By Kabir Helminski One of the earliest teachings on Sufism that I received more than thirty years ago was about "polishing the mirrror of the heart." The understanding of this idea continues to unfold with new and deeper implications. We continually polish the mirror of the heart in order that the heart might reflect the [...]
A Talk given at the UNESCO International Rumi Symposium, Istanbul O you who study the world, you’re just a hired worker. And you who desire paradise, you’re far from the Truth. And you who are satisfied with the two world, but unaware Because you have not tasted the happiness of His sorrow, You’re simply excused [...]
Offered by Camille Adams Helminski For the UNESCO International Rumi Symposium, Istanbul, May 2007 Bismillah arRahman arRahim Truly we are in the midst of challenging times. Mevlana also lived in the midst of very challenging times, yet what a possibility opened with the example of being that he unveiled. Continually he was “witnessing the garden,” seeing [...]
January: In these days the breathings of God prevail. Turn your ear and mind toward these breathings. ~Muhammad (a.s.) February: There are some true servants of God of whom the body is here but of whom the heart is above, under the Throne of God. ~Muhammad (a.s.) March: The most intelligent of people are those [...]
We lament the violent and disrespectful actions of a tiny minority of Muslims toward Christians in various parts of the world as a result of the Pope's recent remarks. Such actions only advertise the ignorance of those engaged in them and, as these images are aired by the media worldwide, contribute to the misconceptions of non-Muslims. These reactive outbursts are, for some reason, more likely to be picked up by television producers than examples of humility, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Acts of rage make for dramatic viewing; patience, forbearance, and similar virtues attract far less attention. But inflammatory remarks by world leaders and the rage and reaction they provoke are part of an especially counter-productive cycle of irrationality and do not lead to the mutual understanding and respect that we must attain in the circumstances of today's interconnected humanity.
There have always been schools of transformation operating behind the scenes of conventional life. These schools existed to free human beings from inner slavery and to awaken them to the responsibilities and joys of being fully human. Their teaching was based not on beliefs, but on principles that could be tested in everyday life. These teachings shed light on the unconscious assumptions that motivate most human behavior.
Most people who come to Sufism have preconceptions as well as questions about what Sufism is. What does the practice consist of and how will I learn and develop? Is there a detailed curriculum? Or hidden knowledge? What should I expect of my shaikh and what kind of relationship is possible? Some people might imagine [...]
A discussion of the possibilities for dialog between Islam and the West.
About the importance of understanding the relationship to the teacher, group, and tradition.
Selections from the Holy Qur'an O mankind, truly We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. Truly the most noble of you, in the sight of God, is the most God-conscious. 49: 13 For every community (of faith) We have appointed ways of [...]