Practical Sufism
Sufism is not only the sublime poetry of a Rumi; it is also how we relate to others, how we receive a guest. The work of Sufism is not primarily acquiring information; it is more about clearing the mirror of consciousness. As rich as the treasure of Sufi knowledge is (an immense intellectual heritage), most of us would not have been drawn to this path if we had not encountered its love embodied in human relationships.
A Living Tradition Needs Support
We come to you with gratitude for all whose generous support has allowed the work of Threshold Society to continue. For those who have been able to give, we thank you and ask that you continue your support. For those who have not yet made this commitment, we ask you to consider donating to Threshold Society if its work is meaningful to you. We need your support so that, God willing, the work may continue and grow.
A Collection on Writings on Fasting
The elect of the elect fast by examining their thoughts and preventing their innermost consciousness from paying attention to anything other than God. These are the people of poverty, and their capital and provisions for wayfaring on the path to God are nothingness. . . .
Excerpts from RUMI & HIS FRIENDS Stories of the Lovers of God
My father [Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi] said, “O Bahauddin, when the seed of my teaching has taken root in your heart, you will understand—reflect deeply on my teaching and really try to absorb it and if you do, felicity will be yours. Know that the body of the prophets, the saints, and their friends will never perish. A seed thrown into the earth may appear to die and disappear, however, at the end of a few days it comes to life and grows into a flourishing tree. In a similar way the body of the prophets and the saints will also come to life again.”
Rumi beyond Culture
From the very beginning of my own training I was led to ask the question: If Mevlana were alive today, would he teach in the same way that he taught in Konya in the 13th century? So many aspects of his teaching and thought seem strikingly contemporary and this is not merely the result of translations that try to make him appear contemporary. His transcendence of his immediate culture is intrinsic to his message.
Conversation with Mawlana Asad Ali (Damascus)
The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to His servants. And I see no better benefit for His servants in our times than the goodly word that reminds the human being of his humanness and reminds everyone of their brotherhood in the abode of Adam. This is the message from the East, from the summertime in the winter of Damascus, so what do you have for us?
Kabir on Being Human
Kabir has been invited to write for Speaking Tree, The Times of India (over 4 million downloads/month). What is it to be truly human? Just to hold this question is the beginning of transformation. When I first began to ask this question, I assembled a list of attributes that seemed essential: a certain capacity for [...]