Special Illumination

Book excerpt: These lines by the great teacher and mystic Jalaludin Rumi indicate the many-faceted role of humor in Sufi teaching. Shah writes: "As a shock-applier and tension-releaser and an indicator of false situations, humour, certainly to the Sufi in traditional usage, is one of the most effective instruments and diagnostic aids." Not only are the 60 jokes contained in this volume representative of the type of material used in Sufi development, but their selection, arrangement, and presentation comprise an actual learning experience for the modern reader. Shah weaves contemporary jokes, humorous anecdotes, and stories with skillful commentary. The result is an a entertaining journey which mixes laughter, introspection, and surprise.