The Sufi Message Volume 7

Book excerpt: "How the words 'love', 'harmony' and 'beauty' delight the heart of everyone who hears them" is the opening sentence of this volume. The author, Hazrat Sufi Inayat Khan, has labelled his message as the Sufi message of Love, Harmony and Beauty, because in the present world these qualities seem to be underrated if not neglected altogether. Moreover, spirituality cannot exist without these. The first prerequisite, however, even to experience the delight he mentions above, is an open heart. This book aims at awakening and developing this heart quality, and preparing the reader to be able to face the world's hardships, yet fostering a sympathizing warmth for our fellowmen. It covers a marvellous variety of subjects which turn out to be strongly interrelated. In a smooth and unassuming manner, the author creates an integrated view of life within and without. He has created a beautiful system of thought and feeling without running into the risks of straightforwardness, simplicity and rigour. Yet his views tend to strike you for their very simplicity, inspired and inspiring as they are.