Sufi Thought and Action

Previously published only as separate essays, Sufi Thought and Action - assembled and introduced by Idries Shah - covers an extraordinary diversity of Sufi ideas and activities in many countries and cultures.

Included in the volume are papers on Sufi principles and learning methods; ritual, initiation, and secrets in Sufi circles; and key concepts in Sufi understanding.

The volume stands as a clear and simple handbook to many facets of Sufi study and thought. Shah’s introduction begins, "The object of Sufi spiritual teaching can be expressed as: to help to refine the individual’s consciousness so that it may reach the Radiances of Truth, from which one is cut off by ordinary activities of the world."

©1990 ISF Publishing (P)2018 ISF Publishing

Thanks for the thoughts and examples of actions

I appreciated this collection of writings on Sufi thoughts and actions. It gave many insights and examples of what kinds of questions that a person should ask of him/herself, as well as, others before engaging in an activity. The focus on knowing the right time, right environment, and right actions to take made an impression upon me. It is demonstrable in our everyday activities. I wouldn’t want a doctor to give me medication if he couldn’t accurately identify the disease, the medication I needed, the dosage, or when the medication should be taken. I will look forward to relistening to this book for a better absorption of the materials. David Ault did a great job reading this book. His voice kept my attention, his pronunciation clear, and the pacing good.

Incredibly vauge, repetitive, and pedantic

The narration is excellent.
The content is mostly pedantic, repetitive generalized statements about the vauge nature of Sufism. Very little, if any, concrete description of Sufic practice and working structure are covered.