Sufis are celebrated in the West for their joy, humor, and devoted worship. Two students of Sufism, James Fadiman and Robert Frager, have collected some of the jewels of Sufic literature, polished them up a bit, and organized them for ready contemplation. Rumi's poems, Attar's stories, Mohammed's terse sayings, and even some moving pieces from contemporary Western devotees make Essential Sufism a treasury of Sufic literature. The extensive introduction provides practical context, and preambles to each section set the tone for what's to come. If you haven't encountered the wisdom of Sufi mysticism, the material in this book is a good place to start; if you have, it's a comfortable place for return.


From Library Journal
A welcome addition to the literature on Islam, this small volume offers sayings, religious quotes, poems, aphorisms, and prayers from many Sufi masters. Reading through the many entries, one gets a feeling for the beauty and deep wisdom of the Sufis, the mystics of Islam. The book includes the necessary discussions of the major Sufi teachers, history, culture, and beliefs to aid the reader in understanding the vitalness of the sayings and meditations but is not meant as a fully encompassing investigation of Sufism. Instead, it is a wonderful appetizer that tantalizes the reader to seek other works that further celebrate and elucidate the relatively obscure world of Sufism. Recommended for all libraries.?Glenn Masuchika, Chaminade Univ. Lib., HonoluluCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Coleman Barks, translator of The Essential Rumi
"A treasure of jewels in the tradition of Sufi soul-work. "I really love and value this book."


Body Mind Spirit
"An awesome and eminently profound compendium of spiritual wisdom."


Library Journal
"Reading through the many entries, one gets a feeling for the beauty and deep wisdom of the Sufis."


Coleman Barks, author of The Essential Rumi
"The Sufis have helped to open the world's heart. James Fadiman and Robert Frager have been loving and teaching this material for many years. The range and depth of understanding here is amazing. This is a new resource, a treasure of jewels in the tradition of Sufi soul-work. I really love and value this book."


Book Description
The first accessible and broad-ranging sourcebook of key Sufi writings, Essential Sufism draws together more than 300 stories, fables, aphorisms, short writings, and poems that reveal the heart of Islamic mysticism. Each selection has been chosen for the beauty and emotional impact that have made the work of Sufi writers such as Rumi so popular. The poets and writers chosen here – including Ibn Arabi, Al-Ghazzali, Hafiz, Attar, Koranic writers, and, of course, Rumi – will fascinate newcomers to Sufism, delight old hands, and provide a matchless overview of a mystical tradition that has touched a dozen cultures and endured for more than 1,500 years.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The definitive compendium of Sufi wisdom, Essential Sufism draws together more than three hundred fables, poems, and prayers that reveal the luminous spirit of Islamic mysticism. Selected works from ancient prophets and sages to contemporary Sufi poets and teachers--including Lbn, Arabi, alGhazzali, Hafiz, Attar, and, of course the enduringly popular Rumi--make up a delectable feast of writings that will be as treasured by Sufi devotees as it will stir the souls of newcomers to this mystical, passionate faith.

FROM THE CRITICS

Coleman Barks

A treasure of jewels in the tradition of Sufi soul-work. "I really love and value this book."

Body Mind Spirit