Teachings of Sufism - Softcover

Ernst Ph.D., Carl W.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 157062349X ISBN 13: 9781570623493

Publisher: Shambhala, 1999

Synopsis

The prose and verse readings in this book were chosen to interest the many people who have become attracted to Sufi teachings through their exposure to popular Sufi poetry, music, and dance. The selections—mostly from the Middle East and India, ranging from the tenth to the twentieth century—provide a sampling of Sufi thought on some of the basic aspects of this spiritual path.

Most of the readings are published here in English for the first time. Brief introductory remarks place each selection into its historical and religious context, and an index of Qur'anic passages helps the reader to trace the extensive allusions to the Islamic holy scriptures.

The topics covered include:

   ·  The nature of mystical love
   ·  Meditation
   ·  Listening to music as a spiritual practice
   ·  Ethical teachings of Sufism
   ·  Pitfalls on the spiritual path
   ·  Spiritual companionship and the master-disciple relationship
   ·  The importance of the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad
   ·  Biographical accounts of great mystics, including the poet Rumi as well as several female saints

About this title

Review:

In Carl Ernst's well-received Shambhala Guide to Sufism, he laments the scarcity of traditional Sufi texts in English. In Teachings of Sufism, Ernst sets out to make amends. His reach is broad, spanning three languages, 10 centuries, and numerous countries and cultures. He divides his brief texts into sections such as Spiritual Practice, Mastery and Discipleship, and Lives of the Saints, with special attention given to his section on listening to sacred music, which "becomes a way of transporting oneself back to that moment of harmony with God in pre-eternity." Also included are selections on lives of Sufi women and the prominent role of the Qur'an in Sufi mysticism. A scholar first, Ernst never himself crosses the line into sectarianism or proselytizing in his introductions, but the unflagging devotion that imbues the pages of his translations is enough to attune anyone's ear to the divine music of life. --Brian Bruya

About the Author:

Carl W. Ernst, Ph.D., is professor and chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A specialist in Islamic mysticism, he has spent research tours in Pakistan, India, and Turkey. He is also the author of Words and Ecstasy in Sufism and the translator of The Unveiling of Secrets: Diary of a Sufi Master by Ruzbihan Baqli.

About this edition

• Publisher: Shambhala
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 157062349X
• ISBN 13: 9781570623493
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 234