Psychology of early Sufi samāʻ

By Kenneth S. Avery

Book Description

This scholarly exploration delves into the profound psychological dimensions of early Sufi spiritual practices, focusing specifically on the transformative power of sacred listening. Kenneth S. Avery examines how ritual recitation, music, and other auditory experiences served as gateways to extraordinary states of consciousness among Islamic mystics from the tenth through twelfth centuries.

Drawing from historical texts and the writings of five influential Sufi authors, this work illuminates how these contemplative practitioners used sound as a vehicle for spiritual transcendence. The book reveals how listening practices, known as sama, could induce remarkable psychological states and behaviors that were integral to the mystical path.

What makes this study particularly valuable is its dual approach. Avery bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding by interpreting these historical accounts through the lens of modern Western psychology. This synthesis offers readers fresh perspectives on how altered states of consciousness functioned within the broader context of Islamic culture and spiritual development.

For those interested in the intersection of psychology and spirituality, this work provides unique insights into how sound and listening can facilitate profound inner transformation. The book demonstrates how these early mystics understood and cultivated extraordinary states of awareness, offering timeless wisdom about the relationship between auditory experience and spiritual awakening that remains relevant for contemporary seekers exploring consciousness and transcendent states.