Description
Music and ecstasy. Mystical listening in the Sufi tradition
Book Summary
This work explores the practice of samâ, the spiritual listening that in the Sufi tradition connects music with mystical ecstasy. Jean During, a renowned specialist, traces the history and evolution of this discipline, from its origins to its contemporary projections. The reader will find a rigorous analysis of how sound and listening become vehicles for divine experience, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of art, spirituality, and Islamic philosophy.
What is it about?
The book addresses samâ as a central practice of Sufism, where music is not mere entertainment but a path toward union with the sacred. Jean During breaks down its historical development, examining how different schools and masters have interpreted and regulated this mystical listening. It analyzes the theological debates regarding its legitimacy, the techniques of listening, and the states of trance it can induce. Furthermore, the projections of samâ in Islamic musical culture and its relevance in the contemporary world are explored, offering a comprehensive view of this living tradition.
Main Topics
- Samâ as a spiritual practice and auditory meditation technique.
- History and evolution of mystical listening in Sufism.
- Relationship between music, ecstasy, and the experience of the divine.
- Theological and philosophical debates on the legitimacy of samâ.
- Projections of samâ in Islamic culture and its current influence.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is intended for scholars of Sufism and Islamic mysticism, musicologists interested in the spiritual dimensions of sound, and readers curious about meditation and ecstasy practices in religious contexts. It will also be valuable for practitioners of comparative spirituality and artists seeking to understand the transcendent function of music.
What this book contributes
- A deep and documented analysis of a spiritual practice little known in the West.
- Keys to understanding how music can be a vehicle for mystical experience.
- Historical and theological context that clears up common misunderstandings about Sufism.
- An interdisciplinary perspective that connects musicology, philosophy, and religious studies.
Technical Details
- Author: During, Jean
- Publisher: MANDALA EDICIONES
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: MUSIC, SUFISM AND ISLAMIC MYSTICISM
- Collection: SUFISM
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: January 2024
- Number of pages: 284
- Weight: 445 g
Editorial Review
This is a specialized work that combines academic rigor with accessibility, ideal for anyone wishing to delve into the sonic dimension of Islamic spirituality. Jean During's authority on the subject guarantees a serious and nuanced treatment of samâ, far removed from simplifications. For the reader interested in the intersection of music and mysticism, this book offers a fundamental and updated guide.