The Path Sufi Practices

by Javad Nurbakhsh

The Path is perhaps the most complete and detailed account available of the aim, method, the living practice, of Sufism in the contemporary world. Written by the current master of an authentic Sufi order that has been in continuous existence for over 700 years, the book consists of a series of essays on various aspects of the Sufi path and provides both an overview of the Sufi mystical way and a description of the practices taught by Sufi masters for centuries and followed today in traditional Sufi orders throughout the world.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion

213 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

About the author

Dr. Hazrat Javad Nūrbakhsh was a psychiatrist and Master (pir) of the Nimatullahi Sufi Order from 1953 until his death.

Reviews

[Dina Kaidir · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Dr. Nurbakhsh's own words:
"Sufism is a path for the actualization of divine ethics. It involves an enlightened inner being, not intellectual proof; revelation and witnessing, not logic...Only when the drop becomes one with the Ocean will it see the Ocean with the eye of the Ocean."

Subhana'Llah. We live in an age where the actualization of divine ethics is all the more difficult; modern man places so much importance on scientific discoveries rather than self-discovery. And far from being helpful to serious seekers, new age spirituality seem to offer nothing more than "self-realization kits," a spiritual life that is devoid of the Divine. Absurd.

So, this book comes as a welcomed practical guide to spiritual practices within the context of Islam. I bow in deep respect.

The contents in this book are Dr. Nurbakhsh's lectures and two of his previously published works on Sufism.

[Mark David Vinzens · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If the Whole is likened to the Ocean and one's existence to a drop, the sufi says that witnessing the Ocean with the eye of a drop is impossible. Only when the drop becomes one with the Ocean will it see the Ocean with the eye of the Ocean.”

“The drop cannot see the ocean with the eye of a drop. It must first lose itself in the Ocean of Reality that it may see the Ocean with the eye of the Ocean. The relative cannot comprehend the Absolute. The part must join the Whole if it is to comprehend the Whole with absolute understanding.”

― Javad Nurbakhsh, The Path: Sufi Practices

[Steve Woods · Rating 2 out of 5]

Garbled disjointed and pretty opaque. I have an interest because I could sense that there might be some strong parallels between Sufism, Buddhist practice and Gnostic Christian belief and practice. There are parallels that are worth exploring that are obvious from this treatise but this book is certainly not an easy entrance. It's a real slog and not much reward for the effort.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Path: Sufi Practices was written by the late Javad Nurbakhsh, former Master of the Nimatullahi Order of Sufism. He was a medical doctor, psychiatrist, poet and mystic. The Path is a guide to seekers who have some practical experience with the Nimatullahi Order. I was advised to read it by leaders of the Boston House of Sufism which I recently began attending their services held at nightfall on Thursday and Sunday evenings. At first, I was lost as to the customs and actions of the Sufis. Master Nurbakhsh book explained many basic behaviors from how to sit to dealing with The Master and how the process of oneness with God can replace duality. This book is not about theory's, history nor the mystical experience but rather explains how this one Sufi order goes about their Path. Read Master Nurbakhsh books of poetry for learning about and feeling Love and the mystic way. Read The Path: Sufi Practices to find out about The Way of of the Sufi and how to become one with this Way.