I lot of great quotes but no personal reflection from the Author.

I am not convinced that the Publisher got the magnitude of what he was printing.

Good book but I got board. Maybe it was just me I may not be ready for a book that leaves the direction of the reader up to his understanding.

This is an excellent and easily accessible introduction to Sufism. It covers the five basic pillars of Islam and also the essential underlying beliefs of Sufism. More importantly, it captures the heart of the tradition in words and is filled with pearls of wisdom, powerful quotes and wisdom stories from various Sufi saints, masters, etc.

This book also encourages an engaged reading stance where one meanders through the book and stays aware of poignant passages. It invites reflection and although there are a lot of stories, the underlying framework provides good structure and a sense of flow. In short, a very nice introduction to the mysticism of Islam.

Essential is true to the point. It is a gathering of the works of the great, such as Attar, Dhu-l-Nun, Sheikh Badruddin, Bistami, and much much more.

A source that will allow you to familiarize yourself with not only great work, but also the levels of contemplation in which each statement falls in.

A quote from Bayazid Bistami,"If I only knew that I had taken one single step in sincerity I would find no value to anything else."

Sufi knowledge can be compared some what to Koan's, since they touch upon awakening the consciousness, or centering thought. Contextually the knowledge is full of meaning for all and all disciplines. Spiritually, the path of departing one from the self is revisited for guidance's.

The chapters offer a great set of guidance in explaining the self, then introducing Hadiths, experiences, actions, remembrances, and finally transformations. It's enormously helpful to fallow these sets of orders, all in all through the many voices of the eternal intellective Sufis.

This book should be read by every American, not only for advancement on the spiritual path to peace, but to greater understanding of the true nature of Islam and thus to peace with our own brothers and sisters.

This book collects thanks to the careful editing of Fadiman and Frager jewels from the mystic wisdom of the Sufis organized by themes from Daily Life, Love, Virtues, to Death. really the list of chapters is too long to copy here, but each is very valuable for understanding our life and how to lead it in peace and joy, and how to face our inevitable leaving of it.

Please, for your own sake and peace and joy, read this book carefully. Its golden nuggest are so presented as to be avalable and fruitful whether read in a few stolen minutes while commuting or in meetings, or a weekend retreat of contemplation renewal and spiritual growth