The Sufi Message: In an Eastern Rose Garden (Volume VII)

by Hazrat Inayat Khan

"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 labeled 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 sympathize warmth for our fellowmen. It covers a marvelous 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 rigor. Yet his views tend to strike you for their very simplicity, inspired and inspiring as they are.

About the Author:

Hazrat Inayat Khan was a Sufi teacher from India who started "The Sufi Order in the West" in the early part of the 20th century. Inayat began to seek spiritual guidance at this point. Inayat himself showed exceptional musical talent. He had a beautiful voice and was noted for his exquisite vina playing. Inayat was soon in demand from many of the royal courts in India. However Inayat was not satisfied with a successful worldly life. He became intensely absorbed in spirituality and read sacred books with the greatest devotion.

During his spiritual searchings Inayat was drawn to the shrine of Khwaja Moineddin Chishti. Here despite the throng of devotees, Inayat felt great peace and calm.  Inayat took this as a sign to travel the Sufi path and therefore he started to look hard for a teacher to guide him. Eventually in Hyderabad, he met Mohammed Abu Hashim Madani, a great Sufi murshid. Madani recognized Inayat to be a seeker of the highest order so initiated him into the Christi path of Sufism.