Practical Sufism: A Guide to the Spiritual Path Based on the Teachings of Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan - Softcover

Phillip Gowins

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0835608816 ISBN 13: 9780835608817

Publisher: Quest Books,U.S., 2010

Synopsis

This wise, funny, and compassionate book follows Gowins apprenticeship with Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, spiritual leader of the Sufi Order International. Until now, Pir Vilayat's order has not had a strong, accessible introduction. This book not only provides that service but is more down-to-earth than most books on Sufism. It also has the advantage of being universalistic. "The Sufi Way is not a religion or a component of a religion but the heart of all religions and spiritualities," Gowins says. Because it is non-dogmatic and offers no catechisms or creeds, its teachers are essential. Gowins emerges as a superb teacher, offering a user-friendly guide to the Sufi Way that is at once valuable to any seeker entering any spiritual path. Gowins is quick to emphasize that Sufism is not the only path or even the right path for everyone. His approach is full of engaging stories and specific practices that could be helpful in many circumstances. Readers will benefit from his gentle Sufi teachings of love, tolerance, unity, and consciousness, no matter what their chosen path.

About this title

About the Author

Phillip Gowins was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1945. He has been a cabinet maker since 1980. In 1979, he met Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan and shortly thereafter was inducted into the Sufi Order International. A teacher in that Order, he runs a Sufi Center at his home in Yonkers, New York, with his wife, Majida, who is also a teacher. Her daughter, and their grandchildren, live with them.

Edition details

• Publisher: Quest Books,U.S.
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0835608816
• ISBN 13: 9780835608817
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 210