Living Presence: A Sufi Way to Mindfulness & the Essential Self

by Kabir Helminski

Book Overview

"This is an excellent book that explains spiritual principles and how to carry them into everyday life . . . Highly recommended."--Library Journal

Sufism is a centuries-old spiritual psychology leading to presence in life. Presence is our capacity to be whole in the moment, in alignment with our deepest wisdom. With unusual clarity, this book describes how presence is different from ordinary habits of mind, and how it can be developed...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0874776996
• ISBN13: 9780874776997
• Release Date: June 1992
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

The Best Psychospiritual Treatise I have found

Helminski presents the Sufi path in a clear concise and most helpful way. I am a contemplative Christian and found this book to be consistent with all the teachings of Christ, and of the Apostles. Christianity has been westernized--and this book reminds me that indeed it was and is a belief system with definite Middle Eastern roots. Helminski is a devout follower of Rumi and the joy, focus and essential teachings of Mohamed, and of Jesus Christ are given respect and credit. Sufism is transcendent and encompasses so many other paths. This book is awakening and enlightment. Read it, re-read it and read it again.

Sufism for Today

All traditional teachings have their own peculiarities that derive from the times they were born; this often makes the reading of original texts a difficult task, sometimes boring. Helminski writes in the language of our time; his book is a masterpiece of 'seeing Sufism in perspective' and being able to express it in written form. Living Presence gives a wide and realistic view of spirituality. Gurdjieff influence is strong: those familiar with him will find the book a good summary of his teaching; there is no better one written with the eyes of Sufism. When we approch Unity the differences disappear and the Ways look very similar!

a thriller for those seeking deep understanding of life

the book leads the reader from the apparent ,which we all call and understand as real to that understanding which is indeed real and the very essence of life on this earth. a must for any one seeking a true understanding of LIFE

One of the best books you will ever read.

There are different things you can do with your time and different things you can read that would help you in some way. After reading a few chapters of this book you would become closer to reality and start to understand true worth and meaning of ... everything INVOLUNTARILY.

Just the Ticket.

This is an excellent book for someone seeking information about Sufism, about spiritual practice, or simply about how to live as a fully present spiritual being in our world. The chapters are short, digestible chunks in clearly written language, and include excerpts from Jelalludin Rumi's extradordinary poetry, as well as Helminski's wisdom garnered from more than two decades of Sufi study, practice, and leadership. This book balances the practical and the beautiful, and shows the sacredness inherent in human life. Someone who is remembering his or her connection to God, or wants to know how to remember that remembrance, will find "Living Presence" both useful and a joy to read. I highly recommend this book for anyone, both absolute beginners and those further along the path. A definite thumbs up!