Author : Toshihiko Izutsu
ISBN : 9780520292475
Genre : Religion
File Size : 39.20 MB
Format : PDF, Docs
Download : 338
Read : 281
ISBN : 9780520292475
Genre : Religion
File Size : 39.20 MB
Format : PDF, Docs
Download : 338
Read : 281
Free Sufi E-Books Online. Wazifa English Transliteration and Arabic: Book of Devotions. (toll free) The Most Distinguished Sufi Path to Divine Realities. THE SECRET MEANING. Rumi's Spiritual Lessons on Sufism. Free download available at: Permissions.
In this deeply learned work, Toshihiko Izutsu compares the metaphysical and mystical thought-systems of Sufism and Taoism and discovers that, although historically unrelated, the two share features and patterns which prove fruitful for a transhistorical dialogue. His original and suggestive approach opens new doors in the study of comparative philosophy and mysticism. Izutsu begins with Ibn 'Arabi, analyzing and isolating the major ontological concepts of this most challenging of Islamic thinkers. Then, in the second part of the book, Izutsu turns his attention to an analysis of parallel concepts of two great Taoist thinkers, Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu. Only after laying bare the fundamental structure of each world view does Izutsu embark, in the final section of the book, upon a comparative analysis. Only thus, he argues, can he be sure to avoid easy and superficial comparisons. Izutsu maintains that both the Sufi and Taoist world views are based on two pivots—the Absolute Man and the Perfect Man—with a whole system of oncological thought being developed between these two pivots. Izutsu discusses similarities in these ontological systems and advances the hypothesis that certain patterns of mystical and metaphysical thought may be shared even by systems with no apparent historical connection. This second edition of Sufism and Taoism is the first published in the United States. The original edition, published in English and in Japan, was prized by the few English-speaking scholars who knew of it as a model in the field of comparative philosophy. Making available in English much new material on both sides of its comparison, Sufism and Taoism richly fulfills Izutsu's motivating desire 'to open a new vista in the domain of comparative philosophy.'Books > Best Read on Sufism
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message 1: by Raja (last edited Jan 17, 2013 07:58AM) (new)
Salam Everybody,
Just wanted to start a topic on your best read about Sufism. I have read many books and there are couple of books on Sufism which are really good and my favorite.
Let's all share our favorite read....
I will start first....
first two are very good introduction to Sufism for any newcomer to Sufism.
1. When you hear hoof beats think of Zebra
2. Love is wine
3. Mystical Dimensions of Islam By Annemarie Schimmel is good historical account of Sufism and probably the best on this subject.
Just wanted to start a topic on your best read about Sufism. I have read many books and there are couple of books on Sufism which are really good and my favorite.
Let's all share our favorite read....
I will start first....
first two are very good introduction to Sufism for any newcomer to Sufism.
1. When you hear hoof beats think of Zebra
2. Love is wine
3. Mystical Dimensions of Islam By Annemarie Schimmel is good historical account of Sufism and probably the best on this subject.
Hands down, Attar's The Conference of the Birds is the best I read on Sufism. It gets right into the perspective of Sufis without overloading with doctrine. But it's still down to Earth, accessible and readable.
The Persian poetry of 12/13th century is the best to come from east for a long time and it is still unmatched until today.
Rumi, Hafiz, Sanai, Attar, Jami are all the best of all time in Sufi poetry and wisdom. The conference of the Birds is indeed one of the best on this subject.
Muslim Saints and Mystics: Episodes from the Tadhkirat al-Auliya' by Attar is a very good book on the Sufi masters of the past. Its gives us an insight into the lives, their sayings and works.
Rumi, Hafiz, Sanai, Attar, Jami are all the best of all time in Sufi poetry and wisdom. The conference of the Birds is indeed one of the best on this subject.
Muslim Saints and Mystics: Episodes from the Tadhkirat al-Auliya' by Attar is a very good book on the Sufi masters of the past. Its gives us an insight into the lives, their sayings and works.
message 4: by Madeeha (last edited Jan 16, 2013 05:30AM) (new)
Salam,
What nudged me even more onto my journey, and is one of my favourites
The Alchemist
Even though it's not really a book on sufism, it still clearly has Sufi elements and I can sense a little bit of Rumi in there too ;oD
The 'beginner' book, which i preferred from the others which I read, was Essential Sufism It gives a good overview of the Sufis such as Rumi, Hafez, Attar etc. It's a good 'appetizer'
Another I liked is Love Is a Fire: The Sufi's Mystical Journey Home
And finally, After always reading snippets and quotes by Rumi..A single quote can make me start pondering and getting lost, Rumi has this way of slowing down my reading :o)... But I finally decided to brave it out and read the Mathnawi itself.
I'm currently reading Jawid Mojaddedi's translation of the Mathnawi and enjoying it very much! :o)
The Masnavi: Book One
I'm still yet to read The conference of the birds by Attar.
If there are any others that I read, which leave an impression, i'll be sure to share :o)
What nudged me even more onto my journey, and is one of my favourites
The Alchemist
Even though it's not really a book on sufism, it still clearly has Sufi elements and I can sense a little bit of Rumi in there too ;oD
The 'beginner' book, which i preferred from the others which I read, was Essential Sufism It gives a good overview of the Sufis such as Rumi, Hafez, Attar etc. It's a good 'appetizer'
Another I liked is Love Is a Fire: The Sufi's Mystical Journey Home
And finally, After always reading snippets and quotes by Rumi..A single quote can make me start pondering and getting lost, Rumi has this way of slowing down my reading :o)... But I finally decided to brave it out and read the Mathnawi itself.
I'm currently reading Jawid Mojaddedi's translation of the Mathnawi and enjoying it very much! :o)
The Masnavi: Book One
I'm still yet to read The conference of the birds by Attar.
If there are any others that I read, which leave an impression, i'll be sure to share :o)
Books In English Free Download
message 5: by Raja (last edited Jan 17, 2013 07:51AM) (new)
The Alchemist is indeed a very good read, its gives you a Sufi flavor.
To know Rumi you have to know Shams of Tabriz. Me and Rumi is highly recommended. I also recently read novel The Forty Rules of Love based on the live of Shams and Rumi. Its a good start if you want to study more into life of this great poet and his companion.
To know Rumi you have to know Shams of Tabriz. Me and Rumi is highly recommended. I also recently read novel The Forty Rules of Love based on the live of Shams and Rumi. Its a good start if you want to study more into life of this great poet and his companion.
message 6: by Raja (last edited Jan 17, 2013 07:52AM) (new)
The Secret of Secrets
I like this book because the Sykh explains different stages of life very beautifully and explains these in very easy way. Sometime it gets bit difficult to comprehend what is Shykh trying to say but most of wisdom shows through.....
I like this book because the Sykh explains different stages of life very beautifully and explains these in very easy way. Sometime it gets bit difficult to comprehend what is Shykh trying to say but most of wisdom shows through.....
message 7: by Madeeha (last edited Jan 18, 2013 12:33AM) (new)
Indeed i know of shams-e-tabriz...Thanks for the recommendations! I've had 'the secret of secrets', on my shelf at home, untouched for over a year! The same happened with 'love is a fire' ...That's the thing with Sufi books, it's not possible (at least for me) to read them like normal books.
Jumuah Mobareka
Jumuah Mobareka
Salam
i suggest 3 books by Reshad feild,triology you can say.
1.The last barrier
2.The invisible way:to know we are loved
3.Going home :The journey of a travelling man
And besides these another book Steps to freedom 'i strongly recommend it...
don't expect Rumi.jami.Ibn Arabi..but yes you can feel how a person feels when he takes his first steps into the terra incognita..
and how much desperately today's materilaistic man needs a spiritual upliftment.
Thanks
i suggest 3 books by Reshad feild,triology you can say.
1.The last barrier
2.The invisible way:to know we are loved
3.Going home :The journey of a travelling man
And besides these another book Steps to freedom 'i strongly recommend it...
don't expect Rumi.jami.Ibn Arabi..but yes you can feel how a person feels when he takes his first steps into the terra incognita..
and how much desperately today's materilaistic man needs a spiritual upliftment.
Thanks
message 9: by Raja (last edited Jan 21, 2013 05:36AM) (new)
Salam Everybody, You are right Madeeha. Its very difficult to read any Sufi book like normal book. you have to concentrate a lot more. The Sufi books speaks from a different language and to the different mind. Hence its very exciting and difficult at the same time.
I have recently read Master of The Jinn: A Sufi Novel. Its a Sufi fictional novel. Its about a man who takes this mystical journey with the help his master. The insights are incredible and inconceivable. It may be difficult to comprehend for some especially for some who are new to this path.
The ultimate message is about love and submitting oneself to God.Some elements are obviously fictional, but if you are looking at this book from a religious point of view, its safe to consider it as only as an interesting fantasy novel and any information you get out of it; fact check and take with a pinch of salt.
And thanks Baber for sharing your favorite reads. I will try to read Steps to Freedom. Is it this one Steps To Freedom
I have recently read Master of The Jinn: A Sufi Novel. Its a Sufi fictional novel. Its about a man who takes this mystical journey with the help his master. The insights are incredible and inconceivable. It may be difficult to comprehend for some especially for some who are new to this path.
The ultimate message is about love and submitting oneself to God.Some elements are obviously fictional, but if you are looking at this book from a religious point of view, its safe to consider it as only as an interesting fantasy novel and any information you get out of it; fact check and take with a pinch of salt.
And thanks Baber for sharing your favorite reads. I will try to read Steps to Freedom. Is it this one Steps To Freedom
Salam,
Yes, from the title 'Master of The Jinn' I figured to take it with a pinch of salt, now this really is getting into the realms of playing with fire, literally ;oD
With regards to the difficulty in reading sufi books, indeed especially if the Sufi literature is poetry, i find myself reading and then pondering. Which is a sign of a good book/piece in my opinion, it has the ability to take you away.
Yes, from the title 'Master of The Jinn' I figured to take it with a pinch of salt, now this really is getting into the realms of playing with fire, literally ;oD
With regards to the difficulty in reading sufi books, indeed especially if the Sufi literature is poetry, i find myself reading and then pondering. Which is a sign of a good book/piece in my opinion, it has the ability to take you away.
message 11: by Raja (last edited Jan 28, 2013 03:11AM) (new)
Salam,
I recently read another book The Healing Power of Sufi Meditation which is based on the teaching of Naqshbandi order. It mainly deals with Muraqaba ( Meditation ) in general and than goes on to explain this practice in Naqshbadni order. Very good book especially for the people who follow this order. It gives you detail understanding of what Annihilation means and how Naqsbadni Sufi teach this practice.
I recently read another book The Healing Power of Sufi Meditation which is based on the teaching of Naqshbandi order. It mainly deals with Muraqaba ( Meditation ) in general and than goes on to explain this practice in Naqshbadni order. Very good book especially for the people who follow this order. It gives you detail understanding of what Annihilation means and how Naqsbadni Sufi teach this practice.
message 12: by Wayfarer (last edited Feb 09, 2013 12:24PM) (new)
Bismillah,
The real book for any real seeker is a realised Spiritual Master - the knower of Allah the realised sage; they exist in every age.
Apart from that everything else is like a comic book - it's pretty to look at and admire, but devoid of any real substance or value.
In light of the above ... books (that is exceptional books) are like maps, without a guide they are very much limited in there utility.
The real book for any real seeker is a realised Spiritual Master - the knower of Allah the realised sage; they exist in every age.
Apart from that everything else is like a comic book - it's pretty to look at and admire, but devoid of any real substance or value.
In light of the above ... books (that is exceptional books) are like maps, without a guide they are very much limited in there utility.
message 13: by Raja (last edited Feb 11, 2013 03:38AM) (new)
Wayfarer wrote: 'Bismillah,
The real book for any real seeker is a realised Spiritual Master - the knower of Allah the realised sage; they exist in every age.
Apart from that everything else is like a comic boo...'
Salam,
Great Insight Wayfarer,You are right! A spiritual master on this path is the key to know the reality of the truth.
The books can not explain the love, they are only the guide to the real guide. Its the process from which everybody has to go through. To know the reality they have to study themselves first and without a spiritual master this journey can become too long and impossible.
As Rumi says,
'Whoever travels without a guide needs two hundred years for a two-days journey” - Rumi
The journey can only start once you realise there is a journey you need to take.....
The real book for any real seeker is a realised Spiritual Master - the knower of Allah the realised sage; they exist in every age.
Apart from that everything else is like a comic boo...'
Salam,
Great Insight Wayfarer,You are right! A spiritual master on this path is the key to know the reality of the truth.
The books can not explain the love, they are only the guide to the real guide. Its the process from which everybody has to go through. To know the reality they have to study themselves first and without a spiritual master this journey can become too long and impossible.
As Rumi says,
'Whoever travels without a guide needs two hundred years for a two-days journey” - Rumi
The journey can only start once you realise there is a journey you need to take.....
message 14: by Madeeha (last edited Feb 11, 2013 04:06AM) (new)
Salam, Indeed no book is a substitute for a spiritual guide, by no means! But saying 'devoid' is a little harsh :o)
Whether we have access to a spiritual guide or not,
the beloved Himself will make us aware in whatever form He chooses, whether it's through a single word in a pile of books, through a smile or even the movement of an insect...The seeds of awareness aren't found in the same place or form for each soul...it's He who chooses after all :o)
...And that wasn't supposed to rhyme ;o))
Whether we have access to a spiritual guide or not,
the beloved Himself will make us aware in whatever form He chooses, whether it's through a single word in a pile of books, through a smile or even the movement of an insect...The seeds of awareness aren't found in the same place or form for each soul...it's He who chooses after all :o)
...And that wasn't supposed to rhyme ;o))
All praise and thanks be to Allah. A point was made and further clarified and completed by your good selves, so now this 'discussion thread' is more complete with its disclaimer of warning.
and we hope this increases its benefit and perfection,
Allah knows best.
and we hope this increases its benefit and perfection,
Allah knows best.
message 16: by Raja (last edited Mar 18, 2013 03:46AM) (new)
Thanks for sharing your favorites and they are really good books. I have the translation of Imam Rabbani ra Maktobaat but haven't read yet.
Salam All - Haven't heard from a lot of you. What's your favorite read or share anything spirtual?
My all time favourite is 'The Last Barrier' by Reshad Field.
Just recently finished reading 'Chasing Rumi'. It reminded me of another one of my favourite reads 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho.
Just recently finished reading 'Chasing Rumi'. It reminded me of another one of my favourite reads 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho.
message 19: by Madeeha (last edited Feb 01, 2014 07:50AM) (new)
Salam,
Yes indeed you will notice notes of Rumi in 'The Alchemist'.. I found the more I read the works of Rumi, the more I realised that Coelho has 'borrowed' a lot from him (and others), I noticed this across some of Coelho's other novels too.
Nontheless 'The Alchemist' is still a good novel and a little taster to Sufism.
Thanks for sharing 'The Last Barrier' It's one for my list.
For Rumi I would recommend 'The Essential Rumi'
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...
It's a lovely compilation of his poetry.
Yes indeed you will notice notes of Rumi in 'The Alchemist'.. I found the more I read the works of Rumi, the more I realised that Coelho has 'borrowed' a lot from him (and others), I noticed this across some of Coelho's other novels too.
Nontheless 'The Alchemist' is still a good novel and a little taster to Sufism.
Thanks for sharing 'The Last Barrier' It's one for my list.
For Rumi I would recommend 'The Essential Rumi'
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...
It's a lovely compilation of his poetry.
Salaam Alaikum to all, any of the writings by William Chittick (I've read his on Rumi and Ibn Al-Arabi) are excellent. I'd also recommend Martin Lings 'What is Sufism?'. Other indispensable authors include Frithjof Schuon, Seyyed Hossein Nasr, and Charles Le Gai Eaton whose book 'Islam and the Destiny of Man' is not strictly Sufi, but provides an excellent overall view of Islam that incorporates a well-stated esoteric component.
I have been wanting to read about Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, but I am so confused about which book to start off with first. My father is one of Rumi's fans, and can quote many poems by heart, I would also like to do the same, any ideas about where to start?
message 22: by Madeeha (last edited Feb 01, 2014 06:57PM) (new)
Assalam Aleykum all.
Madina, the one I personally started off with was this sweet little book of bitesized quotes
Rumi - A spiritual Treasury:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
For me it was the appetizer which made me want more :o)
Tim, thanks for the recommendations, i'm intrigued by 'Islam and the Destiny of Man' after reading it's description.
Madina, the one I personally started off with was this sweet little book of bitesized quotes
Rumi - A spiritual Treasury:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
For me it was the appetizer which made me want more :o)
Tim, thanks for the recommendations, i'm intrigued by 'Islam and the Destiny of Man' after reading it's description.
Books On Sufism In English free. download full
as-salaam alaykum
Among contemporary expositions of Sufism intended for a western audience, I consider Seyyed Hossein Nasr's The Garden of Truth to be one of the best. In it he strays from the realm of academic scholarship to provide a more personal testimony based upon his over fifty years of the practice of Sufism.
Among classic works, The Darqawi Way translated by Aisha Bewley, which contains the collected letters of the Shadhili Shaykh Mawlay al-Arabi ad-Darqawi, is a continual source of inspiration and wisdom for me.
Among contemporary expositions of Sufism intended for a western audience, I consider Seyyed Hossein Nasr's The Garden of Truth to be one of the best. In it he strays from the realm of academic scholarship to provide a more personal testimony based upon his over fifty years of the practice of Sufism.
Among classic works, The Darqawi Way translated by Aisha Bewley, which contains the collected letters of the Shadhili Shaykh Mawlay al-Arabi ad-Darqawi, is a continual source of inspiration and wisdom for me.
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Charles Le Gai Eaton's Islam and Destiny of Man is an excellent book especially for a western. It has introduction to Islam, Quran, Prophet peace be upon him, Four Caliphs and brief history on later islamic empires. I really enjoyed reading and his way of bringing west closer to Islam is really interesting. He talks about Christian God and Muslim God in detail , trying to bring Christians into Islamic way of thinking.
The Forty Rules of love, is a good one about Rumi & Shams Tabriz
The Forty Rules of love, is a good one about Rumi & Shams Tabriz
Salam all,
Recently there have been several fiction on Sufism such as Master of the Jinn by Irving karchmar and Muriel maufroy's Rumi's daughter. Also apart from alamgeer's suggestion shafak's latest novel is also related to Sufism. Yet, these novels provide a very brlef info related to Sufism.
Recently there have been several fiction on Sufism such as Master of the Jinn by Irving karchmar and Muriel maufroy's Rumi's daughter. Also apart from alamgeer's suggestion shafak's latest novel is also related to Sufism. Yet, these novels provide a very brlef info related to Sufism.
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The Masnavi: Book One (other topics)
The Conference of the Birds (other topics)
Essential Sufism (other topics)
Love Is a Fire: The Sufi's Mystical Journey Home (other topics)
Books mentioned in this topic
The Alchemist (other topics)The Masnavi: Book One (other topics)
The Conference of the Birds (other topics)
Essential Sufism (other topics)
Love Is a Fire: The Sufi's Mystical Journey Home (other topics)