The Way of the Sufi (Compass)

This book is a great source of information and history on Sufism. A scholarly work, published first in 1970, it is still pertinent to today. It opens with an important chapter on the study of Sufism in the Western world -- and its limitations. Shah raises questions about how much one can learn and understand about Sufism, using books and writings which may not fully understand how Sufism works. As one example, he uses modern Western debates on the meaning of the word "Sufi". Westerners, with our determination that there is an understandable and intellectual explanation for everything, often cannot accept that there may not be a 'logical' explanatin. As explained in the eleventh -century Revelation, the earliest Persian writings on Sufism by Hujwiri, the term 'Sufi' has no etymology. But for decades, a common explanation by Westerners is that 'Sufi' is similar to the Arabic word pronounced soof which means 'wool'. Those practicing Sufism wore wool, therefore this is the logical explanation. (Shah submits that the reason common among Sufis is that the effects of sounds are important in Sufism -- and the sound of the Arabic letters which bring out the sounds of S U F are significant to the Sufis in their practices). This short chapter is full of useful thoughts for modern day Western "Sufis" , with cautions and thoughts about what Sufism is, how it is understood and much more. He ends the chapter with a list of requirements for Western students studying Sufism - 1. Understand the bulk of translations available are unsuitable 2. seek authorative written and oral information and activities designed by Sufis to operate in the student's own culture and times 3. Recognize organizations not genuinely Sufi are 'conditioning instruments' whether consciously or otherwise 4. be prepared to abandon preconceptions about what it means to 'study' 5. decide whether the student's search is or is not a disguised search for social integration, a manifestation of sheer curiosity, a desire for emotionial stimulus or statisfactin? 6. credit the possibility that there is a conscious, efficient, deliberate source of legitimate Sufic teaching in the West. (These seem to be true and good questions for any Seeker to ask, of any religious practice) This is all in the first chapter, and more - worth the price of the book just to read that section. But, there is of course, much more. Shah states the intent of this book is to give geeral reader an idea of the richness and variety of Sufi ideas, and the rest of the writings have been formed as an introduction to Westerners in the mid-20th century, when the book was written. Next is a section on Classic Authors with quotes and short biographical/historical/philosophical information about these authors. Twelfth century philosopher El-Ghazali, Omar Khayyam, Attar of Nishapar, Ibn El-Arabi, Saadi of Shiraz, Hakim Jami, Hakim Sanai, Jalaludin Rumi are touched on. The next section is Four Major Orders, w

Humour! History! Stories! Mental teasers! Here are challenges to habitual and defensive thought. We must turn the stone over and examine its several sides. Shah can be compared to Socrates in his benevolent probing into our cherished but unexamined patterns of thought and action.Here Idries Shah has translated and assembled a most considerate introduction to Sufi literature and practice. The Way of the Sufi Includes chapters on Sufism in the West, classical authors, Sufi masters, teaching stories and other topics. But this book is not just about the Sufi way, it forms a part of the Sufi Way in our time. Read with energy and an open (but not glib) mind, it can be an avenue for experiential learning. Enlightening, entertaining, engrossing, The Way of the Sufi just might affect the way you look at things and what you do.Exerpts: The Seed of Sufi KnowledgeThe true seed was made in Adam's time. The miracle of life, existence.It germinated in the period of Noah. The miracle of growth, rescue.By the time of Abraham it had sent forth branches. The miracle of spreading, maintenance.The epoch of Moses saw the making of the grapes. The miracle of fruit.The time of Jesus was that of the ripening of the yield. The miracle of tasting, joy.Mohammed's time saw the pressing of clear wine. The miracle of attainment, transformation. Bayazid Bistami What Looks After YouKnowledge is better thatn wealth. You have to look after wealth; knowledge looks after you. Ali The Thief and the BlanketA thief entered the house of a Sufi, and found nothing there. As he was leaving, the dervish perceived his disappointment and threw him the blanket in which he was sleeping, so that he should not go away empty-handed.

My title for this review consists of a quote from Shah's introduction to a number of El-Ghazali's quotes, observations, and admonitions. In a society like ours in which "information" is so often used interchangeably with "knowledge," we suddenly come upon an author (Shah) who uses words in a special, precise fashion that sharpens both his message and our understanding. After Ghazali, Shah introduces us to the works of seven other classical Sufi authors. He then moves on to a consideration of the four major orders, showing us their deficiencies as well as their strengths for raising the consciousness of men and women, primarily in the East. Teaching stories and themes for solitary contemplation are presented toward the end of the book, followed by some revealing "Letters and Lectures," and a Q & A section with two contemporary Sufi masters. The density of Shah's prose, as well as his offerings from other Sufi teachers in later sections of the book, leaves one's mind and heart in awe of the majesty of the Sufi source of Knowledge. I feel that almost anyone can benefit from this book, which is full of material that covers a range from the contemporary and practical to the uplifting and sublime.

The book provides a good collection of sufi sayings - the words of wisdom - e.g.------The Answer ---We wrote a hundred letters, and you did not write an answer. This, too, is a reply.--- Zauqi---------Remedy------Your medicine is in you, and you do not observe it.Your ailment is from yourself, and you do not register it.-----Hazrat Ali--------- The State ----Justice and fairness, not religion or atheism,Are needful for the protection of the State.------Hakim Jami------ The Science -------The Science of Truth disappers in the Sufi's knowledge.When will mankind understand this saying?----Jalaludin Rumi

The opening essay of this fascinating book provides a clear, concise tracing of the Sufi influence on human thought and action through the centuries. That's followed by sections on the great Sufi masters of the past, including background information and selections from their most influential teachings. The book also includes a wide assortment of teaching stories, lectures, and themes for contemplation, which, taken together, provide a panoramic view of the Sufis and the impact they have had--and continue to have--on society. This is essential reading for those who wish to learn what it means to be "in the world but not of it" from the authentic Sufi perspective.