Sufism
Sufism, which means wisdom, is neither a new religion nor a cult, neither a doctrine nor a secret institution. Perhaps one could say that Sufism is the same religion of the heart that has always been, ever since wisdom was wisdom. Therefore, the term ‘Sufi’ does not only refer to various ancient schools, which blossomed through the ages and subsequently materialized within various Orders; the term Sufism also indicates the ideal of spiritual liberty, as experienced in the purification of the mind from illogical thinking, especially related to abstract concepts.
For the wise, the diversity of names and forms that cause religious distinctions are like veils covering the phenomenon of the Spirit of Guidance indirectly manifesting at all stages of evolution. This explains why one of the great ideals of the wise is a broader outlook, reaching far beyond faith and belief, with a compassionate attitude when facing the tragic misunderstandings which confuse the earnest followers of so many religious and philosophical traditions.
The light of the glowing sun cannot be limited to just one ray; it shines in an infinite number of rays. In the same way, the light of inner consciousness is not only available for those known as being spiritual; it also shines in the hearts of all, at different grades of intensity, related to the transparency of the ego.
Sufism is a universal confraternity of brothers and sisters, who are well aware that before even venturing to tread that path, one is challenged, as far as one’s own conception of right and wrong. On the path of wisdom, the Sufi is well aware of the fact that to be victorious does not mean having victory over others, which is in fact an inner defeat, and to be defeated is not necessarily a defeat; it might be an inner victory, the victory over the ego.
Every effort made towards the fulfillment of one’s life’s purpose, whether a material or a spiritual one, brings one step by step onwards. This process could be seen as a humble contribution to the fulfillment of the Divine Goal, since the entire creation is in a constant state of renewal according to a central theme. In a similar way, the widening of one’s conscience is like the ripening of the seed, which finds the fulfillment of its purpose when rising as a plant and spreading out in full bloom in the rays of the sun.
Hidayat Inayat-Khan
