The Hundred Tales of Wisdom
Encyclopedia
The Hundred Tales of Wisdom is a translation from the Persian by Idries Shah
of the Life, Teachings and Miracles of Jalaludin Rumi from Aflaki’s Munaqib, together with certain important stories from Rumi’s own works, traditionally known by that title. It was published by Octagon Press
in 1978.
wrote in Books and Bookmen, “The Hundred Tales is traditional hagiography, a classic studied for seven hundred years by students of the Sufi Way as part of the ‘curriculum’ – and that means Christians and Jews
as well as Muslims. It concerns Rumi, the saint whose funeral was attended by members of these and other faiths, all saying he was their teacher. What has been needed is a simple and clear version ... and here it is.”
Idries Shah
Idries Shah , also known as Idris Shah, né Sayed Idries el-Hashimi , was an author and teacher in the Sufi tradition who wrote over three dozen critically acclaimed books on topics ranging from psychology and spirituality to travelogues and culture studies.Born in India, the descendant of a...
of the Life, Teachings and Miracles of Jalaludin Rumi from Aflaki’s Munaqib, together with certain important stories from Rumi’s own works, traditionally known by that title. It was published by Octagon Press
Octagon Press
Octagon Press is a cross-cultural publishing house based in London, UK. It was founded in 1960 by Sufi teacher, Idries Shah to establish the historical and cultural context for his ideas.-Description:Octagon Press published many of Shah's later works...
in 1978.
Summary
The tales, anecdotes and narratives in this collection are used in Sufi schools for the development of insights beyond ordinary perceptions. Although the number 100 is used in the title, in Idries Shah’s presentation there are 159 tales beginning with a brief description of Rumi’s childhood and youth.Reception
The author Doris LessingDoris Lessing
Doris May Lessing CH is a British writer. Her novels include The Grass is Singing, The Golden Notebook, and five novels collectively known as Canopus in Argos....
wrote in Books and Bookmen, “The Hundred Tales is traditional hagiography, a classic studied for seven hundred years by students of the Sufi Way as part of the ‘curriculum’ – and that means Christians and Jews
Jews
The Jews , also known as the Jewish people, are a nation and ethnoreligious group originating in the Israelites or Hebrews of the Ancient Near East. The Jewish ethnicity, nationality, and religion are strongly interrelated, as Judaism is the traditional faith of the Jewish nation...
as well as Muslims. It concerns Rumi, the saint whose funeral was attended by members of these and other faiths, all saying he was their teacher. What has been needed is a simple and clear version ... and here it is.”