Sufi, Expressions of the Mystic Quest

by Laleh Bakhtiar

Sufism is the inner dimension of Islam, expressing hidden archetypes in concretesymbols. To the Sufi, both the ritual of the worshiper and the work of the craftsman evoke the life that resides in all the preparedness of matter to answer the call of God. Through the Sufi themes of the descending arc of creation, the formation of the human soul, and its return through the ascending arc of the Quest, Laleh Bakhtiar brings to light the spiritual reality that underlies the forms and rhythms of the Islamic tradition.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Islam, Philosophy, Mysticism, Art, Spirituality

Hardcover

First published October 28, 1976

Reviews

[Miglė · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated book is talking about Sufism with an earnest tone (as opposed to detached scientific tone), but still manages to be more or less informative. If you're interested in Islamic art and symbols, this book might provide valuable explanations and material to study it.
I liked the general explanations and the charts about "becoming one" with inwards motion or with the outwards motion. The tone of the book sometimes verges on poetic, which might be an obstacle to understand Sufi theology, if you're not up to the mystic quest yourself.

[Silvio · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOD, I can't even comprehend how fucking beautiful this book is. A total paradigm shift in perception and appreciation of beauty on this world. And also in metaphysics, and it's symbolism through art. Goosebumps all over the place and some tears of appreciation. For me, a must-have in anyone's bookshelf.
Definitely my favorite in the beautiful "Art and Imagination" series.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource on Sufi symbolism and art. Sections on numbers and geometry, architecture and music, and mystical dreams and poetry. Really captures the sense of wonder inherent in the Sufi traditions.

[F. Zahra Hassan · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good resource book

[Farrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the book .I liked the collection of various geometrical patterns and design the way they are discussed in the context of Islamic history and architecture.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

MashAllah, what a beautiful and inspiring book.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good resource book.