Threshold Society Theme for July 1997 We who aspire to Sufism, who have chosen to travel on the Way of Love, need each other to make the journey. We are connected beyond space and time by invisible bonds. It is our responsibility to be responsible at the highest levels of our souls, to cultivate good-will, [...]
Threshold Society Theme for June 1997 Sufism is, more than anything else, the education and purification of the heart. The heart is that which truly knows. The heart is not some vague metaphor, but an objective faculty of the soul, the center of the psyche, the threshold between the ego and spirit, the site of [...]
Threshold Society Theme for April 1997 The real and essential needs of the human being have not changed very much over the centuries. Who would disagree, for instance, with Al-Ghazzali's assessment eight centuries ago that: Human perfection resides in this, that the love of God should conquer a person's heart and possess it wholly, and [...]
Make an intention that between the hours of 11 AM and 1 PM you will breathe in conscious awareness of the All-Compassionate (Ar-Rahman) Presence which unifies all of life. As we move from 11 to 1, we move from the world of multiplicity to the world of unity. 11 is Hu. 1 is Alif, Al-Ahad (the One), Allah. The Breath of Compassion is within us. We are being breathed. As we chose consciously to be in remembrance of this, we are better able to be reflectors of the Divine Qualities of our Source. How will this manifest in our work and relationships? How will this affect our Salah, our worship?
Hu means the intimate connection with the Divine Presence that can be found within every human being. The practice of Sufism is meant to lead us to this intimate connection, to knowing the immanent, abiding support of Allah. The very first step in making this connection is relaxation. In some Sufi schools the student is led through a precise, detailed visiting of different parts of the body in order to deepen relaxation. But this is only the beginning. Eventually we must relax from the emotional and mental tensions we carry. We must consciously relax by releasing any resentment, anxiety, or fear. We must even look at the unnecessary burden of guilt or shame we are carrying. If we need to be forgiven for something, if we need help in overcoming a weakness or a sin, we ask for forgiveness and strength, and then we relax into trusting Allah. Relaxation, of course, does not imply passivity or self-satisfaction. Relaxation, ultimately can bring more energy, hope, and remembrance as we come to know that we are connected to an infinite and abundant Source. Relax into the Remembrance of Hu.
Ours is a religion of love. If we accept this simple premise, then we can accept that we are to become an expression of the Divine Love. This love is not preferential; it does not withold itself from people who may be veiled from love. The preferential ego may find this difficult to accept and put into practice. How will the world become a place where love is lived, if we do not express the Divine love to all beings? If we become love, the beloved is everywhere.
Shams says, "All your problems come from reading your own letter all the time, and not listening to the melody of the darling." When muttering "I" or "me" at the door of the beloved, we only remain outside.
Every time we wash ourselves, let us also reflect on the inner cleansing, which is to wash the heart of petty desires. Gaibi, a Melami poet, says: May I neither be proud of my worship, nor pleased with my wisdom. May I be freed of all my petty desires. Let no heart be hurt because of me.
interconnectedness of life casey kotas Threshold Society Theme for November 1996 In the name of God, the Infinitely Compassionate and Merciful O you who have attained to faith, when you go forth in God's cause, use your discernment, and do not -- out of a desire for the fleeting gains of this worldly life [...]
God offers a parable: A person who belongs to many partners who are at variance with each other and a person loyal to one master are these two equal? Alhamdulillah! But most of them have no knowledge. Qur'an, Az-Zumar, 39:29