See JJL blog index for Joanna Young.

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Product Description

Part meditation book, part oracle, and part collection of Sufi lore, poetry, and stories, The Sufi Book of Life offers a fresh interpretation of the fundamental spiritual practice found in all ancient and modern Sufi schools—the meditations on the 99 Qualities of Unity. Unlike most books on Sufism, which are primarily collections of translated Sufi texts, this accessible guide is a handbook that explains how to apply Sufi principles to modern life. With inspirational commentary that connects each quality with contemporary concerns such as love, work, and success, as well as timeless wisdom from Sufi masters, both ancient and modern, such as Rumi, Hafiz, Shabistari, Rabia, Inayat Khan, Indries Shah, Irina Tweedie, Bawa Muhaiyadden, and more, The Sufi Book of Life is a dervish guide to life and love for the twenty-first century.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #97282 in Books
• Published on: 2005-02-22
• Released on: 2005-02-22
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Douglas-Klotz, scholar and Sufi leader, uses his considerable Semitic language skills to explore the 99 pathways to God, each representing a quality of the One. Douglas-Klotz uses the root and pattern system of Arabic vowels to liberally interpret these qualities as inseparable from many other traditions, notably the Aramaic tradition of Jesus. Additionally, his exegeses draw from the tradition of diversity, inclusion and heterodoxy that has anchored Sufism since the time of Rumi. Although Douglas-Klotz states that his exegeses are meant to be deliberately multivalent and somewhat enigmatic, they may prove opaque for many readers, especially those expecting an accessible how-to handbook for the "modern dervish." Despite Douglas-Klotz's early admonishment "Don't worry about getting the point," a high level of linguistic technicality is typical of at least half the pathways, and readers will have to take him at his word when he draws complex connections. Nonetheless, his intriguing insights, meditation tips and, above all, his inclusive spirit should trump technical details to appeal to readers within many religious traditions. Appendixes offer short biographies of Sufi men and women throughout history; contact information for Sufi organizations, orders and centers; and formal transliterations of the 99 pathways.
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About the Author
Neil Douglas-Klotz, Ph.D., is a world-renowned scholar in religious studies, spirituality, and psychology, a leader in the International Association of Sufism, and the cofounder of the worldwide network of the Dances of Universal Peace. He is director of the Edinburgh Institute for Advanced Learning and cochair of the Mysticism Group of the American Academy of Religion.

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Customer Reviews

Sufi Book of Life
This is an excellent book full of humor and wisdom. I just purchased my second copy as I have used it almost every day for over two years to read and remember a pathway. I even take it with me when I travel and have given several copies to friends and family. The Sufi Book of Life is one of my favorite resources of comfort and inspiration. It is a tool to connect with my inner life. I use it to set the theme for my day and/or read it just before I settle in for the night. I treasure this book.

I'd almost call it magic
This book is very inspiring and comforting. Ever see the movie "MirrorMask"? This is the RL equivilant of "A very useful book" at least as far as spiritual/mystic questors go. But its not a key to bending spoons, or casting curses, or trying to figure out lottery numbers. It's a key to finding peace with yourself and the universe and god, infinitely more powerful and valuble.

Inspiring, accessible, and very usable spiritual information
The information for each pathway is only a few pages long (so you can read a short section with coffee in the morning), but it is packed with wonderful insights, inspiration, and most importantly ways to really use the information. Each pathway has a suggested meditation and ideas for integrating the concept into your life. Wonderful book!