Welcome
Since 1988 Murshid Hidayat Inayat-Khan has been the Pir-o-Murshid and General Representative of the International Sufi Movement. In 2009 the Pir-o-Murshid Council was established and under this new administrative configuration Murshid Hidayat Inayat-Khan and Murshid Karimbakhsh Witteveen function as Co-General Representatives. Murshid Hidayat continues to teach, write, compose symphonic music, and collaborate world wide with prominent conductors and performers. We are honored to offer this ongoing collection of Murshid Hidayat's most recent writings.
Oh Seeker, did you know…
Oh Seeker, did you know…
Responding to the call
for Unity of Religious Ideals
is like sailing
on the great waters of wisdom;
attuned to the Ideals of
Love, Harmony and Beauty;
guided by the compass of the Message in our time,
and driven by the energy of Spiritual Liberty;
while heading onwards
toward the Goal assigned by Destiny
and finally realizing
that the Sailor
is a ray of the all-pervading Divine presence
sailing in the Past, Present and Future,
on the infinite waves
of illusions.
Hidayat Inayat-Khan
Human Rights
Human Rights could be understood as an ongoing process consisting in purifying the mind from the confinement of traditional concepts that do not correspond any more to our time. Truth cannot be confined within descriptive terminology, nor can it be identified as being the property of one single transmission because of its universal nature. When Truth is formulated at the level of individual understanding, it is then diversified in various interpretations, just as pure water poured into colored glasses gives the impression of being shaded to the color of the glasses. Some declare having found Truth in Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, or in many other religious beliefs, known or unknown to the world at large; but when the concept of Truth falls in the hands of those who think that they know, it is then regrettably misunderstood and confined within rigid forms, and clad in ancestral garbs, perpetuating thereby, arbitrary dogmas that are the fundamental cause of most conflicts. The wise refrain from making a display of speculative statements, using preferably the language of the heart when communicating with others, avoiding thereby confusing misunderstandings, which highlight the specter of fanaticism.
Human Rights implies being aware of one's own responsibilities, as well as respecting the Human Rights of others; thereby refraining from imposing one's belief consciously or unconsciously. Psychological qualities are not necessarily descriptive of moral integrity, and false pretense is a confusing example given to those who expect to experience truthfulness. Right or wrong cannot be overlooked, because in all actions, one's conscience reflects like a mirror, a picture of either peacefulness or unease.
We all have an ego, but nevertheless there is also beauty in the heart; and when coordinating these two opposite energies, one is then in harmony with oneself as well as with others, like the rose and the thorn which are both parts of one and the same plant. The rose offers beauty and perfume, whereas the thorn is ugly; yet both are sustained by the same root. The thorn that one is expected to vanquish is one's own ego, which is depressing to one's self, and which pricks deeply into the hearts of others.
The Art of Personality is a process where the ego is kept under control. The power of the ego is then sublimated to a higher level, offering thereby true sympathy and understanding to those who are dependent upon an example. One can be a bringer of happiness when working on one's own shortcomings rather than judging others, and overlooking all that which is disturbing, when others are not in agreement with one's own thinking. This process unfolds, however, along a thorny path, where every step is a reminder of one's responsibilities. Many polish up their manners, but polish is not necessarily beauty, and an overflowing approach is not necessarily sincerity, whereas tact that arises from the feeling heart reflects truthfulness, which is regrettably liable to be misinterpreted as hypocrisy.
As known from fairy tales, there is a magic formula used to turn base metal into gold. This mystical tale symbolizes so clearly and precisely the work done in transforming the grossness of the ego into a humble attitude, where the 'I' consciousness is thereby remodeled at a harmonious level. Modesty is not necessarily weakness; it is a feeling arising from the living heart, which is secretly conscious of its inner beauty, while at the same time veiling itself even from its own sight. This inspiring attitude is characteristic of the wise, who recognize that both impulses, ego and modesty, are just only sparks of the all-pervading indescribable energy constantly manifesting behind all initiatives.
Any role performed in the play of life soon becomes intoxicating, and under that spell, one cherishes the illusions of the game. However, no experience is worthless, and not one moment is really wasted, providing one is wise enough to thoughtfully reconsider the lessons learned from past memories. Even in a fall there is a hidden stepping- stone by which one might rise above one's shortcomings, discovering thereby signs of hidden guidance. Every effort made toward the fulfillment of one's life's purpose, whether material or spiritual, brings one step by step closer to the ultimate goal, and can be seen as a humble contribution to the fulfillment of the divine purpose, which is in a constant state of formation according to a central theme. When rising to the greatest heights, and simultaneously diving into the deepest depths, the false self-consciousness is vanquished, finding itself anew, as a ray of the all-pervading immanence of an indescribable energy constantly manifesting behind all impulses. The seed finds the fulfillment of its purpose, reaching deep into the earth as a root, while simultaneously rising above the surface, as a plant spreading out in full blossom under the rays of the sun.
Hidayat Inayat-Khan
Human Rights implies being aware of one's own responsibilities, as well as respecting the Human Rights of others; thereby refraining from imposing one's belief consciously or unconsciously. Psychological qualities are not necessarily descriptive of moral integrity, and false pretense is a confusing example given to those who expect to experience truthfulness. Right or wrong cannot be overlooked, because in all actions, one's conscience reflects like a mirror, a picture of either peacefulness or unease.
We all have an ego, but nevertheless there is also beauty in the heart; and when coordinating these two opposite energies, one is then in harmony with oneself as well as with others, like the rose and the thorn which are both parts of one and the same plant. The rose offers beauty and perfume, whereas the thorn is ugly; yet both are sustained by the same root. The thorn that one is expected to vanquish is one's own ego, which is depressing to one's self, and which pricks deeply into the hearts of others.
The Art of Personality is a process where the ego is kept under control. The power of the ego is then sublimated to a higher level, offering thereby true sympathy and understanding to those who are dependent upon an example. One can be a bringer of happiness when working on one's own shortcomings rather than judging others, and overlooking all that which is disturbing, when others are not in agreement with one's own thinking. This process unfolds, however, along a thorny path, where every step is a reminder of one's responsibilities. Many polish up their manners, but polish is not necessarily beauty, and an overflowing approach is not necessarily sincerity, whereas tact that arises from the feeling heart reflects truthfulness, which is regrettably liable to be misinterpreted as hypocrisy.
As known from fairy tales, there is a magic formula used to turn base metal into gold. This mystical tale symbolizes so clearly and precisely the work done in transforming the grossness of the ego into a humble attitude, where the 'I' consciousness is thereby remodeled at a harmonious level. Modesty is not necessarily weakness; it is a feeling arising from the living heart, which is secretly conscious of its inner beauty, while at the same time veiling itself even from its own sight. This inspiring attitude is characteristic of the wise, who recognize that both impulses, ego and modesty, are just only sparks of the all-pervading indescribable energy constantly manifesting behind all initiatives.
Any role performed in the play of life soon becomes intoxicating, and under that spell, one cherishes the illusions of the game. However, no experience is worthless, and not one moment is really wasted, providing one is wise enough to thoughtfully reconsider the lessons learned from past memories. Even in a fall there is a hidden stepping- stone by which one might rise above one's shortcomings, discovering thereby signs of hidden guidance. Every effort made toward the fulfillment of one's life's purpose, whether material or spiritual, brings one step by step closer to the ultimate goal, and can be seen as a humble contribution to the fulfillment of the divine purpose, which is in a constant state of formation according to a central theme. When rising to the greatest heights, and simultaneously diving into the deepest depths, the false self-consciousness is vanquished, finding itself anew, as a ray of the all-pervading immanence of an indescribable energy constantly manifesting behind all impulses. The seed finds the fulfillment of its purpose, reaching deep into the earth as a root, while simultaneously rising above the surface, as a plant spreading out in full blossom under the rays of the sun.
Hidayat Inayat-Khan
Miscellaneous Reflections
On the Subjects: Dictatorship, Social and Family Interchanges, Human Rights, Hierarchy, The Art of Personality, Wisdom
An old Hindu proverb says: "Imposing one's will upon others reveals a hidden inferiority complex".
This has certainly been seen over the ages, where Political Dictators ruled cruelly, even over countries that were not always theirs by origin. But obviously, no dominating situation ever lasts forever, and those dreadful memories only survive in history books.
At other levels of exchange, dominating tendencies are found in all types of enterprises, where employees are often submitted to unfair situations; and they are also found in Social activities and in unhappy family relationships, where one of the partners assumes inconsiderately the sole right to word.
On the other hand, the concept known as "Human Rights" implies being aware of one's own responsibilities, besides refraining from imposing one's will upon others unconsciously, and thereby ignoring the possible negative consequences. In fact, all actions are filtered through one's conscience, creating for oneself either happiness or depressing feelings of guilt.
Furthermore, Right and Wrong cannot be overlooked, because the atmosphere of one's personality reflects like a mirror an undeniable picture of peacefulness or unease.
Contrary to the methods of domination, the mutual understanding between Guide and Guided represents a completely different concept of relationship. At this level of interchange "Hierarchy" refers to an example of honesty, void of self-pretense, offered selflessly, rather than the imposition of dogmas, rules and arbitrary advice related to material problems. On the Spiritual path, "The Art of Personality" is a process where the ego is kept under control. The power of the ego is then sublimated to a higher level, offering thereby true sympathy and understanding to those who are dependent upon an example, as well as to those who are seeking spiritual guidance.
Wisdom could be understood as an ongoing process consisting of purifying the mind from the confinement of traditional concepts that do not correspond any more to our time. The wise refrain from making a display of speculative concepts, using preferably the language of the heart when communicating with others, avoiding thereby the perpetuation of confusing misunderstandings, which bring to life the specter of fanaticism.
When the concept of Truth falls in the hands of those who think that they know, it is then regrettably misunderstood and consequently confined within rigid forms, and clad in ancestral garbs, perpetuating arbitrary statements that are the fundamental cause of most conflicts; whereas Spiritual Ideals are destined to offer a helping hand toward the realization of truth, which cannot be the possession of only one chosen orientation.
One can be a bringer of happiness when working on one's own shortcomings rather than judging others, and overlooking all that which is disturbing, when others are not in agreement with one's own thinking. This process unfolds however, along a thorny path, where every step is a reminder of one's responsibilities. Many polish up their manners, but polish is not necessarily beauty, and a psychological approach is not necessarily sincerity, whereas tact that arises from the feeling heart reflects wisdom, which is regrettably liable to be misinterpreted as hypocrisy.
Physical appearance and psychological qualities are also not necessarily descriptive of moral integrity, and false pretense is a confusing example given to those who expect to experience truthfulness. We all have an ego, but nevertheless there is also beauty in the heart; and when coordinating these two opposite energies, one is then in harmony with oneself as well as with others, like the rose and the thorn which are both parts of one and the same plant. The rose offers beauty and perfume, whereas the thorn is ugly; yet both are sustained by the same root. The thorn that one is expected to vanquish is one's own ego, which is depressing to one's self, and which pricks deeply into the hearts of others.
As known from fairytales, there is a magic formula used to turn base metal into gold. This mystical tale symbolizes so clearly and precisely the work done in transforming the grossness of the ego into a humble attitude, where the 'I' consciousness is thereby re-modeled at a harmonious level. Modesty is not necessarily weakness; it is a feeling arising from the living heart, which is secretly conscious of its inner beauty, while at the same time veiling itself even from its own sight. This inspiring attitude is characteristic of the wise, who recognize that both impulses, ego and modesty, are just only sparks of the all-pervading indescribable energy constantly manifesting behind all initiatives.
Any role performed in the play of life soon becomes intoxicating, and under that spell, one cherishes the illusions of the game. However, no experience in life is worthless, and not one moment is really wasted, providing one is wise enough to thoughtfully re-consider the lessons learned from past memories. Even in a fall there is a hidden stepping-stone by which one might rise above one's shortcomings, discovering thereby signs of hidden guidance.
Every effort made toward the fulfillment of one's life's purpose, whether material or spiritual, brings one step by step closer to the ultimate goal, and can be seen as a humble contribution to the fulfillment of the divine purpose, which is in a constant state of formation according to a central theme.
When rising to the greatest heights, and simultaneously diving into the deepest depths, the false self-consciousness is vanquished, finding itself anew, as a ray of the all-pervading immanence of that indescribable energy constantly manifesting behind all impulses. The seed finds the fulfillment of its purpose, reaching deep into the earth as a root, while simultaneously rising above the surface, as a plant spreading out in full blossom under the rays of the sun.
Murshid Hidayat Inayat-Khan
An old Hindu proverb says: "Imposing one's will upon others reveals a hidden inferiority complex".
This has certainly been seen over the ages, where Political Dictators ruled cruelly, even over countries that were not always theirs by origin. But obviously, no dominating situation ever lasts forever, and those dreadful memories only survive in history books.
At other levels of exchange, dominating tendencies are found in all types of enterprises, where employees are often submitted to unfair situations; and they are also found in Social activities and in unhappy family relationships, where one of the partners assumes inconsiderately the sole right to word.
On the other hand, the concept known as "Human Rights" implies being aware of one's own responsibilities, besides refraining from imposing one's will upon others unconsciously, and thereby ignoring the possible negative consequences. In fact, all actions are filtered through one's conscience, creating for oneself either happiness or depressing feelings of guilt.
Furthermore, Right and Wrong cannot be overlooked, because the atmosphere of one's personality reflects like a mirror an undeniable picture of peacefulness or unease.
Contrary to the methods of domination, the mutual understanding between Guide and Guided represents a completely different concept of relationship. At this level of interchange "Hierarchy" refers to an example of honesty, void of self-pretense, offered selflessly, rather than the imposition of dogmas, rules and arbitrary advice related to material problems. On the Spiritual path, "The Art of Personality" is a process where the ego is kept under control. The power of the ego is then sublimated to a higher level, offering thereby true sympathy and understanding to those who are dependent upon an example, as well as to those who are seeking spiritual guidance.
Wisdom could be understood as an ongoing process consisting of purifying the mind from the confinement of traditional concepts that do not correspond any more to our time. The wise refrain from making a display of speculative concepts, using preferably the language of the heart when communicating with others, avoiding thereby the perpetuation of confusing misunderstandings, which bring to life the specter of fanaticism.
When the concept of Truth falls in the hands of those who think that they know, it is then regrettably misunderstood and consequently confined within rigid forms, and clad in ancestral garbs, perpetuating arbitrary statements that are the fundamental cause of most conflicts; whereas Spiritual Ideals are destined to offer a helping hand toward the realization of truth, which cannot be the possession of only one chosen orientation.
One can be a bringer of happiness when working on one's own shortcomings rather than judging others, and overlooking all that which is disturbing, when others are not in agreement with one's own thinking. This process unfolds however, along a thorny path, where every step is a reminder of one's responsibilities. Many polish up their manners, but polish is not necessarily beauty, and a psychological approach is not necessarily sincerity, whereas tact that arises from the feeling heart reflects wisdom, which is regrettably liable to be misinterpreted as hypocrisy.
Physical appearance and psychological qualities are also not necessarily descriptive of moral integrity, and false pretense is a confusing example given to those who expect to experience truthfulness. We all have an ego, but nevertheless there is also beauty in the heart; and when coordinating these two opposite energies, one is then in harmony with oneself as well as with others, like the rose and the thorn which are both parts of one and the same plant. The rose offers beauty and perfume, whereas the thorn is ugly; yet both are sustained by the same root. The thorn that one is expected to vanquish is one's own ego, which is depressing to one's self, and which pricks deeply into the hearts of others.
As known from fairytales, there is a magic formula used to turn base metal into gold. This mystical tale symbolizes so clearly and precisely the work done in transforming the grossness of the ego into a humble attitude, where the 'I' consciousness is thereby re-modeled at a harmonious level. Modesty is not necessarily weakness; it is a feeling arising from the living heart, which is secretly conscious of its inner beauty, while at the same time veiling itself even from its own sight. This inspiring attitude is characteristic of the wise, who recognize that both impulses, ego and modesty, are just only sparks of the all-pervading indescribable energy constantly manifesting behind all initiatives.
Any role performed in the play of life soon becomes intoxicating, and under that spell, one cherishes the illusions of the game. However, no experience in life is worthless, and not one moment is really wasted, providing one is wise enough to thoughtfully re-consider the lessons learned from past memories. Even in a fall there is a hidden stepping-stone by which one might rise above one's shortcomings, discovering thereby signs of hidden guidance.
Every effort made toward the fulfillment of one's life's purpose, whether material or spiritual, brings one step by step closer to the ultimate goal, and can be seen as a humble contribution to the fulfillment of the divine purpose, which is in a constant state of formation according to a central theme.
When rising to the greatest heights, and simultaneously diving into the deepest depths, the false self-consciousness is vanquished, finding itself anew, as a ray of the all-pervading immanence of that indescribable energy constantly manifesting behind all impulses. The seed finds the fulfillment of its purpose, reaching deep into the earth as a root, while simultaneously rising above the surface, as a plant spreading out in full blossom under the rays of the sun.
Murshid Hidayat Inayat-Khan
Various Paths of Realization By Murshid Hidayat
The brightness of a Light - Globe is subject to the transparency of the glass, besides the type of the wiring within the globe, which receives different potentials of volts corresponding to the structure.
In the same way, the brightness of the Light of the God-Ideal shining in all Religions, is subject to the truthfulness of the Leaders and the sincerity of the followers.
This is also experienced in various Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples known and unknown, visited by followers of different Cultures, each with more or less attachment to their own religion. Some feel the need for a moment of inner relaxation, and others feel the need to be relieved from a disturbed conscience; whereas others come with the hope to receive Godly help in difficult situations; and others, are drawn by the longing for inner communication with the unseen Presence, offering prayers of different natures, and calling for Blessings. Obviously, Diamonds, Rubies and numerous precious jewels are found in all Religions.
Truth, which is searched for in all Religions, cannot be limited within secret sects, where speculative interpretations are made available to the believers. Truth cannot be confined by descriptive terminology, nor can it be identified as being the property of one single transmission because of its universal nature. Some declare having found Truth in either Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as in many other religious beliefs, known or unknown to the world at large; but when Truth is formulated at the level of individual understanding, it is then diversified in various interpretations, just as pure water poured into colored glasses gives the impression of being shaded to the color of the glasses.
Wisdom is an ongoing process consisting in purifying the mind from the confinement of traditional concepts, besides working on one's own pre-conceived ideas, avoiding thereby the perpetuation of confusing misunderstandings, which emphasize the specter of fanaticism.
Wisdom unfolds age after age through the inspiration of the bringers of the World Messages, which the followers regrettably re-model within dogmatic theories, whereas the original Ideals were destined to offer a helping hand toward the realization of Truth; but when Truth falls in the hands of those who think that they know, it is then confined within rigid forms, and clad in ancestral garbs, perpetuating false illusions that are the fundamental cause of most conflicts between the various beliefs.
We all have an ego, nevertheless, there is also beauty in the heart; and when coordinating these two opposite energies, one is then in harmony with oneself as well as with others, alike the rose and the thorn, which are both parts of one and the same plant. The rose offers beauty and perfume, whereas the thorns are ugly; yet both are sustained by the same root. The thorns, which one is expected to vanquish are those of one's own ego, which is depressing to one's self, just as the thorns of the ego of others prick deeply into one's own heart.
The process called 'The Art of Personality' unfolds along a thorny path, where every step is a reminder of one's responsibilities toward those who depend upon an example to follow. Many polish up their manners, but polish is not necessarily beauty, and a polite approach is not necessarily sincere; whereas tact, which arises from the feeling heart, reflects wisdom and intelligence, which is however, liable to be misinterpreted as being hypocrisy. Further more, physical make-ups are not necessarily descriptive of moral integrity, and false pretense is a dishonest and confusing example given to those who expect experiencing truthfulness.
As known from fairytales, there is a magic formula, used in turning base metal into gold. This mystical tale symbolizes so specifically the work done in transforming the grossness of the ego into a humble attitude, where the 'I' consciousness is re-modeled as graciousness and modesty, which is not necessarily weakness; it is a feeling arising from the living heart, which is secretly conscious of its inner beauty, while at the same time veiling itself even from its own sight.
This wise recognize that both impulses ego and modesty are just only sparks of the all-pervading indescribable energy constantly manifesting behind all initiatives. The conscience is the true spectator of all events reflected as images upon a mirror without causing any permanent alteration to the picture on the inner screen. Any role performed in the play of life, soon becomes intoxicating, and under that spell, one cherishes the illusions of the game, but no experience in life is worthless, and not one moment is really wasted, providing one is wise enough to lean from regrettable memories. Even in a fall there is a hidden stepping-stone, by which one might rise above one's shortcomings, discovering thereby, signs of hidden guidance.
Every effort made toward the fulfillment of one's life's purpose, whether material or spiritual, brings one step by step closer to the ultimate goal, and can be seen as a humble contribution to the fulfillment of the Divine Purpose, which is in a constant state of formation according to a central theme. When rising to the greatest heights, and simultaneously diving into the deepest depths, the false self-conscience is vanquished, finding itself anew, as a ray of the all-pervading immanence of that indescribable energy constantly manifesting behind all impulses.
The seed finds the fulfillment of its purpose, reaching deep into the earth as a root, while simultaneously rising above the surface, as a plant spreading out in full blossom under the rays of the sun.
Hidayat Inayat-Khan
In the same way, the brightness of the Light of the God-Ideal shining in all Religions, is subject to the truthfulness of the Leaders and the sincerity of the followers.
This is also experienced in various Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples known and unknown, visited by followers of different Cultures, each with more or less attachment to their own religion. Some feel the need for a moment of inner relaxation, and others feel the need to be relieved from a disturbed conscience; whereas others come with the hope to receive Godly help in difficult situations; and others, are drawn by the longing for inner communication with the unseen Presence, offering prayers of different natures, and calling for Blessings. Obviously, Diamonds, Rubies and numerous precious jewels are found in all Religions.
Truth, which is searched for in all Religions, cannot be limited within secret sects, where speculative interpretations are made available to the believers. Truth cannot be confined by descriptive terminology, nor can it be identified as being the property of one single transmission because of its universal nature. Some declare having found Truth in either Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as in many other religious beliefs, known or unknown to the world at large; but when Truth is formulated at the level of individual understanding, it is then diversified in various interpretations, just as pure water poured into colored glasses gives the impression of being shaded to the color of the glasses.
Wisdom is an ongoing process consisting in purifying the mind from the confinement of traditional concepts, besides working on one's own pre-conceived ideas, avoiding thereby the perpetuation of confusing misunderstandings, which emphasize the specter of fanaticism.
Wisdom unfolds age after age through the inspiration of the bringers of the World Messages, which the followers regrettably re-model within dogmatic theories, whereas the original Ideals were destined to offer a helping hand toward the realization of Truth; but when Truth falls in the hands of those who think that they know, it is then confined within rigid forms, and clad in ancestral garbs, perpetuating false illusions that are the fundamental cause of most conflicts between the various beliefs.
We all have an ego, nevertheless, there is also beauty in the heart; and when coordinating these two opposite energies, one is then in harmony with oneself as well as with others, alike the rose and the thorn, which are both parts of one and the same plant. The rose offers beauty and perfume, whereas the thorns are ugly; yet both are sustained by the same root. The thorns, which one is expected to vanquish are those of one's own ego, which is depressing to one's self, just as the thorns of the ego of others prick deeply into one's own heart.
The process called 'The Art of Personality' unfolds along a thorny path, where every step is a reminder of one's responsibilities toward those who depend upon an example to follow. Many polish up their manners, but polish is not necessarily beauty, and a polite approach is not necessarily sincere; whereas tact, which arises from the feeling heart, reflects wisdom and intelligence, which is however, liable to be misinterpreted as being hypocrisy. Further more, physical make-ups are not necessarily descriptive of moral integrity, and false pretense is a dishonest and confusing example given to those who expect experiencing truthfulness.
As known from fairytales, there is a magic formula, used in turning base metal into gold. This mystical tale symbolizes so specifically the work done in transforming the grossness of the ego into a humble attitude, where the 'I' consciousness is re-modeled as graciousness and modesty, which is not necessarily weakness; it is a feeling arising from the living heart, which is secretly conscious of its inner beauty, while at the same time veiling itself even from its own sight.
This wise recognize that both impulses ego and modesty are just only sparks of the all-pervading indescribable energy constantly manifesting behind all initiatives. The conscience is the true spectator of all events reflected as images upon a mirror without causing any permanent alteration to the picture on the inner screen. Any role performed in the play of life, soon becomes intoxicating, and under that spell, one cherishes the illusions of the game, but no experience in life is worthless, and not one moment is really wasted, providing one is wise enough to lean from regrettable memories. Even in a fall there is a hidden stepping-stone, by which one might rise above one's shortcomings, discovering thereby, signs of hidden guidance.
Every effort made toward the fulfillment of one's life's purpose, whether material or spiritual, brings one step by step closer to the ultimate goal, and can be seen as a humble contribution to the fulfillment of the Divine Purpose, which is in a constant state of formation according to a central theme. When rising to the greatest heights, and simultaneously diving into the deepest depths, the false self-conscience is vanquished, finding itself anew, as a ray of the all-pervading immanence of that indescribable energy constantly manifesting behind all impulses.
The seed finds the fulfillment of its purpose, reaching deep into the earth as a root, while simultaneously rising above the surface, as a plant spreading out in full blossom under the rays of the sun.
Hidayat Inayat-Khan
Visalat Day 2015
- Click to Listen to Murshid Hidayat's Visalat Day Talk (00:14:00)
- Click to Listen to Murshid Karimbakhsh's Visalat Day Talk (00:12:00)
Today, we have the privilege of gathering together in homage to the sacred memory of our Master, the Murshid of us all, whose guidance is always there, in as much as we are able to attune to that privilege, with a selfless attitude, offering our hearts unconditionally.
The purpose of this meeting is to offer our gratitude for the blessings received along the years, feeling freedom on the path of Spiritual Liberty, as well as experiencing precious examples among brothers and sisters, inspired by the principals of Love, Harmony and Beauty.
When connecting in thought and feeling, on this special day, the 88th anniversary of the passing of our Master, we are venturing to reach beyond the self, where souls meet, as explained in Volume VII called Sufi Teachings:
“One often wonders what connection there is between the souls which have passed onwards and those left behind. Although there is a veil which divides, yet the connection remains intact at a spiritual level, as long as the link is there, and the power of the soul in the other worlds is much greater than in this world of limitations”. This mystical insight obviously prompts us to become aware of our responsibilities as workers in the spreading of the Message in our time."
When referring to all those who have answered the Call, and who endeavor to carry onwards the Teachings, our Master said:
“My thoughts I have sown on the soil of your mind; My love has penetrated your heart; My word I have put into your mouth; My light has illuminated your whole being; My work I have given into your hand; I am leaving it in your hands”.
The Message in our time shall spread successfully, when being attuned to our Master, our only Teacher, whose words, were given so many years ago, but shall ring forever in our hearts.
There is only one way of knowing whether we are strictly spreading the Message in our Master’s footsteps. To that effect, let us picture our Master in front of us and ask: “Murshid, am I really presenting the Teachings in the way that they have been entrusted to us”?
The reply to that question shall then be found at the level of our conscience.
Hidayat Inayat-Khan
What is Sufism?
Beloved Sufi Brothers and Sisters,
Please kindly find this text, which I hope can help clarifying misunderstandings related to the word Sufism, especially in these difficult times where dramatic events are taking place in Europe, in connection with religious beliefs.
With hearty greetings from Hidayat and Aziza
The word Sufi means Wisdom as well as Purity, according to ancient Greek and Arabic etymologies, and both concepts suggest one and the same ideal. Wisdom is only there when the mind is purified from preconceived ideas and an illusory interpretation of spiritual concepts. There are as many descriptions of wisdom and purity, as there are seekers on the path, but these descriptions could never be honestly identified as being the property of just one belief. As soon as one attempts to define abstract concepts, one gets lost in the labyrinth of one's thoughts, and one builds up illusions, fashioned according to the limited horizon of one's own mind-world, assuming thereby that one is in possession of the only Truth.
Some declare having found Truth in Hinduism, others in Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as many other religious denominations, known or unknown to the world at large; but when Truth is formulated at the level of human understanding, it is then diversified in various interpretations, just as pure water poured into coloured glasses gives the impression of being shaded to the colour of the glasses. Therefore, the aim of the call for “Unity of Spiritual Ideals” is an awakening to a broader outlook with deeper insight into the tragic misunderstandings, which divide earnest followers of various cultures.
As to the origin of the Sufi outlook, one could say that it is just as ancient as are the concepts of wisdom and purity, which have always been the source of inspiration traced in devotional worships all down the ages; and even though it has often been periodically appropriated by cultural streams during different periods of history, it has never lost its own identity.
Another subject found in Sufi traditions is the Alchemy of Happiness, mystically experienced in Love, Harmony and Beauty, as told in fairy tales related to the magic formula used in transforming base metal into gold. This historical legend symbolises the melting of the ego along the course of a thorny path known as the Art of Personality, where false identification are overcome, when discovering the Divine Presence hidden within, as a pearl in one's heart. This requires constant efforts in forging the character into a living example of wisdom, becoming thereby a bringer of happiness to brothers and sisters of all beliefs. Happiness is only there to the extent that one becomes oneself a true source of happiness, appreciating the good in others and overlooking that which disturbs when it is not agreeable to one's own thinking, thereby attuning oneself to the rhythm of all those whom one meets, and in whose example there might be a lesson to learn.
The Message of “Spiritual Liberty” in our time implies being liberated from such feelings as “my belief”, as opposed to “your belief`”. This Message is destined to be the religion of the heart; and since there are many hearts, there are just as many spiritual ideals springing forth from one and the same source. When the doors of the heart are open, humility awakens, finding oneself face to face with the Divine stream flowing onwards in line with the great Ideals of Wisdom and Purity, revealed thereby as the true essence of all that is understood by the term “Sufi”.
Hidayat Inayat-Khan
Please kindly find this text, which I hope can help clarifying misunderstandings related to the word Sufism, especially in these difficult times where dramatic events are taking place in Europe, in connection with religious beliefs.
With hearty greetings from Hidayat and Aziza
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Some declare having found Truth in Hinduism, others in Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as many other religious denominations, known or unknown to the world at large; but when Truth is formulated at the level of human understanding, it is then diversified in various interpretations, just as pure water poured into coloured glasses gives the impression of being shaded to the colour of the glasses. Therefore, the aim of the call for “Unity of Spiritual Ideals” is an awakening to a broader outlook with deeper insight into the tragic misunderstandings, which divide earnest followers of various cultures.
As to the origin of the Sufi outlook, one could say that it is just as ancient as are the concepts of wisdom and purity, which have always been the source of inspiration traced in devotional worships all down the ages; and even though it has often been periodically appropriated by cultural streams during different periods of history, it has never lost its own identity.
Another subject found in Sufi traditions is the Alchemy of Happiness, mystically experienced in Love, Harmony and Beauty, as told in fairy tales related to the magic formula used in transforming base metal into gold. This historical legend symbolises the melting of the ego along the course of a thorny path known as the Art of Personality, where false identification are overcome, when discovering the Divine Presence hidden within, as a pearl in one's heart. This requires constant efforts in forging the character into a living example of wisdom, becoming thereby a bringer of happiness to brothers and sisters of all beliefs. Happiness is only there to the extent that one becomes oneself a true source of happiness, appreciating the good in others and overlooking that which disturbs when it is not agreeable to one's own thinking, thereby attuning oneself to the rhythm of all those whom one meets, and in whose example there might be a lesson to learn.
The Message of “Spiritual Liberty” in our time implies being liberated from such feelings as “my belief”, as opposed to “your belief`”. This Message is destined to be the religion of the heart; and since there are many hearts, there are just as many spiritual ideals springing forth from one and the same source. When the doors of the heart are open, humility awakens, finding oneself face to face with the Divine stream flowing onwards in line with the great Ideals of Wisdom and Purity, revealed thereby as the true essence of all that is understood by the term “Sufi”.
Hidayat Inayat-Khan
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