Andrew Harvey

The Teachings of Rumi

A collection of Rumi's writings exemplifying the wisdom of this 13th century Islamic mystic. "Physical senses are the ladder of this world. Religious senses are the ladder for heaven, and the work of religion is nothing but astonishment."

Leslie Wines

A biography of the 13th century Sufi mystic. "Rumi's work responds to an increasing need many of us have for an instinctive and mystical response to the ordinary events of life, and for a more joyful daily life."

Edited by Carl W. Ernst

Teachings of Sufism

A compilations of the teachings of Sufism. "The source of understanding is when you listen to God Most High while present in your heart and absent from worldly preoccupations and from your carnal soul. This is done by the power of witnessing, purity of recollection, gathering of concentration, good manners and purity of conscience."

Fazlur Rahman

Islam

A history of Islam and a description of Islamic ideas for both Muslims and non-Muslims. "This was a remarkable lesson taught by a great mystic spirit, one of the most remarkable lessons, we venture to think, in the whole history of mysticism -- that mysticism is not a way of finding extra facts about Reality but it is a meaningful way of looking at it, of looking at it as a unity."

more readings: Books for Children Christianity Dalai Lama Eastern Thought and Spirituality Health I Ching Judaism Native American Religion Science Yoga Zen and Martial Arts