Awakening: A Sufi Initiation

Loved this book. I have read it again and again.Many wonderful comments are posted here about this book.I loved when Anayat Khan describes connection between physical existence and cosmic existence. Knowing other spiritual figures like Mohammed(s) and Jesus, Abrahim in a different way. Their existence was not merely a physical existence on earth but Cosmic existence. Loved this concept of interconnectedness of humans with universe,space and higher realism.

I had this from the library and now I want a copy, so I can go slowly through the meditative practices described. I particularly liked the "light" meditations. One of the book's best features is the focus on bringing back into everyday life what you have gained by stepping out of everyday life. This is an important perspective often missing from contemplative works. Khan quotes freely, and knowledgeably, from Hindu, Buddhist and Christian ideas as well as giving a good introduction to his Sufi tradition. The only flaw I noted is that his grasp of physics, even for metaphorical purposes, is extremely poor, but you can ignore that and just enjoy the spiritual wisdom.

I don't know what else to add to what has already been said, but one thing which I must say is that this book changed my life. If you are looking for a bit of help in trying to get inside yourself and then to look at the world through a greater perspective, read this book.

When "The Awakening" arrived, it took me 2 weeks before I sat down and turned to page one. I tried to scan through like a "good" student, but somehow this book is not a typical Sufi book that teaches you through steps without wisdom. You have to be "awaken" or to "have died before death", in order to embrace every word, and comprehend the underlying structures and words chosen to convey the message therein. I would recommend "The Awakening" only to serious seekers. If you are a self-labelled religionist {Muslim, Jew, or Christian} and a staunch one at that you might find yourself against a brick wall."The Awakening" is a book that teaches you to take the time to heal your heart, in the wake, will then open you to your "Reality". The religion of the heart is most important here. If you're devoid of that, taking the path written therein can be an awesome task. "The Awakening" is one of the best Sufi manual I've read and understood without recoursing to references. A must-have in your collection, if you're seriously contemplating returning "home" sanely.

Based on my own experience, I can't say enough to encourage others to seek out retreat experiences. But for those who cannot carve out the time, this fine book comes as near to the real thing as I've seen. Pythia Peay's transcription and editing of retreat sessions by Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan allows the reader to participate in the "process of inner unveiling" (ix) and awakening at the heart of this very readable and ecumenical book. With a gentle insistence on the development of conscience ("awakening in life") as a result of "awakening beyond life", Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan provides an antidote to mystified notions of spirituality and the disengagement often associated with conventional religious enthusiasm. Here are some of Pir Vilayat's own words from a book filled with authentic wisdom: "Though the mystical encounter goes deeper than words can convey, tangible traces of it can be seen in the actions we take, the values we uphold, and the ideals we strive for. In effect, what I am trying to say is that the illumination of consciousness leads inevitably to the awakening of conscience. This enables us to fulfill the purpose of our lives and actualize the unfurling of the potentialities of our beings.... there is no limit to the responsibility we bear toward others. (page 196)