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Beckon Yourself Back 2007-06-15 21:38:00 SYWBPP:Lottery - my entryOriginally uploaded bymummajinx. 1.Maybe, I am the ForgottenOne,not only by others, but by myself.Life brings its tasks,and we forget to lookdeep into our hearts.We forget to follow the path,distracted by this and thatvery often self-pittingand yelling on God:why had He forgotten us!!But it is us who have forgottenourselves,and Him, as well.2.Beckon yourself backto the center of your being,to the soul,to the mystery ofyour own inner-self.Beckon Yourself
back!- the Secret Gardener, Branka~ And be ye not like those who forgot the Divine; and He made them forget their own souls! Such are the one who go against their true divine nature! - Quran, The Final Testament. 59.19 (translated on the level of inner meaning).~ God says: Man is My secret and I Am his secret. - Saying of Blessed Prophet Muhammad.
Adab of the Sufis | the purifying ones 2007-06-15 01:35:00 ... truly who purifies the inner-self succeeds, and who corrupts it fails! - The QuranI have been sent to perfect good manners ... Righteousness is good character. - Prophet MuhammadAdab is courtesy, respect, appropriateness. Adab is not formality; it helps to create the context in which we develop our humanness. Every situation and relationship has its proper adab: between students on the path, in relation to family members and elders, in relation to one's shaikh. Every level of being also has its adab, including coming into the presence of Truth (Al-Haqq).The model of adab in the Sufi tradition is the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing upon him), who said: "None of you will have authentic faith until your hearts are made right, nor will your hearts be made right until your tongues be made right, nor will your tongues be made right until your actions be made right."Awareness of some simplified aspects of adab:. To be Straightforward with sincerity and truthfulness.. To be aware of
Sufi Story | from the life of Hafiz of Shiraz 2007-06-13 12:12:00 Earlier in his life, Hafiz was a drunkard having little to do with religion. One day, he was staggering across the street, he saw a piece of paper in the gutter among the filth. Curious, he picked it up. The name of God was written on on it."Woe that I should see Your name fallen into such places!" Hafiz cried, brushed it off, and handled the paper with reverence. That night he had a dream.In the dream, a voice told him: "Hafiz, you have raised my name from where it was, and I shall elevate your name among human beings." This is how Hafiz began his career as a sufi (mystic) saint and still today he is one of the greatest poet of all time.- Quoted from the book, The Black Pearl by Henry Bayman.This story touches upon the sufi concept of courtesy or adab. Courtesy contains: harmony/ gentleness (hilm), reverence (burmah), purity (safiyah), tranquility (sukuun), sincerity (ikhlas), modesty (tawazu), solitude (halwat) and spiritual poverty (faqr). Sometime courtesy in the path is also refe Read more:Shiraz
Krishna and Muhammad | brotherhood of humanity 2007-06-13 01:01:00 Osho writes, "Every religion, upto now, has divided life into two parts, and while they accept one part they deny the other. Krishna
alone accepts the whole of life. Krishna alone accepts the body in its totality. And he accepts it not in any selected dimension but in all its dimensions."When one read the life of Prophet Muhammad
, upon him be peace, one can see the same truth. All dimension of life come into full manifestation in the life of Muhammad. What role he didn't had to take up? He didn't depend on others for his life, didn't sit there in a cave, temple or jungle hoping that his companions will feed him. He was a faithful merchant and earning person in his earlier days.He was a complete family man tending to the mundane needs of his family. He would help her wives cook, would mend his own shoe or clothes without asking other to do it. He was unlike any other prophet or spiritual guru who would live out of the troubles of everyday life and talk high things all day. Rather
Drafting an idea | Carnival of Islam in the East 2007-06-12 05:16:00 Inspired by Hakim Abdullah's 'Carnival
of Islam
in the West' yesterday it came to me that there is a necessity also to have a focus and brain-storming about the status of Islam in East. In recent time islam has grown considerably in the west, mostly due to migration of muslims and also from the significant number of reverts or converts to Islam. There are a number of great scholars and experts on Islam who being westerners, are interpreting and researching on a very progressive manner, just as the religion deserved. This is a real positive sign.Now given the intellectual environment, education, progressive western outlook - Islam and Muslims in general are benefitting a lot from west. There is a much greater level of tolerance and a genuine interest in the core teaching of islam. Also the open accomodating nature of western society is becoming instrumental to the harmonization. So in broader sense, there is no extremism coming out from the west. What is lacking is awareness, lack of Read more:Drafting
Vision of the Prophet | Kahlil Gibran 2007-06-11 21:24:00 I love you, my brother,whoever you are.I love you as you pray in mosque,as you practice your devotion in church orworship in your temple.For you and I are the childrenof one single religion: the Spirit.The various pathways of this religionrepresent the different fingersof the single loving handof the Supreme Being.And to guide us towardsthe fulfilment of the soul,this hand stretch outtowards us with ardor.- from Kahlil Gibran's Vision of the Prophet
Carnival of Islam in the West | 10th edition is up 2007-06-11 11:30:00 The 10th edition of Carnival
of Islam
in the West is up from Writeous Sister Speaks Aaminah Hernandez.It brings posts on diverse topic such as: edication & life, marriage & family, news & politics, religion & philosophy, state of the ummah and more.Visit the carnival here.Reference:: Read here about the Carnival theme and scope.:: To learn more about the Carnival of Islam in the West, to read previous editions, and to submit to upcoming editions, go here.
Unity is not uniformity 2007-06-10 11:38:00 Here is a sohbet or spiritual dialogue by Pir Zia Inayat Khan, which focus on the subject of evolution of humanity's understanding of Unity
of God. This is a subject that always fascinates me. I found the way Pir Zia put it together simply beautiful and thoughtful. "There's a saying of Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan, which I feel is very important, particularly at this time. And that is: "Unity is not uniformity."If one studies history, one finds that prior to the great monotheistic religions, There were polytheistic religions. Their Deities were for the most part interchangeable. The various pantheons of Deities represented the different natural forces. If you went from one place to another, the names and images would be different, but they were translatable. So, there was a kind of universality of religion at that time. And there were no religious wars. It was understood that the names and forms were subjective.But there was something lacking at that time. And that was a sense of the t
Meditative Quranic Verses | Lightning Flashes 2007-06-10 00:36:00 Proclaim, O beloved Muhammad, "I am calling everyone to Allah through clear insight and direct experience, and so will those who follow in my spiritual lineage." Quran 12.108Those who harmonize their whole being with the Messenger of Allah, are harmonizing and unifying with Allah. Quran 4.80We divinely raise whomever We please to higher and higher degrees of wisdom. Quran 12.76Pray with your entire being, My beloved, "O Precious Lord, increase and advance me in spiritual states and mystic knowledge." Quran 20.114Those who are always ascending, who are the foremost lovers, abide intimately near to Allah within the blissful Garden of Essence. Quran 56.10-12- Selection of verses, which were translated with deep esoteric understanding by Shaykh Lex Hixon Al Jerrahi. May God sanctify his spiritual rank. Quoted from his book, Atom from the Sun of Knowledge.When i first read the english translations, i was saying, wow! how beautifully the meanings of Quranic verses can be rendered! they are r Read more:Meditative
Audio broadcasts | Ibn Arabi Society podcasts 2007-06-08 23:13:00 Ibn 'Arabi Society
was has made available many beautiful and valuable audio talks in its website. What is very praiseworthy is that such talks which is now FREE for all, would otherwise cost hundreds of dollar just to participate in the conferences or symposiums; let alone the limitation of time and space. Internet technology is truly wonderful!Here are selection of some talks. they have great spiritual wisdom, inspiration and deeper understanding of reality. a great way to appreciate what the richness of islamic philosophy has to offer to the humanity. (click on the links below to download or listen to the mp3 audio):: Jane Clark | "As if you saw Him"; vision and best action (ihsân) in Ibn 'Arabi's thought :: Cecilia Twinch | You Are My Mirror:: Pablo Beneito | Naught but Love:: Peter Coates | By Way of Essential Meaning:: James Morris | "Whoever knows himself..." in the Futuhat:: Stephen Hirtenstein | Spiritual Life, Living Spirit - Ibn 'Arabi's Meeting with Jesus and John:: C Read more:Audio
Secret of the Spiritual Ascension (Miraj) of Prophet 2007-06-08 20:03:00 According to Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi), known as the greatest master (Shaykh al-Akbar) and one of the islamic tradition's most important writers explains:the purpose of spiritual ascension is not to reach God - for He is never apart from us - but simply for Him to show some of His Wonders and Indications.He writes,[God] says, "I only make him (the blessed Master of humanity, the Messeger of God, Muhammad) journey by night in order that he sees the signs, not [to bring him] to Me; because no place can hold Me and the relation of all places to Me is the same. For I am such that [only] 'the heart of My servant, the person of true faith, encompasses Me', so how could he be made to journey to Me while 'I am with him wherever he is'?!"Thus for the saints (enlightened ones), they have spiritual journey in the inter-mediate world during which they directly witness spiritual realities embodied in forms that have become sensible for the imagination; these (sensible images) convey knowledge of Read more:Prophet
, Ascension
What is Real? 2007-06-08 05:28:00 What is Real?I am real (sathyam).You are real.The whole universe is real.Consciousness is imminent in everything.So everything is a manifestation of Brahmam (GOD).To go about describing the world as unreal, illusory and impermanent will amount to a deception, and not proclaiming the truth.- Teachings of Sri Satya Sai Baba:: God created the manifested material creation with the reality (truth), highly exalted be He above what they associate (with Him). (The Quran 16.003):: Quote credit:: Another blog devoted to Shirdi Sai Baba by Alpesh Patel
Sufi Song | Abida Parveen sings Bulleh Shah 2007-06-07 06:08:00 Abida's singing of Sade Vere Aay Kare, adopted from the lyrics of legendary sufi poet Bulleh Shah, is one of my most favorite sufi song.Caution: prepare for an emotional roller-coaster ride o wanderers in the path! >> Watch the song via youtube HERE, which comes with english translation inside the video. grateful to RazaRumi for giving a better version of the song's rendition.~O beloved one:If God were to be found by bathing and washing,then God would be found by fish and frogs.If God were to be found by roaming in jungle,then God would be found by cows and buffaloes.O Mian BullehGod is found by hearts righteous and pure.You have read a thousand booksbut have you read your 'self'?You rush to mosques and templesin indecent haste,have you tried to enter your 'self'?You are enagged inneedless battle with Shaitanhave you ever fought with your 'nafs'?You have reached the skyBut have failed to reachwhat's in your heart!Come to my abode, My friendmorning, noon and night!Destroy the m
Rebbe Nachman | a timeless mystic soul 2007-06-06 22:54:00 One of the great mystic and saint of 19th century was Nachman of Breslov also known as Reb Nachman of Bratslav, Nachman from Uman, or simply as Rebbe
Nachman (April 4, 1772 – October 16, 1810).Rebbe Nachman breathed new life into the Hasidic movement by combining the esoteric secrets of Judaism (the Kabbalah) with in-depth Torah scholarship. He attracted thousands of followers during his lifetime, and after his death, his followers continued to regard him as their Rebbe (teacher) and did not appoint any successor. Rebbe Nachman's teachings continue to attract and inspire spirituals the world over. He was and still is a testimony to the world as a timeless mystic soul's manifestation.Let me share some of his inspiring teachings, wisdom and also some important reference site for this life, works and teachings.Sometimes, when a person gets too caught up in philosophies and sophistication, he needs to purposely free himself of his mind and do things which make him seem silly, to ”Be
Hasidic Sayings and Wisdom 2007-06-06 06:17:00 Everyone must have two pockets, so that he or she can reach into the one or the other, according to need. In the right pocket are to be the words: "For my sake was the world created," and in the left: "I am dust and ashes."Everyone should carefully observe which way his heart draws him. And then choose that way with all his strength.~ Hasidic sayingAbout Hasidic Judaism | Hasidic Judaism (also Chasidic, from the Hebrew: Chassidus, meaning "piety", from the Hebrew root word chesed meaning "lovingkindness") is a Haredi Jewish religious movement. The movement originated in Eastern Europe (what is now Belarus and Ukraine) in the 18th century.What i like from Hasidic fundamental conceptions is the deeper bonding between God and creation and an effort to see the Glorious Face of Beloved all around.The teachings of Hasidism are founded on two theoretical conceptions: (1) religious panentheism, or the omnipresence of God, and (2) the idea of Devekus, communion between God and man. "Man," says Read more:Sayings
, Wisdom
To be an Empty Cup and the Process of Unlearning 2007-06-05 14:03:00 excerpts from Cherag Hamid Touchon's article, published in Heart of the Message - a journal of trans-ethnic spirituality.Unlearning is an important aspect in pursuing excellence on the spiritual path and is a discipline that one must continually apply to one’s life and refine one’s self in.The Cup | The process of unlearning is a common thread that runs through all spiritual traditions world wide and thus constitutes an essential and universal component of the process of spiritual unfoldment. This is the key element in being a disciple or a pupil of any tradition and is often referred to as being empty or, in other words, receptive. As an illustration, there is a story from the Zen tradition; Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen. Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full, and then kept on pouring. The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. “It i Read more:Empty
, Process
separation is preparation 2007-06-05 13:36:00 ....................my beloved asks,'in separation we talk about union.in union what shall we talk about?'..................the answer is easy,'just be in separation;...so that in union,.........you know how..................to appreciate.........................communion.'hear o dervishes,...enjoy what comes!........learn to appreciate.........................be grateful.enjoy even.....this sweetness............of separation.just as you long for union today,........who knows!may be you'll miss...this strange sweetness........in the moments of union!separation is preparation
.(of union)enjoy this preparation,...........and may bliss.....................be your union.(c) MysticSaint / Singapore / May 2007
Integral mysticism in the postmodern world | Integral Spirituality 2007-06-04 05:49:00 "IntegralSpirituality
" as renowned philosopher and theoretical psychologist Ken Wilber puts, "will recognize the universal transcendent core of the world's spiritual traditions while simultaneously embracing the multiplicity of religious practices and beliefs. It will provide an integrating framework, grounded in spiritual experience, which unites the disparate theological systems by representing each as a unique but partial view of the same infinite divine reality.In a dialogue series titled, The Mystic Heart posted by IntegralNaked in youtube, Brother Wayne Teasdale and Ken Wilber discuss the advent of an integral mysticism in the postmodern world. Reflecting on their own spiritual experiences, the relation of science to spirituality, the lives of the great inter-spiritual pioneers, and how youth culture is revitalizing the mystical traditions, Brother Wayne and Ken show how an integral perspective can bring the revelations of mysticism into everyday life.In so doing, we learn to g
Bridging gaps between mystics and orthodox 2007-06-03 05:10:00 The deeper truths about which mystics of all ages talk, are often misunderstood by the general mass. As mystics have a different kind of understanding of reality, they often resort to paradox. Or rather, when they speak about the inner reality, it seems paradoxical to the orthodox mind who can't think 'out of the box'. But if you see closely, you will realize they both are speaking the same.In mystical discourse its a recurring theme that all the enlightened personalities at different ages, sometime called Messengers of God or Prophets are basically the manifestation of the SAME ESSENCE. In that line the mystics will say what is Awakening of Abraham is the same as Christ Consciousness, is the same as Buddha Nature, is the same as Krishna Consciousness, is same as the Light of Muhammad (Nur Muhammad). There is no difference, no distinction in the core. Different time and culture needed different terminology to point the same.Now for an orthodox religious person this can sound very h Read more:Bridging
Language of the Sufis 2007-06-03 00:13:00 Person figures prominently in expressions of mystic understanding of the three main faiths that originate in the Near East. The spare forms of personal pronouns in marked constructions constitute a keying, in Goffman's terms, of mystic discourse, as in the well-known `I-Thou' of Martin Buber, or `I in them and Thou in me' of St. John (17:23).Sufi Islam even contrasts the religious law, the mystic path, and the Truth in such terms:Of the religious law (its truth is):I and Thou; As for the mystic path (its truth is):I am Thou and Thou art I.But the Truth Itself (is):Neither I nor Thou, only He.ash-shari'atu: ana wa anta;at-tariqatu: ana anta wa anta ana;al-haqiqatu: la ana wa la anta, huwa.- Siraj ed-DinThe third person pronominal reference in the last line above, `only He', works to obviate any sense of separation or duality that reference to the first and second person, `the persons of instances of discourse', might imply. In Sufism one strives to move beyond the `I-Thou' polari
Shree Rajneesh Osho | smile and wisdom 2007-06-02 09:09:00 There are only two ways to live your life, only two ways to be. One is the right way, the other the wrong way. The right is to give, to share, to love. The wrong way is to snatch, to exploit, to accumulate.Love and money are the symbols of these two ways.Money is neurosis, love is ecstasy. Love is the right way and money is the wrong way.. Osho .(1931-1990) Read more:Shree
Mandaeands Sabians | Comparative Religion 2007-06-01 16:10:00 "Sabian" is a word derived from the Aramaic-Mandic verb "Saba" which means "baptised" or "dyed", "immersed in water". "Mandaeans" is derived from "menda" which means in the mandiac language "knowledge". Thus, "Mandaean Sabians" means those who are baptised and who know the religion of God.Aspects of the Mandaean Religion
Monotheism, Baptism, Praying, Fasting, Alms-givingBeliefs and prophetsMandaean Sabians believe in God and His Monotheism. God is called in their holy book and other religious sources, The Great Life or The Eternal Life. Also, they believe that Adam (God bless his name) was their first prophet and teacher. Their second prophet was sheet who is named "shetel" in Mandaiac; followed by Sam bin Noah and Yahya bin Zekaria (God bless their names)Location and their number Through historyThe Mandaeans have lived in many regions over a wide geographical setting. Yet, they live mainly in Iraq and Ahwaz (Iran). There are sabian communities in Europe, America, Australia and other co
Love me | Sufi Haqqu 2007-06-01 02:52:00 i wanted to say 'i love You',but instead i choseto say'love me'it's i who is the fakirin need of Your love,while You aloneis the Real Sultan.(c) MysticSaint / May 2007 / SingaporeGraphics Collage: Sadiq M. Alamnote: fakir = poor, mendicant, who possesses nothing.sultan = sovereign, king.
Dalai Lama on Compassion and message of Mahayana Buddhism 2007-05-31 22:23:00 "My message is the practice of compassion, love and kindness. These things are very useful in our daily life, and also for the whole of human society these practices can be very important."Basically, universal responsibility is the feeling for other people's suffering just as we feel our own. It is the realization that even our own enemy is motivated by the quest for happiness. We must recognize that all beings want the same thing we want. This is the way to achieve a true understanding, unfettered by artificial consideration."At the heart of Buddhist philosophy is the notion of compassion for others. It should be noted that the compassion encouraged by Mahayana Buddhism
is not the usual love one has for friends or family. The love being advocated here is the kind one can have even for another who has done one harm. Developing a kind heart does not always involve any of the sentimental religiosity normally associated with it. It is not just for people who believe in religions; it is f Read more:Dalai
, Compassion
Vesak Day | sending Saalam to Buddha 2007-05-31 03:26:00 Buddha
and Vesak Day Namaste Originally uploaded by Mystic Lens. “Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”“Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace.” - BuddhaIn Singapore, today's full moon in lunar calendar is celebrated as Vesak Day.On Vesak Day, Buddhists all over the world commemorate events of significance to Buddhists of all traditions: The birth, enlightenment and the passing away of Gautama Buddha.May Adi-Buddha, the Ultimate Source of Enlightenment and The Light itself, The Real Enlightened One's eternal Bliss and Peace be with Buddha. Saalam, the greeting of peace to his soul.
Prophet Muhammad's Sword 2007-06-19 12:43:00 Forgive him who wrongs you;join him who cuts you off;do good to him who does evil to you;and speak the trutheven if it be against yourself.~ Inscribed on ProphetMuhammad
's sword ~may his illuminated soul be in Eternal Blisstext credit / image creditrelated link: Krishna and Muhammad Read more:Sword
Prayer's answer 2007-06-18 20:13:00 May you fall in love........so deeply........that there is no escape.And after love has writ........its poetry on your human heart........and sung its song in your soul,may it stretch you beyond all belief.With its firebird voicemay it crush every bone of resistanceand drag you through pain and loss............and back again -........'til there is nothing left of you....................but love.- StephaniePublished with kind permission from Gangaji's Website. You can read more poetry here.About | Gangaji, an American born teacher and author, has traveled the globe since 1990, speaking with spiritual seekers from all walks of life. Her message is powerful in its clarity and simplicity: True peace and lasting fulfillment are not only our birthright, they are the essential nature of our being. Gangaji invites you to discover the possibility of living your life in the freedom and joy of simply being. Read her message to you.> Explore more about the spiritual work and truth that Gangaji Read more:Prayer
, answer
"I am both Muslim and Christian" - Rev. Ann Holmes Redding | a beacon of hope in our troubled time 2007-06-18 09:10:00 Selection from The Seattle Times, Article by Janet I. TuShortly after noon on Fridays, the Rev. Ann Holmes
Redding ties on a black headscarf, preparing to pray with her Muslim
group on First Hill. On Sunday mornings, Redding puts on the white collar of an Episcopal priest.She does both, she says, because she's Christian
and Muslim.Redding, who until recently was director of faith formation at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, has been a priest for more than 20 years. Now she's ready to tell people that, for the last 15 months, she's also been a Muslim - drawn to the faith after an introduction to Islamic prayers left her profoundly moved.She says she felt an inexplicable call to become Muslim, and to surrender to God - the meaning of the word "Islam.""It wasn't about intellect," she said. "All I know is the calling of my heart to Islam was very much something about my identity and who I am supposed to be. "I could not not be a Muslim."How it happened | In fall 2005, a local Muslim Read more:troubled
on Spiritual Abuse | a valuable lighthouse for seekers of all traditions 2007-06-17 18:46:00 The Sufi Lighthouse: Illuminating Spiritual Abuse is unique in the history of Sufi literature, a very timely and valuable contribution for seekers
of all traditions
. No religious or mystical tradition is immune from the presence of spiritual abuse, for, wherever there are people who are seeking to become closer to essential truths, purpose, and meaning, there will be individuals seeking to generate counterfeit currency to offer to those who are unaware of, or incautious toward, the dangers which lie in wait along the spiritual path. Spiritual abuse assumes many different forms.Spiritual abuse may occur in neighborhood churches, mosques, temples, centers, and other places of religious/spiritual gathering. This problem also may take place in much more exotic and/or remote settings.Some instances of spiritual abuse may involve gullible individuals who are induced to become committed to a ‘guide’ or teacher who, when examined even superficially in an impartial manner, may exhibit many
Al-Hakîm | The Most Wise | 99 Divinely Sublime Attributes of God 2007-06-17 09:54:00 Al-Hakîm. The Most Knowing. The Perfectly Wise. The Most Judicious. The One who has perfect wisdom. The One whose wisdom turns mankind back from wrongdoing. The One who is qualified to judge the worth of all thingsVerily, thou hast received this Qur'an out of the grace of One who is wise, all-knowing. The Quran 27:6:: Introduction to the post series:: Previous posts on 99 Divinely SublimeAttributes
of God:: On the practice of 99 Beautiful Names of God:: Most Beautiful Names of Allah:: Audio Chants of the 99 Beautiful Names:: image credit
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