The Heart of Sufism

By Hazrat Inayat Khan

Book Overview

The Indian Sufi master Hazrat Inayat Khan (1882-1927) was the very first teacher to bring Sufism to the Western world. This is the first representative collection of the master's teachings - making it the perfect book for anyone who has been intrigued by his writings but unsure about where to start in his sixteen-volume collected works. Newcomers will be inspired by just how delightful and useful Inayat Khan's teachings are for everyone, regardless of religious background. Long-time students will find the book a valuable reference to the essence of his teachings on a variety of subjects. Each chapter includes a wealth of material taken from Inayat Khan's work on a particular subject, such as Mysticism, Discipleship, Music, Children, or Divine Intimacy, followed by a selection of his short sayings and aphorisms on the same topic.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 157062402X
• ISBN13: 9781570624025
• Release Date: March 1999
• Publisher: Shambhala
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A solid compendium of Inayat Khan

This book is a well constructed compendium of some of Inayat Khan's most meaningful words. The topics cover the span of the meaning of life, God, the soul, the spiritual planes and worlds. Page after page bring a timeless wisdom that is sure to inspire regardless of the level of spiritual growth of the reader. Highly recommded. If you are looking for an experiential guide to the illumination and the inner life then check out a book from Inayat Khan's son Vilayat in this Awakening: A Sufi Experience.

Recommended!

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.

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 and has presented key writings within each topic.