Thinking Like the Universe: The Sufi Path of Awakening - Softcover

Khan, Pir Villayat Inayat

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0722539622 ISBN 13: 9780722539620

Publisher: Thorsons, 2000

Synopsis

The long-awaited work on the principles of Sufism and self-transformation by the beloved Sufi master Pir Vilayat. A practical and accessible guide to the mystical tradition of Sufism, which s the object of newfound fascination in the West.

Pir Vilayat is the beloved head of one of the most well-respected mystical movements in the West: the Sufi Order International. Sufism began as the mystical wing of Islam (similar to the role of Kabbalah in Judaism). This book is not just for Sufis, however, it is for anyone seeking to deepen their spirituality. In it, readers will learn the key to transformation–moving beyond their own personal point of view to something larger. The author calls this shift: Thinking Like the Universe. This book integrates ancient Sufi meditations and wisdom into our contemporary understanding of the world to provide a wholly fresh perspective. With practical exercises and beautiful writing this book has the hallmarks of a spiritual classic.

About this title

Review

Thinking like the Universe is an introduction to Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, by one of its most prominent leaders. It is a gentle and easy read, both profound and very accessible. The book is culled from years of notes taken on the retreats lead by the author, Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan. This gives the book a very practical feel at times with very specific directions for meditation practice, for instance. But it is in the personal anecdotes and illustrations that the book really electrifies its readers. How many authors can talk about forgiveness from the perspective of one whose own sister died in a Nazi concentration camp?

The difference between Sufism and the general new age openness to spirituality is the clarity with which Pir expresses its historical purpose around his core teaching that "awakening beyond life must be followed by awakening in life". So this book is a good introduction not just to Sufism but also to spirituality that is neither asceticism or renunciation but also not simply worldliness. The author expresses the distinction in typically clear and gentle terms: "Indeed whilst the way of the ascetic is to give up the world, the way of the Sufi is to build up a beautiful world of beautiful people".

Early on the author says that he uses the word universe to mean God and the sense of the divine is palpable throughout this book. Thinking like the Universe is an excellent introduction to Sufism and to the path of awakening in our day and age. --Peter Lloyd

Review

‘Pir Vilayat is a source and resource, a living bridge between East and west. Pir is as brilliant, and as lively a companion on the path as you’re likely to find.’
Coleman Barks, author of the Illustrated Rumi

‘We are fortunate to have a Sufi master like Pir Vilayat in the West.... He gifts us a spendid treasury of practices, perspectives and wisdom of the heart.’
Jack Kornfield, author of A PATH WITH HEART

Edition details

• Publisher: Thorsons
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0722539622
• ISBN 13: 9780722539620
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 240