricism, Mascetti has obviously imbibed the spirit of Rumi, delivering succinct but lovely statements that resemble Kahlil Gibran's Read more

Reviews (1)

Absolutely Intoxicating!
Fabulous! Astounding! Super! A very uniquely packaged book. In short - youwill be intoxicated reading this. I've loved Rumi poetry for a long longtime and this is one of the best books I've seen. Poetry doesn't get anybetter than this. I get drunk reading Rumi's poetry every night. If youwanna get high - this is the stuff to get high on! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Inspirational & Religious    2. Inspirational - General    3. Islam - General    4. Poetry   

Reviews (5)

Enlightenment through Music
The challenging part about reading a book by an enlightened being is that the author is writing from an experience of consciousness (non-duality) that is impossible for the ego (duality) to comprehend.However, Hazrat Inayat Khan's writing is easily understood and could be valuable to both spiritual aspirants on the path to enlightenment and/or musicians looking for deeper levels in their artistry.This is a book to be studied, not just read.In it are keys to understanding the mysticism of sound, music, color, words, and silence.

The wave-like aspect of Life, not just about music
Other reviewers already dealt with the music side of the book, so i won't elaborate on that. There is in addition the purely sound-related aspect of reality. All words, thoughts, and emotions, carry on some power due to their vibratory nature. Everything, whatever it is can be seen as a wave. So don't think it is just about what you hear. All there is can be described in that way.
Good Vibrations
This book is a compilation of the teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan, a Sufi mystic from the early part of the Twentieth century.Born in India, Khan was thoroughly familiar with both Hindu beliefs and Islam and he also knew Christian scriptures well.In this book, Khan explains the central tenets of his Sufi sect.He begins with the belief that vibration is the ultimate connection to God, and states that this belief is found in Christian, Muslim, and Hindu scriptures by reading "word" as sound, and sound as vibration. All else flows from this.Khan finds spiritual direction through seeking harmony with all and finding and matching the appropriate rhythm of things.Music, (of the serious type, not jazz, for instance) provides a means of worship and union with the Almighty.But the highest form of sound is abstract, a topic whose details are reserved for Sufi initiates because others might misuse such knowledge.
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Subjects:  1. Instruction & Study - Appreciation    2. Islam - Sufism    3. Music    4. Music/Songbooks    5. Philosophy And Esthetics Of Music    6. Philosophy and aesthetics    7. Religious - General    8. Religious aspects    9. Sound    10. Sufism    11. Islam    12. Mysticism    13. Religion / Sufism   

Reviews (2)

Brilliant
On Hajj I don't think anybody has given such a brilliant and thought provoking analysis and reflections as did in this book by Dr. Ali Shariati.He has tried to give not only philosiphical answers for the Hajj rituals but has gone further and deep down in the psycological aspects as well, which were not touched by any one before.It is undoubtably a unique book on Hajj pilgrimage.

What hajj is all about
As an American convert to Islam who performed hajj last year, I highly recommend this book to help remove all the mystery of what hajj is all about.Even many hajis have no idea why they are doing what they are doingother than their religious books tell them it is what they are supposed todo.Someone planning on going for hajj will get much more out of theexperience by reading this beautiful, eloquent book first.And for thenon-Muslim, a reading of this book should provide great insight into thepurpose of the ritual of Islam that is so often mind-boggling to theoutsider. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Islam - General    2. Mecca    3. Muslim pilgrims and pilgrimage    4. Muslim pilgrims and pilgrimages    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religion / Islam    8. Saudi Arabia    9. Doctrines    10. Islam    11. Muslims    12. Sufism   

Reviews (3)

An excellent diary
This an excellent diary of the discourses made by a major early Indian Sufi Master. Hadrat Nizamuddin Awliya is an extremely well-known sufi and his shrine in Delhi is still venerated with the same zeal as was the case in 14th century. This book describes the great saint's dated discourses over a period of couple of years compiled by a disciple. Nizamuddin Awliya discussed many details in the form of parables, so no brainstorming needed from the reader. With lots of tidbits on how one should behave, how one should pray, many simple dua's that one can make, this book is really a gem for humble sufi students. The words of this book are full of lights of illumination.

Rest well
This is a wonderful book, beautifully translated. Have patience with the author's style/presentation template. It is literary politeness.
Chicken Soup for the Spiritually Hungry
Althought the layout takes getting used to, by the 4th or 5th page one can get thoroughly absorbed in the text and the words of wisdom.Read more

Subjects:  1. Chishtiyah    2. Chishtåiyah    3. Early works to 1800    4. Islam - Sufism    5. Nizamuddin Auliya,    6. Prayer-books and devotions    7. Religion    8. Religion - Classic Works    9. Spirituality - General    10. Sufism    11. Islam    12. Judaism   

Editorial Review

When Rumi was born in Afghanistan in 1207, it was a time of tremendouspolitical turmoil in the Near East. Paradoxically, it was also a time of"brilliant mystical awareness," writes translator Coleman Barks in Read more

Reviews (15)

Coleman Barks
Coleman barks translation in my opinion is superior to any others who have attempted Rumi.I really liked this book.

Amazing!
I find it absolutely amazing that those who claim to be admirers of Rumi, online reviewers and editorial reviewers, do NOT even know where he was born! Persia, not Afghanistan, was his birthplace. Afghanistan did not even exist until the 19th century, thanks to the British.The land that is now called Afghanistan was part of the Persian Empire and remained so for centuries AFTER Rumi's death (500 years to be exact!). Rumi is a Persian poet, has been and forever will be. His poetry exemplifies pure, eloquent Farsi (language of Persia/Iran). The utter ignorance of this fact on the part of some reviewers, nonetheless, does not detract from the brilliance of the poet and the excellence of this translation. An absolute gem.

Transforming
It would be pointless for me to really try to "review" this book. I can only highly, emphatically recommend it. This book is the first introduction I've had to Rumi, and it's been an incredible literary experience for me. This book has really touched and inspired me. I've been reading it slowly over the last few months, digesting it bit by bit, because I wanted to savor it instead of rushing through it. One day in particular, I remember being in a foul mood, fed up with people and the world, and after reading a handful of Rumi's poems I felt peaceful and transformed. If you have any interest at all in spirituality or poetry, do yourself a favor and buy this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1207-1273    2. Ancient, Classical & Medieval    3. Inspirational & Religious    4. Islam - Sufism    5. Jalal al-Din Rumi,    6. Jalåal al-Dåin Råumåi,    7. Maulana,    8. Poetry    9. Single Author    10. Sufi poetry    11. Sufi poetry, Persian    12. Translations into English    13. Poetry / Middle Eastern   

Reviews (7)

Don't sigh for me Moor and Suevi!
I bought this in Cordoba - over the river from the old mesquita. Where inquisition weaves a woof over the wahabi-like weft. Looks lovely. Scarey looking dude on the cover of this work.
Ibne' Al-Arabi and Christ
I wish o propose an interpretation of Mr. Arabi's choice of person for Seal of Saints which will undoubtedly be controversial and draw disagreement from many people. Given the fact that Mr. Ibne' Al_Arabi was originally from Spain; he must have had many encounter with Christians and their spiritual tradition.He must of have struggled with the notion of Islam vs. Christianity and in my view he made a final choice by declaring Jesus Christ as the Seal of all Saints over anyone else.He must have often wondered about the spirituality of Muhammad as compared to that of Jesus, or even other Prophets for that matter.According to Moslem history, Muhammad underwent a self-doubt after his encounter with the angel.This behavior is almost unprecedented even by Moslem's own holy book accounts. While Jesus declares his Holiness in a cradle, Muhammad is confused about his own spiritual ability, as is well indicated by the story of Muhammad's first encounter with Angel in which Muhammad rushes to his wife filled with agony and self-doubt as to whether he really saw an Angel or was he possessed by a Demon. In the story of Moses, too, we see that Moses had no doubt as to his encounter with his God in the Mount.In fact according to Quran, as far as I know, no Prophet had ever experienced the same kind of self-doubt as it has been attributed to Muhammad.This historical fact, written by Moslems themselves, indicates that Muhammad's spiritual capacity was at best a mediocre one.This indeed must have caught Ibne' Al-Arabi's attention. not impressed
I have read Arabi's major book in Arabic and one thing that immediately becomes clear is how much sheikh was into himself.I have never seen or heard anyone be as much into himself as Ibne' Al-Arabi, he is constantly at your face repeating over and over again how great he is and how he has direct access into entire universe.I have no doubt he must have thought that it was unfortunate that he was born after Prophet Muhammad since he had more right of being last prophet than Muhammad had.Arrogance radiates out constantly out of his books. I am sure he was gifted and smart, but no doubt he over estimated himself by a factor of trillion or so.If he was so smart, I am sure he would have had some vision where the Islamic world was headed, a total collapse and humiliation as we now know all too well, and yet instead of writing about things that would be more relevant, he writes about things that no one can verify one way or another.He claims too know the secret of Quran, but when you read his stuff, you soon find out that he, like all other self proclaimed saints, is only using some best guesses. He says he has been all over the universe, seen many worlds hidden to human intellect, etc( he goes on and on of course) but when one reads the detail of his work, one realizes that he never takes a step beyond the many then popular but false scientific theories of his time.There is nothing in his writings that can verifiably prove that he had knowledge of the world more than any other well-educated man at his time, and now we most definite know that many of his views were false.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1165-1240    2. General    3. Ibn al-Arabi,    4. Ibn al-°Arabåi,    5. Islam - General    6. Mysticism    7. Religion    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Sufism    10. Biography: historical    11. Islam    12. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness    13. c 1000 CE to c 1500   

Reviews (4)

FINE RUMI POEMS & SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS
One viewpoint: Harvey is clearly inspired and explores many of Rumi's pieces in a heartfelt way. Excellent reading! It's healthy to spend time with Rumi and contemplate on his ideas--and humor. Rumi is among the top, top spiritual writers available. He understands--as does Harvey--what's important in Soul's journey Home.
Come On Baby - Light My Fire!
The Divine Love, Divine Passion, Divine Power, and Divine Truth of Rumi are all explained here by Andrew Harvey.True to the book's title, Harvey has truly created a delightful celibration of Rumi and his works.If you are on your path, or even if you have wondered off the path into the dark forest, Harvey has provided a clear roadmap to the next level of transformation.This map comes repleat with warnings of speed traps, and roadsigns - telling of Rumi and Shams "wildness, violence, and ferocity" as they traveled down their path, drinking wine, and going ever onward, toward the Sun.Just enjoying moments of Divine Grace.

A mystic for our time
As one with a lifelong interest in mysticism, I have been reading Rumi for forty-five years now. Unfortunately, I cannot yet read the originals, and I have had to intuit the sense in some rather bloodless interpretations. Harvey, however, seems to hit it just right. To the degree that we can speak of these things during a person's lifetime, he seems to me to be a genuine mystic himself, passionate and full-blooded as the real thing usually is. Six months ago, I gave a copy of this to a much younger friend who had discerned the via negativa with no external guidance before we met. He rejoices in the book and is delighted to find words that exactly mirror his own untaught discoveries. I do not normally gush over such books. I was rigorously trained in Catholic theology and philosophy, hold a graduate degree in East Asian religion and identify myself as a Christian. I am not expert in Islam, though I know far more than the average reader, having edited one work on Rumi. So I tend to cast a jaundiced eye over most work like this. But if I were forced to reduce my library to a scant hundred volumes, The Way of Passion would still find an honored place. Rumi, though heterodox like all mystics, spoke powerfully not only to the Sufis of his time but to orthodox Muslims, Jews and Christians. Though Harvey certainly does not rank with Rumi, his interpretation can speak meaningfully to all persons of good will who do not barricade themselves behind denominational lines. On the basis of this book alone, I would read anything that Harvey writes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1