This is a truly marvelous book which originated in Pir Vilayet's guidance and explanations for retreat. For a novice in spiriual/meditative seeking, this book will likely be a mind-blower. Pir Vilayet is extremely articulate and very experienced with the different levels of unfolding meditation, and he gives a guided tour of the higher planes of consciousness.
The book is truly chock full of clues and guidelines and practices, but the overall effect of reading it is one of greatly increased faith and optimism about the meaningfulness of existence, and the privelege and potential of being human.

Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan is a realized spiritual master whose writing is not only very informative and enlightening on every aspect of Sufi spiritality, but also awakens inwardly a transformation of conciousness. Sri Chinmoy is another realized master (and his books "Meditation" and "Beyond Within" are also required reading).

I've read this book twice...underlined and highlighted all that struck me as important to know. As a consequence, the entire book is marked up. Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan describes spiritual truths in understandable, easy to grasp and conversational terms...good for Western minds trying to incorporate different ways of thinking.

This book is charged-- a direct transmission of heart and soul, light and life from Pir Vilayat Khan. Pir Vilayat is the son of the great Sufi Master Hazrat Inayat Khan and pioneer of liberated spirituality within the US and Europe since the 1960's offers his magnum opus. The work, beautifully illustrated with inspired drawings by Mary Inayat Khan along many sacred paintings and images of the East, is a vibrant dialogue among ancient and modern Sufi masters, inquirers and students. It filled my being and will fill yours with the antidote to the delusion of our modern existence and of conventionally defined models of Reality.

Truly fabulous spiritual guide. Beautifully produced, text integrated with graphics in a beautiful way (no color though). Authentic Sufi practices and teachings with a very eclectic approach, acknowledging the true teachings behind all religions. Early editions had a poster insert--"My Heart has become an ocean, my beloved, since thou hast poured thy love into it." An extraordinary prose poem, the essence of the Way of Love.

When one explores the world of mysticism, one must take into account cultural biases. This book transcends those biases by accurately portraying the real life experiences of the practioners of Sufism. In great detail the authors articulate the dervishes which play such a vital role to Sufis. As one who has visited the Old City in Jerusalem, I must confess that Sufism can be manipulated by those who are seeking profit. By contrast, the authors of this text are genuinly concerned about accurately portraying Sufism. I recommend this book for any individual who seeks to learn about spirtuality in the Middle East.

Based on my own experience, I can't say enough to encourage others to seek out retreat experiences. But for those who cannot carve out the time, this fine book comes as near to the real thing as I've seen. Pythia Peay's transcription and editing of retreat sessions by Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan allows the reader to participate in the "process of inner unveiling" (ix) and awakening at the heart of this very readable and ecumenical book. With a gentle insistence on the development of conscience ("awakening in life") as a result of "awakening beyond life", Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan provides an antidote to mystified notions of spirituality and the disengagement often associated with conventional religious enthusiasm. Here are some of Pir Vilayat's own words from a book filled with authentic wisdom: "Though the mystical encounter goes deeper than words can convey, tangible traces of it can be seen in the actions we take, the values we uphold, and the ideals we strive for. In effect, what I am trying to say is that the illumination of consciousness leads inevitably to the awakening of conscience. This enables us to fulfill the purpose of our lives and actualize the unfurling of the potentialities of our beings.... there is no limit to the responsibility we bear toward others. (page 196)