In considering how the human being can embody both self and selflessness, let's begin with a metaphysical perspective on the position that human consciousness occupies in cosmic existence. The human consciousness is a presence suspended between the Divine Absolute and a Cosmic-Life-Force that is associated with our intention, thoughts, and feelings. That's a mouthful, I know. It's meaning will become clearer, I hope, through the course of this article.
Reflecting on the themes of "consciousness aware of itself" and the characteristics of the Sufi perspective.
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On a recent trip to Turkey led by Shaikh Kabir and Camille Helminski, our group was lucky enough to be invited to the Sefik Can Foundation, under the direction of Nur Artiran, one of Turkey's most respected spiritual teachers. It gave us a valuable insight into Sufism as practised by modern Mevlevis in Turkey.
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.
The Soul is a work of art. The child of the marriage of self and Spirit. In this new video talk on Threshold Society's YouTube channel, Shaikh Kabir reflects on the development of soul in daily life.
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.
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Fearless Tenderness - Huddersfield Circle, Tue 26th Feb, 2013
Sohbet held in the Huddersfield circle, reading is taken from chapter 26 of Living Presence: A Sufi Way to Mindfulness & the Essential Self.
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The States of the Soul - London Circle, Thu 28th Feb, 2013 See also the follow-up Q&A session
The States of the Soul cont - Q&A, London Circle, Thu 28th Feb, 2013 Follow-up to previous sohbet