https://www.scribd.com/document/204463861/Essential-Sufism
Robert Frager
Essential Sufism Paperback – Illustrated, November 17, 1999
by Robert Frager (Editor), James Fadiman (Editor), & 1 more
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 214 ratings
4.1 on Goodreads
916 ratings
===
Editorial Reviews
Review
"A treasure of jewels in the tradition of Sufi soul-work. "I really love and value this book."-- Coleman Barks, translator of "The Essential Rumi""An awesome and eminently profound compendium of spiritual wisdom."-- "Body Mind Spirit""Reading through the many entries, one gets a feeling for the beauty and deep wisdom of the Sufis."-- "Library Journal"
From the Back Cover
The definitive compendium of Sufi wisdom, 'Essential Sufism' draws together more than three hundred fables, poems and prayers that reveal the luminous spirit of Islamic mysticism. Embracing all eras and highlighting the many faces of Sufism, this colle
About the Author
Robert Fager, Ph.D., is a psychologist, Sufi teacher, and author of two other books on Sufism, Love Is the Wine, and Heart, Self, and Soul: The Sufi Psychology of Growth, Balance, and Harmony.
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Product details
Publisher : HarperOne; Reprint edition (November 17, 1999)
Language : English
Paperback : 288 pages
Customer Reviews: 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 214 ratings
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sufi sufism islam rumi wisdom essential mystics spiritual sufis mystical muslim quotes heart known prayer simply compendium concepts contains frager
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Dancing Palmtrees
4.0 out of 5 stars The Mystical Arm of Islam -- A Novice's Impressions
Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2009
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Just started reading this book. I want to learn more about Sufism since it is a theme echoed over a over by Gibran, Pamuk and of course its founder the great poet Rumi. I love the concept of becoming "One with the Beloved". In my opinion Pamuk corrupts Sufism and Mystics. Orhan Pamuk's books present a distorted view of Dervishes and Sufis, especially the novel, My Name is Red. He reduces these holy men to their baser instincts.
Of course as a Christian my ultimate Spiritual Goal is to become one with Jesus Christ.
Over the years as I think back I believe I have found elements of Sufism in the writings of Deepak Chopra, the Dalai Lama and I'm sure that as I read more of Dr. Edward Said I will find it there also. Perhaps it is also in Buddhism, I must look at my Buddhist scriptures.
The theme of Being One with the Beloved resonates with me as a Christian because you find this concept in the Bible. Jesus spoke that He and the Father were One. The Epistles constantly speak about being reunited with God, being more like the Father, losing yourself in Him.
I'm the type of Christian who believes one can incorporate the best of other faiths without losing or rejecting one's own belief system. As I get older I lean towards to the Gospel of Inclusion. Besides on Judgement Day we will all answer to God no matter what our faith or belief.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
The aphorisms in this book remind me very much of the Book of Proverbs in the Bible. Proverbs is known as the book of Wisdom. I keep refering to the Bible because this is my faith and my frame of reference. As I read about the Sufis and Dervishes I think about Jesus disciples and how he sent them out to preach the gospel and heal the sick. Jesus told them to take nothing with them except the clothes on their back. I believe the scripture states that the workman is worthy of his hire. The went from town to town, house to house spreading the Good News. Whoever had ears to hear received it, those who did not Jesus told them to shake the dust off their sandals as they left that particular village. I am just speculating but maybe Rumi and other Sufis were inspired by Jesus, his disciples and the apostles.
Another similarity I found was the mention of the Redemptive Names of God. Christians also have this.
________________________________________
Eight Redemptive Names of God
JEHOVAH-JIREH
"The Lord our provider" - This is also the name Abraham gave to the place where the Lord provided a sacrifice in place of Isaac. (Gen. 22:14).
JEHOVAH-NISSI
"Our banner, a banner of love and protection" - Also the name Moses gave to the altar he built after defeating the Amalekites (Ex. 17:15).
JEHOVAH-SHALOM
"Our perfect peace" - Also the name Gideon gave to the altar he built at Ophrah (Judges 6:24)
JEHOVAH-TSID-KENU
"The Lord is our righteousness" - The name is applied to a future Davidic king who would lead his people to do what is right and thus bring peace (Jeremiah 23:6) and to the restored city of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 33:16). The name is possibly a play on the name of Zedekiah ("Righteous [is:] the Lord") who reigned from 597 to 587 B.C..
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH
"The One Who is with us everywhere for He is Omnipresent" - The Jerusalem of Ezekiel's vision (see Ezekiel 48:35 margin) was known by this name. Compare text at Isaiah 60:19-20 and Revelation 21:3.
JEHOVAH-SABAOTH
"The Lord of Hosts, our Protector." C.H. Spurgeon said this about the phrase "The Lord of Hosts:
The Lord rules the angels, the stars, the elements, and all the hosts of Heaven; and the Heaven of heavens is under His sway... [the Lord:] is on our side -- our august Ally; woe unto those who fight against Him, for they shall flee like smoke before the wind when He gives the word to scatter them."
See text at Psalm 46:7.
JEHOVAH-RAAH
"Our Shepherd Who tenderly leads us, loves us and will keep us safe." - the famous Psalm 23 tells us that "The Lord is our Shepherd and we shall not want...." Being illustrated as a shepherd implies a relationship with His sheep (His believers). The term shepherd appears approximately 80 times in the Scriptures, denoting meanings of: feeder, keeper, companion, friend, pastor and herdsman.
JEHOVAH RAPHA
"I am the Lord Your Physician or I am the Lord Your Healer - this name especially was a Name God prophetically spoke about Himself, not one that someone gave Him. Exodus 15:26
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Just wanted to add that some of themed echo the Song of Solomon which contrasts romantic love between Solomon and his Ethiopian wife to his Love and search for God. Also in regards to mystics whether Sufi or Christian, "One cannot be so Heavenly bound that you are no earthly good". Props to my former Pastor, Rev. A.R. Bernard!!
The Mystic experience can also be found heavily in the Catholic Church. There are many famous Catholic Mystics; St. Teresa of Avila, Hildegard of Bingen, Francis of Assisi, Julian of Norwich, Catherine of Siena, etc... Many Catholic Mystics have had the experience of Stigmata, actually having the wounds of Christ on their physical bodies. Some have actually a type of ecstasy something similar to an out of body experience, perhaps a suspension of natural time where one is present with the Lord.
In my brief study of Eastern and Western Mysticism the Path Chooses the Believer not the Believer the Path. I think ones personality also lends itself to a mystical experience
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S. Diaz
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2019
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Though used, it was obviously handled and used with love and care by its previous owner. There are notes written on the sides, yes, but they are simply written to highlight specific parts of the book. I recommend Jensen Books if you're looking for used books in acceptable condition.
As for the book itself, its contents are amazing. It requires you to think and slowly digest its contents for you to fully understand the book but it is not in any way complicated or difficult to understand. You simply need to be mature enough to grasp the concepts written in it.
3 people found this helpful
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Sanaa Sharnoubi
5.0 out of 5 stars A treasure trove of poetic and inspirational writings ... Nourishment for the soul.
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2015
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I have had a hard copy of this book for years and recently bought the kindle edition as well--giving me access to it any time and anywhere. That is how vital its contents are to me. For anyone who is new to Sufism or who is steeped in the Sufi way of life (or anywhere in between), this is a rich and beautiful compendium of Sufi literature. Frager does a wonderful job of arranging the Sufi writings (spanning many centuries and continents) into thematic chapters, such as prayer, love, etc. I highly recommend this book, which I use the way others might use their bible--for comfort and/or inspiration.
4 people found this helpful
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B.A.2010
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely collection
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2019
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I look forward to spending more time with these texts. I have no idea how the original text would read, but the translations read well and are lovely. I know I'll keep coming back to this volume with wonder for years to come.
One person found this helpful
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Davis A. Criscuolo
4.0 out of 5 stars read this introductionribes
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2013
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This book is a collection of quotes and a variety of statements from a multitude of sources. The real power of the book is in the introduction, which describes the essential Sufi perspective and defines the Sufi as non-sectarian, even as the tradition of Islam bears its roots. I have studied with an Iraqi Sufi Master for over 35 years and find a kindred spirit in this book.
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lightshow
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Overview
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2013
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This book contains many quotes and stories from the Sufi tradition and a rich introduction by the author, who is a student of Sufism. I was first introduced to the tradition about 20 or so years ago through Rumi's poetry, which inspired me and impressed me with the emphasis on love of God. This is an ecstatic tradition that doesn't seek to explain anything but rather to connect one with an open heart and facilitate falling in love with God, immanent and transcendent.
Reading this book is a wonderful experience.
9 people found this helpful
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Lori Easterly
5.0 out of 5 stars Mystical Reality
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2013
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I have loved Sufi poetry for the way it expresses what I have found to be Real. After many years of being lost in the world there was an experience that came about, revealing the illusion and uncovering the Real. When I read Essential Sufism I hear the song of what has been uncovered. The Unseen Reality of What Is.
2 people found this helpful
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Arif Somji
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing. Well laid out
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2017
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Amazing. Well laid out. And some great wisdoms and learnings shared, all around. Beautiful and easy read. Great way to start the day!
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HH
5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 28, 2019
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This book really helped me to understand Islam and get a sense of the true wisdom and depth of it. After listening to dry Salafi teachings about the life of the prophet, this really helps me stay in touch with who he was! A wonderful resource you can dip into on any page and feel refreshed.
6 people found this helpful
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Gogol
5.0 out of 5 stars Islam explained
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 3, 2013
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This is a lovely introduction to Islam told in much the same way as traditional Sufi books, that being in the way of thought provoking story telling designed to make you think about your actions, the world around you and how you perceive the world you live in.
The author is from the Jerrahi Sufi order and the book follows much the same pattern as the story telling method of the late Sheikh of the Jerrahi Sufi order Muzaffer Ozak. The book is very well structured and would seem to be designed for the western audience to read and enjoy. If you wish to have a book that gives you an introduction to Islam then this is an excellent start.
5 people found this helpful
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Sinan
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 9, 2021
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A compilation of Sufi stories, poems & writings, it’s not only the beautiful words that touch your heart in this book there have been moments where I have found myself laughing out loud. HURRY UP AND BUY
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lailaahmed49
5.0 out of 5 stars Ignore labels ..a guide for peace snd serenity
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 10, 2017
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Beautiful introduction to mystical islam ..if ignoring labels helps you ..this is a must for those wanting to understand themselves and live a peaceful life
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StuckInMedSchool
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to the Islamic faith
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2012
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I love this book! It provides a very laid back and beautiful introduction to Islam, with its use of poetry, anecdotes and humour. Great for beginners to the subject. Each chapter also begins with a nice introduction - nothing too heavy. This book is to be digested slowly - one you would want to read in the comfort of your own bedroom on a gloomy, rainy day, with a warm cup of sweet tea in hand. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't hesitate to say that this book pretty much explains the essence of Islam. The only drawback is that I have some doubts over the authenticity of some of the information quoted in the text, but the message is what really matters anyway, so it didn't bother me that much.
All in all, a FANTASTIC read. Now go click 'add to basket' :)
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Czarny Pies
2,488 reviews1 follower
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October 10, 2019
“Essential Sufism” is a collection of poems, aphorisms, fables and jokes that intend to communicate the value-proposition of Sufism to the potential American convert of the late 20th or early 21st century. The two editor-compilers, Robert Frager and James Fadiman, are relics from the psychedelic era.
Wikipedia describes Frager as coming from a Jewish family and possessing a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Harvard University. Frager was initiated into the Halveti-Jerrahi order of dervishes by Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak in 1981. James Fadiman who has a doctorate in psychology from Stanford University has an academic and personal interest in LSD. He is a former neighbour of Ken Kesey. Together, Frager and Fadiman have produced a sweet, trippy book with a clear appeal to Americans in search of a mystical experience.
Most of the Sufi authors come from the classical era. Rumi, Rabia, Ibn Sa’ad, Junaid, Attar and Al Ghazali are among those who are quoted frequently. In addition, there are extracts from the Koran and Hadith. Sheikh Muzaffer who converted Frager to Islam is also quoted extensively. Finally, to show that Sufism is dynamic, evolving force in the contemporary Anglo-Saxon world there are quotes from the Americans, Jeanette Berson, Sam Lewis, Margaret Smith and Mark Nepo as well as the Anglo-Russian Irina Tweedie.
I bought this book for $(CDN) 2.00 at the annual book sale of the local library. Despite, its many charms I urge GR readers not to spend any more for their copy.
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Mohammad Ali Abedi
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August 1, 2013
This book was excellent. It contained quotations from Sufi sages separated into different topics. I never finished the book and the story for not finishing it itself was in a way Sufi in itself.
I am a member of Couchsurfing.com, a site devoted to bringing travelers together in a form of host-guest relationship. If you are traveling to any country, contact a member and ask to stay in their place. A great idea with a brilliant philosophy behind it! I opened my home to two travelers, a Hungarian and a Czech. The Hungarian, David, had an interesting story behind his travel. He was in his early thirties and had a life that society would consider successful. Educated, high-paying job, a strong relationship with his girlfriend, good friends, but something was gnawing him. He wasn’t satisfied. He decided to give it all up and go on a five year global journey. It took him five months to reach Tehran from Europe, because he’d take his time, mainly walking or taking rides, but never taking planes. I hosted him for a day, and we talked till late, exchanging stories and philosophies. The next day, David and his friend, packed, took their traveling walking stick, and headed out. They slept on Friday and left on Saturday so when I was coming back from work on Saturday, I noticed David immersed in the book. So I gifted it to him, hoping that the words from Sufi masters gives him solace during his travels and helps him find whatever he is seeking.
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Parker Pillsbury
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September 24, 2019
This was a great introduction and summary of Sufism. I'm an agnostic, but I appreciate the mysticism of Sufism. There were some fantastic quotes and aphorisms here that I had to circle to later return to. I especially love the poetry. As I do not believe in a personal God, not every thought found in this book moved me, but there were plenty of times when I felt something. If you're looking for an introduction to Sufism and you're on your own quest to find what you believe, you cannot go wrong by picking up this book.
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Ian Banker
1 review
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June 2, 2015
I picked up this book from a library not thinking much of it, but it was a great and very insightful read. It did seem a little dull at times, mostly due to my small attention span, but the book does require a little bit of effort to get through. It shows a very interesting take on not only Islam, but Mysticism as a whole. The book touches on virtually all aspects of Sufism. It's virtues, it's practices, it's views on God, Satan, Death, How one should know God, etc. An example of the insight this book has to offer is that of their views on Satan. In the Judaeo-Christian (though mainly Christian) sense, Satan is seen as this terrible being that want's to undermine humankind and to tempt us and stray us from our path, as we are what made him the fallen angel he is. Thus it is our duty as humans to resist temptations. Sufis would say that because god is all powerful, Satan could not have said that he would not bow down to humans had god not told him to, and even though there is no possibility of him ever regaining his former status, he loves god, and challenges us to strive to our fullest. Satan is a necessary stepping stone for Humankind to triumph over, and that is his purpose in life. This kind of outlook resembles that of Buddhism more than it does the other two main monotheistic religions. That is what I find so intriguing about it. It resembles the doctrines of other mystical religions, but shares the core and fundamental beliefs of one of the most (from a western perspective anyway) non-mystical and controversial religions. As a belief, I love a lot of what it is saying (despite the fact that I may disagree with some things it says) and I think that from whatever religious background you come from, something can be learned from this book. Absolutely Amazing.
3 likes
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Czarny Pies
2,488 reviews1 follower
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October 10, 2019
“Essential Sufism” is a collection of poems, aphorisms, fables and jokes that intend to communicate the value-proposition of Sufism to the potential American convert of the late 20th or early 21st century. The two editor-compilers, Robert Frager and James Fadiman, are relics from the psychedelic era.
Wikipedia describes Frager as coming from a Jewish family and possessing a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Harvard University. Frager was initiated into the Halveti-Jerrahi order of dervishes by Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak in 1981. James Fadiman who has a doctorate in psychology from Stanford University has an academic and personal interest in LSD. He is a former neighbour of Ken Kesey. Together, Frager and Fadiman have produced a sweet, trippy book with a clear appeal to Americans in search of a mystical experience.
Most of the Sufi authors come from the classical era. Rumi, Rabia, Ibn Sa’ad, Junaid, Attar and Al Ghazali are among those who are quoted frequently. In addition, there are extracts from the Koran and Hadith. Sheikh Muzaffer who converted Frager to Islam is also quoted extensively. Finally, to show that Sufism is dynamic, evolving force in the contemporary Anglo-Saxon world there are quotes from the Americans, Jeanette Berson, Sam Lewis, Margaret Smith and Mark Nepo as well as the Anglo-Russian Irina Tweedie.
I bought this book for $(CDN) 2.00 at the annual book sale of the local library. Despite, its many charms I urge GR readers not to spend any more for their copy.
religion
8 likes
4 comments
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Comment
Mohammad Ali Abedi
433 reviews33 followers
Follow
August 1, 2013
This book was excellent. It contained quotations from Sufi sages separated into different topics. I never finished the book and the story for not finishing it itself was in a way Sufi in itself.
I am a member of Couchsurfing.com, a site devoted to bringing travelers together in a form of host-guest relationship. If you are traveling to any country, contact a member and ask to stay in their place. A great idea with a brilliant philosophy behind it! I opened my home to two travelers, a Hungarian and a Czech. The Hungarian, David, had an interesting story behind his travel. He was in his early thirties and had a life that society would consider successful. Educated, high-paying job, a strong relationship with his girlfriend, good friends, but something was gnawing him. He wasn’t satisfied. He decided to give it all up and go on a five year global journey. It took him five months to reach Tehran from Europe, because he’d take his time, mainly walking or taking rides, but never taking planes. I hosted him for a day, and we talked till late, exchanging stories and philosophies. The next day, David and his friend, packed, took their traveling walking stick, and headed out. They slept on Friday and left on Saturday so when I was coming back from work on Saturday, I noticed David immersed in the book. So I gifted it to him, hoping that the words from Sufi masters gives him solace during his travels and helps him find whatever he is seeking.
5 likes
1 comment
Like
Comment
Parker Pillsbury
17 reviews2 followers
Follow
September 24, 2019
This was a great introduction and summary of Sufism. I'm an agnostic, but I appreciate the mysticism of Sufism. There were some fantastic quotes and aphorisms here that I had to circle to later return to. I especially love the poetry. As I do not believe in a personal God, not every thought found in this book moved me, but there were plenty of times when I felt something. If you're looking for an introduction to Sufism and you're on your own quest to find what you believe, you cannot go wrong by picking up this book.
5 likes
Like
Comment
Ian Banker
1 review
Follow
June 2, 2015
I picked up this book from a library not thinking much of it, but it was a great and very insightful read. It did seem a little dull at times, mostly due to my small attention span, but the book does require a little bit of effort to get through. It shows a very interesting take on not only Islam, but Mysticism as a whole. The book touches on virtually all aspects of Sufism. It's virtues, it's practices, it's views on God, Satan, Death, How one should know God, etc. An example of the insight this book has to offer is that of their views on Satan. In the Judaeo-Christian (though mainly Christian) sense, Satan is seen as this terrible being that want's to undermine humankind and to tempt us and stray us from our path, as we are what made him the fallen angel he is. Thus it is our duty as humans to resist temptations. Sufis would say that because god is all powerful, Satan could not have said that he would not bow down to humans had god not told him to, and even though there is no possibility of him ever regaining his former status, he loves god, and challenges us to strive to our fullest. Satan is a necessary stepping stone for Humankind to triumph over, and that is his purpose in life. This kind of outlook resembles that of Buddhism more than it does the other two main monotheistic religions. That is what I find so intriguing about it. It resembles the doctrines of other mystical religions, but shares the core and fundamental beliefs of one of the most (from a western perspective anyway) non-mystical and controversial religions. As a belief, I love a lot of what it is saying (despite the fact that I may disagree with some things it says) and I think that from whatever religious background you come from, something can be learned from this book. Absolutely Amazing.
3 likes
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