Sufi Talks: Teachings of an American Sufi Sheihk

Robert Frager is an authentic spiritual teacher, apparently with a grounding in various disciplines, including a Harvard degree. He learned Aikido from its founder in Japan, is the author of a textbook on counseling psychology, and is an expert in somatic psychology. His insights are valuable not only for people interested in learning more about Sufism, but for those of us interested in a practical, multi-disciplined overview integrating psychology and spirituality. It is a shame that so many Americans equate Islam with something other than what it is - at its core a beautiful religion, worshipping the same "God" as the Judeo Christian God. However, just as the Baptist Church in America seems to be increasingly taken over by the fundamentalists, so is the mystical branch of Islam slowly ebbing in the face of the more fundamentalist factions of Islam. This is particularly true in India, the country with the second largest Muslim population in the world. Bob Frager formerly edited "Essential Sufism", a must read for those wanting to learn about Sufism. Sufi teachings offer a spiritual path with compassion and a religion that addresses concerns of the heart, emotions, creativity, and humanity. Robert Frager is one of the country's top Sheiks, and well worth reading.

Never heard of Robert Frager before , my son and I were discussing Saeed Malik's book '......Perspective on signs of Al-Quran .......' (Highly recommended ) and Dawood mentioned RF. Almost instinctively I Amazoned and searched RF and was guided to the American Sheik's book. This is a handbook at least for me for inner searches of one's being. Also RF's mentor being Sheikh Muzafer Ozak and Tosun Bayrak whom I was blessed to meet in 1978 in MO bookstore in Istanbul. I just had to Kindle this book and rekindle my soul. I never thought an American could be so deep in spiritual matters so yes Sheikh Robert Frager may the All Mighty Allah give you long life to spread the message of 'soul discoveries'Brother Rashidf

For a spiritual beginner, I suppose this book would be fine. It addresses the baics in simple and esy to undertand language, but its very sopmomoric in its depth.. If you want to learn about Sufism, and you have done any spiritual work at all, there are better books.

I love this book! Great guidance and inspiration!

This book is written by a Suffi sheikh (a teacher) and comes from his talks. It gives a voice to the mystical heart of Islam. As someone who is not Muslim but wants to learn more of the deeper teaching that is in each of the world's religions, this is a great book.

Well done Robert Frager. Gives an understanding of this fine spiritual path and debunks the watered down sufi version many Americans take to be the real thing. A must read for the serious seeker.

A beautiful, insightful, informative, inspiring book on Sufi philosophy and practice.

Sheikh Roger Frager's latest book Sufi Talks: Teaching of an American Sufi Sheikh is a beautifully woven tapestry that illustrates how the threads of both the spiritual aspects of life and the practical reality of our day-to-day struggles can intricately come together in a living spiritual tradition.This book is a collection of formal talks given to Sheikh Frager's dervishes. Each of the diverse topics broached in Frager's book offers a glimpse into the relationship between sheikh and dervish central to Sufism. As a result, the language used in the book is always clear and accessible. There is a definite order prevalent in the book which I wasn't able to appreciate on my first read-through. The book can be divided into three main parts. The first part (chapters 1 -7) focuses on the problems and obstacles to those who aspire to tread the spiritual path to seek God. The second part (chapters 8-14) focuses on the the basic practices of the Sufi path. The last part (chapters 14 - 21) expands upon Part 2 in that we see the application of the afore-mentioned Sufi practices in everyday settings.Frager's style is as rich as his topics. He draws from the entirety of his experience as a human being. In a single chapter, one can encounter: a traditional Sufi teaching story, a quote from the Quran, a hadith of the Prophet, an endearing memory of Muzaffer Ozak, and an anecdote from Frager's private practice as a psychotherapist.It was the combination of the overall structure of the book, Sheikh Frager's stylistic approach, and his accessible language that together illustrated that spiritual practice can indeed unify all the departments of our lives within the ambiance of seeking. Sheikh Frager defines a sheikh as someone who can maintain a "charge" strong enough to recharge others, and this is this book's greatest strength. Regardless of what spiritual path one follows, there are real gems of wisdom in this book, that can offer us all new insight on how to deal with the challenges we are facing both our personal lives and in our communities. It is with great pleasure that I highly recommend this book to all who seek to better integrate all parts of their living with their spiritual seeking. I would also recommend this book to those who are interested in Sufism as it offers really poignant insight into modern day Sufi practice and ideology.

Very down to earth account of the Sufi path focussing on teachings that are practical and relevant. Warmly recommended !

Words from an experienced seeker ,that helps to access the broad Islamic principles and Love to reflect them in day to day simple things in life.