The Messenger Within: Discovering Love and Wholeness Through Meditation

Citation preview

Mellen Research University Press San Francisco

CM£SS£N§£\ WITHIli Discovering Love

and Wholeness

Through Meditation

Soraya Susan Behbehani

Mellen Research University Press

San Francisco

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Behbehani, Soraya Susan. The messenger within discovering love and wholeness through meditation / Soraya Susan Behbehani. cm. p. :

Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 0-7734-9882-6 1. Sufism. 2. Maktab Tarighat Oveyssi Shahmaghsoudi. BP189.6.B44 1991

I.

Title.

91-28177

297'.43-dc20

CIP

Copyright

® 1991 Soraya Susan Behbehani.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any other information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. For

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Press

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Printed in the United States of America

Knowledge

is

the priceless heritage of mankind

Digitized by the Internet Archive in

2014

https://archive.org/details/messengerwithind00beh_tn7

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART ONE INTRODUCTION by TOM ELMORE INTRODUCTION by AUTHOR CHAPTER 1 SCIENCE AND MEDITATION CHAPTER 2 THE ANCIENT RELIGIONS OF IRAN AND INDIA: ZOROASTRIANTSM AND HINDUISM CHAPTER 3 BUDDHISM BUDDHIST AND HINDU MEDITATION CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 5 SPREAD OF BUDDHISM IN CHINA AND JAPAN CHAPTER 6 JUDAISM AND CHRISTIANITY

v 1

5

13

21 33

39 49

PART TO O CHAPTER 7 CHAPTERS

HEALTH: A BALANCED ENERGY FLOW

CHAPTER 9 CHAPTER 10

THE BODY THE ENERGY CENTERS INNER BALANCE

STRESS

57

IN

CHAPTER

1 1

CHAPTER CHAPTER

12

CHAPTER

14

CHAPTER

15

CHAPTER

16

CHAPTER

17

CHAPTER

IS

13

73

IN

THE BODY

THE ART OF SUFI HEALING AS APPLIED TO "AIDS" INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION THE METHOD OF CONCENTRATION IN MEDITATION ACHIEVING UNITY THROUGH PHYSICAL CONTROL AND AWARENESS BUILDING BODILY BALANCE AND PERFECT POSTURE STRESS AWARENESS: ELIMINATING BARRIERS TO SELF-KNOWLEDGE STRESS AND ALTERNATIVE COPING STRATEGIES RELAXATION: EXISTENCE BETWEEN

THOUGHTS

79 9

9S 104

109

121

127

135

143

149

CHAPTER

19

THE HIDDEN AND INNER SOURCE OF STRESS

153

ISLAMIC SUFISM

159

PART THREE CHAPTER 20 CHAPTER 21 CHAPTER 22 CHAPTER 23 CHAPTER 24 CHAPTER 25 CHAPTER 26 CHAPTER 27 CHAPTER 28 CHAPTER 29 BIBLIOGRAPHY

THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH THROUGH PHILOSOPHY, THEOLOGY AND SCIENCE SUFISM - THE REALITY OF RELIGION THE MEASURE OF TRUTH IS TRUTH

171 181

ITSELF

185

THE THEORY OF UNITY THE LAW, THE WAY, AND THE TRUTH ZEKR - SUFI PRACTICE

201

MEDITATION: PRACTICAL SUFISM SPIRITUAL GUIDE THE FLIGHT BACK HOME

219

SUFISM:

195

205 211

225

233

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Fifteen years ago destiny led I

met

me

to the school of Islamic Sufism,

the most knowledgeable, lovable and the kindest

He was

Hazrat Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha. the

man I had

spiritual teacher of the

Oveyssi School of Sufism, in Sufi-Abad, Karaj, Iran. There, for the

became acquainted with Like a child

I

rare I

felt before.

new

was completely mystified

experience, which

I

he was no more

was extinguished

for ever.

It

his son, the current leader

God

that never dies but

I

am

its

presence of Hazrat

I

knew

that

guide

is

it

was not

until

I

my

was

in his physical being

began

I

thought the

my practical

training

light

under

and teacher of The Oveyssi School of Sufism

is

I

learned that the light was the light

always present in different manifestations to I

also

found that the path to truth

is

an

the messenger within.

and instruction that

inner potentials have taken place.

and

fulfilling

life; I

way

of

am

skim the surface.

hope

my

It

has been under

my

growth and the development of

Through him

have received the

I

very grateful to him for showing

me

gift

a better

of

and

life.

His teachings are

learning and

had

I

very proud to have been trained personally by the great Sufi

his loving care

more

and warmth

soul he had touched.

on earth

master of our time Hazrat Salaheddin Ali Nader Angha.

spiritual love

I

could neither understand nor explain but which

guide and enlighten the yearning soul. inner path and

at the

a tranquility

felt

Hazrat Salaheddin Ali Nader Angha, that of

time

dedicated more and more time in an effort to repeat that

I

had found so nourishing. Later

When

first

Sufism, the reality of religion.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, and never

where

ever known.

mammoth and

The ocean that this

of truth

in this is

book

so vast

book will encourage

I

have only been able to

and deep that

I

am

still

the readers to do the same.

\

I

would

like to

thank

toward the publication of beautiful introduction.

Nader Angha

owe

this

Again,

my

sister

Mandana Behbehani,

book and my dear I

would

like to

friend

Tom

for her help

Elmore

for his

thank Hazrat Salaheddin Ali

for always being there, caring, guiding

and teaching,

to

whom

I

everything.

Soraya Behbehani

September, 30

AUTHOR'S PROFILE Soraya

is

a stress

management

who has been

specialist,

teaching Sufi

meditation and stress management techniques nationally and internationally since 1981. She has held

numerous workshops and seminars

at

community

colleges and universities and for the general public at large. She healer,

who

is

also a

has conducted magnetic therapy with class participants with

wide range of psychological and somatic Soraya

is

illnesses such as cancer.

involved in extensive research into the physical and

behavioral effects of meditation the data of which

is

collected

from her

ongoing classes with large number of participants.

Born

in Lansing,

She was educated

in

Michigan, Soraya was raised in Iran and England.

Europe and

in the U.S.,

and speaks several languages

including French, English, German, Spanish, and Persian. She has received

her bachelor degree in philosophy and religion, and certified

in

health promotion

University of California

San Diego. Soraya

at

is

professionally

management and consulting through is

currently working

the

on her

Doctoral degree in clinical psychology, specializing in holistic health psychology.

The most important unique in her field

is

part of her training

and what makes her quite

her spiritual training by the eminent Sufi Master of our

time, Hazrat Salaheddin Ali

Nader Shah Angha,

Pir,

Oveyssi. Not only has

His Holiness directed and guided her through her theoretical and practical training in the science of Sufism and Self

behind

all

her achievements.

knowledge but has been the force

She now

lives in

San Diego and

department of meditation and healing of

currently the chairperson of the

is

MTO Shah Maghsoudi, the Oveyss:

School of Islamic Sufism.

"/

remember so

with you at the

vividly the rare

AACD

was a moment of magic air of serenity,

which shines

and wondrous luncheon I had

Convention to

in

Los Angeles

in 1986. It

be in your presence. You have an

and genuine peace, an inner depth and

like

a star

in the mist. It

was wonderful

beauty,

to share

with you concerning matters of the spirit and heart, and to learn from you about Sufism.

"

-

Tom Elmore

Director of Counselor Education and Professor of Counseling

Psychology.

"Stress has been

As a

shown

to

Forest University, Noth Carolina

weaken the body's inmune system.

participant, I find the

effective in

Wake

MTO

meditation classes highly

combating physical and mental

recommend people

stress

and

I highly

to take these classes for better health

as a measure of preventive medicine.

and

"

- Dr. Ravin Agah M.D. Specialist in contagious and terminal diseases at University of

Southern California Medical Center, July

11,

1988

INTRODUCTION A bird

of paradise has written a love song to the world and signed

SORAYA. Not how

them through meditation

to sing

it

only has Soraya written the words of the song, she teaches us in order

to

produce a universal

harmony. Properly rendered, the biblical scriptures say that "In the beginning

God, the divine energy of Love, was is

in the

process of expressing herself."

It

embedded

in

a process without beginning or end, manifested in time, but This

eternity.

history that

something

is

its

the message of Sufism, a process which so predates

beginning

is

lost in time,

more than mere

psychology, although these In this

book Soraya

religious

human

but

may

does as

it

is

not so

much

its

or

God

is

in itself the

As

or

reality.

But more than that she moves beyond

However, she explains that

lets

happen.

It is

skill,

or what one

a surrender, an emptying, a

transcending of the demands and desires of the transient or temporal itself.

It is

philosophy,

point toward

a method, technique, learned

what a person

opening to Being

human

all truth.

explains the basis and true nature of Sufism and

ideology to the methodology of meditation. is

theology,

belief,

inventions

the reality of the Messenger within.

meditation

the basis of

is

such,

One and

it is all

that there

is

to

self,

an

know, because Being

All.

In relation to the profession of counseling with which the present

author

is

most

familiar,

meditative surrender in the

Sufi

sense

consistent with forms of behaviorism which seek to shape behavior.

is

not

Neither

can such meditation be equated to psychoanalytic free association by which

vi

attained and fixations undone. In brief, Sufi self-surrender

rational insight

is

meditation

the

is

form of therapy which intends

of any

antithesis

to

manipulate or diagnostically stereotype persons or "guide" their thoughts and Rather,

behaviors.

more akin

is

it

psychologist Carl Rogers

who

to

position

the

counseling should be to help the client "to be that self which one self

which

beyond learning and

lies

American

of the

believed that the purpose of psychological truly is," that

There

is

a

to popular misunderstanding, true meditation

is

conditioning.

cultural

counselor within which can be trusted.

However, contrary

not a passive process of doing nothing.

happen. Something Meditation

wanting to happen;

is

facilitates

meditation

and

process

that

like a science

is

It is

which

is

a process of letting everything

God

always wanting to happen.

is

For Soraya, Sufi

experience.

characterized by openness, honesty,

wonder and awe.

spontaneity, and a childlike sense of

Sufi meditation

more than mere mental concentration and contemplation, but to

Shah Maghsoud

Hazrat

Sadegh Angha,

concentration on the source or

harmonizes energy

AIDS may be

life,

fields with the heart,

Oveyssi,

Pir

Simply

the heart.

it is

and health

is

a

said,

is

according

matter

of

meditation

Even

thus achieved.

treated by acquiring a balance between physical states of

consciousness and the existential healing power of love as executed by the present teacher of the Oveyssi School of Sufism, Hazrat Salaheddin Ali

Nader Angha. Likewise, The Messenger Within has profound implications for world

peace and healing a broken world. Meister Eckardt: "The seeds of

one

is

left

with two conclusions:

potential and, 2)

We

in

lies

empathy

unconditional love.

message

1)

human

It

truth of the

race

persons.

is

It is

that of the Christian mystic

Assuming

that this

is

true,

Each person has a divine nature and

all

sons of God.

with

one's

The

deeper

secret in Self,

means an emptying of

surrender to the Universal Self that infuses

The

is

are within."

discover the Divine both within ourselves and in others

acknowledging that we are

done

Its

God

Messenger needs

to survive.

It is

knowing how

dwelling

there

this is

with

one's self-created self and

all

that

to

be known to the world

is.

if

the Messenger which heals and unites

the message of love and unity.

It

is

a message which

we

the all

not

Vll

merely know about; meditation, a

it

is

we know through

a message which

remembrance of

a process of

one's true divine nature and surrender to

it

to

achieve harmony within and unity with the ultimate reality of God.

The mind is

be altogether

alone, Soraya seems to say, cannot

Somehow

not the source of true knowledge.

the

trusted. It

mind must be

in

touch

with the heart.

Indeed, the heart does have reasons which the mind alone

cannot know.

The heart can guide

mind and through meditative

the

concentration the mind can be cleared.

The mind which

it

an instrument

is

assumes that the temporal egoic

True

in service of Being, the

Therein

perceives to be Being.

self

is

lies

the real Self, the person

or that

Self,

When

the problem.

is

mind

the

beset with

a condition of "mistaken identity" and lacks true self-knowledge.

Soraya reminds us that there must be a unity of mind, body, and

The body must be nurtured because physical beauty

or as

Emerson Each

is

it is

Beauty

not the final goal of meditation.

said,

major

"Beauty

is its

religious

own excuse

Soraya,

represents

Her emphasis, however,

includes different forms of meditation.

whose purpose

But

the goal,

for being."

believes

tradition,

itself is

particular stage of spiritual awareness and thus has a distinct value.

practical Sufi meditation

spirit.

the shell for the pearl within.

is

a

This

on

is

to achieve a life of love, beauty,

and hope. That meditation involves not separating oneself from the material world but rather requires immersing oneself in

life.

Life must be lived fully

world without becoming chained and attached to

in the

it.

We

must only

retreat within our hearts.

In Judaism

person she

is

may

God

remains always hidden.

born again

in the

However,

in Christianity, a

kingdom of God within the heart

see or experience the

Kingdom

transformation. Islamic Sufism however, introduces the witnessing of the temple within and uniting with

God

within.

human

life is

wisdom can be

by meditation, the practice of which has diminished is

God

in

unity

Realization of the bliss which

within the heart and which brings fulfillment and

verbal prayer

he or

Him.

Soraya goes further to say that the goal of each with one's real identity, the

if

of Heaven, thus undergoing radical inner

in Christianity.

lies

facilitated

Although

practiced, meditation as the non-verbal experience of being-

viii

in-the-moment

is

Soraya helps us to move beyond theoretical

often missing.

knowledge about the rose of

religion to smelling

its

scent.

Again, for her,

religion

must be experience marked by innocence of perception. You must

become

like children to enter the

Kingdom

While Soraya describes methods bodily alignment, her intention

The power

is

to achieve the

of the Messenger within

our job. Largely,

we

of God.

for gaining physical balance

is

and

purpose of soul alignment.

That

always there to be accessed.

create our bodily and mental problems and

we have

is

the

capacity to create paths to where the solution rests, within. Soraya outlines a

method and

becoming aware of

for

cites relaxation

methods

stressors

which block our path to wholeness

for reaching

moments between thoughts

in

order to achieve peace.

Most importantly, Soraya

believes that one must go beyond body and

mind and address concerns of the about the meaning of

purpose of

life,

such

as;

Spirit

which asks existential questions

Who am

I?

Why am

The

"holy cloak" of Islamic Sufism

is

and What

Mohammed, and from him

guide of the School of Islamic Sufism.

find his or her

Abraham

to

This

is

However, she explains that

Our essence

dwells.

the claim of Islamic Sufism, that each person must grasp

real identity is

timeless.

is

its

the

The

experienced, not rationally

"I"

beyond the temporal ego or personality.

highest

known

in

wisdom

is

mystery, something to be

ecstacy

Thus, ultimately,

an earthly sense.

deeper meaning cannot be defined.

In brief, the Sufi seeks unity with the Divine which

the

God and

through mystical experience the truth of existence for himself or

Our

Sufism in

Hazrat

Messenger and Savior within the innermost part of the soul

where God, the only true guide,

herself.

the

Hazrat Salaheddin Ali Nader Angha, the

to

the heart of each individual person can hear the "Angelic Voice" of

intuitively

is

explained by Soraya in tracing

the history of the cloak-bearers from the prophet

spiritual

I?

life?

of Love

and self-abandonment.

The

is

achieved through

stages

of religious

development proceed from obtaining the Law, walking the Way, and through total

surrender finding the Truth.

This involves a remembrance of God, a

IX

remembrance which impels a journey by the seeker from the outer world

to

the world within. In Carl Jung's psychology and Joseph Campbell's mythology, this

is

the mythic hero/heroine journey, the universal cosmic round everywhere

present in

all

persons and cultures.

Sufi meditation

is

discover the Truth hidden in experience and to achieve

then a means to

communion with

God. This meditation requires an inner transformation which

is

wrought by

the most elevated experience of love.

Soraya invites us to experience the ecstasy of love and to surrender to the source of

life.

To

wings and

start their

away than

within.

follow our metaphor, she calls on

journey and

flight

all

to spread their

back home, a home that

is

Tom Elmore Director of Counselor Education and Professor of Counseling Psychology

Wake

Forest University

no further

PART ONE

PART ONE INTRODUCTION With many schools of meditation offering diverse approaches today, people may become confused about which one they should choose in the field of self-development.

of the

many It is

classes

I

The question

could attend,

I

am

asked most frequently

how do I know which one

"Out

only natural that one should have knowledge about something

before making any choices.

There are so many misconceptions both about

what one can achieve through meditation and about meditation

new

is

to choose?"

should gather information and

student

examine

it

itself that

a

before

closely

beginning.

For example, since drug experiences and meditation are described as consciousness-expanding, one

can mistakenly assume that consciousness

expands the same way in both these cases and thus produces the same This was true in the case of a young student of mine

meditation as a release from an alcohol and drug addiction.

same

results

who

He

effect.

turned to

expected the

he had experienced with drugs, envisioning vivid colors and

fantasies or feeling "high."

Others,

who

are

more oriented toward problem-solving, think of

meditation as contemplation. quietly

They believe meditation

and focusing the mind on a particular problem

at least gain

deeper insight into

not what meditation

is.

it.

There

is

consists of sitting

in order to resolve or

nothing wrong with

this,

but

it is

In the West, the terms meditation and contemplation

2

are often interchanged, but in the East, the practice of meditation

is

distinct

from that of contemplation.

By

whose thinking

others,

may be imagined

is

more

careless

and scattered, meditation

mind

as simply a process of letting the

drift

from one

thought to another. However, as with an undirected boat on the ocean,

this

winds and tides

will

erratic drifting will lead

haphazardly

move

nowhere.

the boat, but

where we want or need

to go.

Sooner or

more

later,

often than not, they will not take us

Many people

live their lives in this

uncertain

way.

one

If

that

is

it

truly

and correctly experiences, one

will

understand right away

an experience very different from those described above.

purpose of meditation

is

The

not to get high or to have unusual experiences.

Although some students report seeing colors and

visions,

a competent

teacher will usually discourage them from becoming too interested in these distracting forms

and

an increase of energy,

colors.

The expansion

alertness,

of consciousness should result in

and an improvement of abilities, not the altered

perceptions caused by drugs, which cause a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Chemical imbalance can cause mistaken depth perception.

For

example, because eyes cannot see depth, the brain calculates one's distance

from an object with the help of available clues through the eyes and also experiences. However, a person under the influence of certain drugs will not

be able

to perceive that distance.

Drug abuse,

therefore,

is

expansion of consciousness nor even of sensual perception. effects of meditation for those

meditation really

Nor

is

of drug abuse

an

Mistaking the

means not knowing what

is.

meditation a form of thinking, of letting one's mind float or

daydreaming.

Meditation

goes

beyond

sensory

haphazard movement, along a path which enriches

and

clearly not

experiences,

beyond

and gives

purpose

life

it

direction. Meditation has a definite goal.

The Messenger Within, unlike information found books on

this subject,

has a wide perspective. This book

the narrow interests of a particular group but origins, theories,

for the reader,

I

is

most available

not addressed to

a complete survey of the

and practice of meditation. To make

have divided the information

in is

in this

it

book

more comfortable into three parts.

3 f

In Part One,

I

will discuss the history of

according to different traditions and religions.

and stress-management.

meditation and

Part

Two

Adam,

practice

In Part Three, each religion will be brought

together under the reality of religion, Sufism, which unites

When

its

will consider stress

the last stage of religion, Islam,

the child of light,

is

born into the

them

all.

meaning surrender

is

reached,

Breaking away from

infinite.

sensory boundaries in a complete surrender, he leaves behind his limited existence and finally unites with his purpose in

life

through the act of true

meditation. In reality this

journey that takes

The essence

being.

God. this

It is this

human

a spiritual journey that takes place in the soul, a a limited being to a boundless and unlimited

of existence

an

is

infinite

knowledge, abstractly called

very essence that molds and gives birth to

essence that

solid

is

man from

is

form.

true identity has

man's true

has temporarily

self

all things.

Like a pearl that remains hidden inside

become bound by

However,

become trapped its shell,

the limitations of the earth.

in the

man's

In order to

stop the yearning and alienation of the suffering soul, the infinite essence or

the speck of light must break away from the limitations of the body into the existence and unite with infinity.

form, once

it

reaches the ocean,

As

a drop of water

no longer a

it is

is

but water in a limited

solitary

drop but part of the

ocean.

The

Sufi practice, meditation

lead the Sufi to his beloved, his true

and remembrance of identity.

God

(Zekr) will

This "realization" can only be

attained through the understanding and practice of the one message of religion.

Each and every one of the Messengers of God -Zoroaster, Buddha,

Moses, Jesus, and

Message:

"know

Mohammad -represents thyself."

The

different

a different stage of this one stages

of understanding

Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and in

To "know your

life...

come

thyself

yourself.

in touch

This

is

to find that

is

its

final stage, Islam.

which you have been searching for

a healing process that takes place once

and harmony with our true and

discovered such purpose in our

lives,

we can

single being.

grow.

are

all

we have

Once we have

Ralph Waldo Emerson

4

said,

"We

would

ourselves are the cause of

say, I

without so

many

selves

all failure

and disappointment." "And

would be able

hand." 1

Hazrat Salaheddin Ali Nader Angha. Lectures.

to

have the world in

I

my

CHAPTER ONE SCIENCE AND MEDITATION Words do not convey meaning. Hazrat Shah Maghsoud Sadegh

Why Where does of a

have most of us forgotten the "whys" we asked as children? the wind blow from?

new blossom come from?

dark interlaced roots was

hidden?

Angha

And two

Where does

the elegance, order, and grace

In which part of that harsh

this colorful, delicate,

questions

we never

wooden branch

or

elegant and fragrant flower

ask anymore:

Where

is

God? What

is

the purpose of creation?

People who readily accept

things

all

remain ignorant.

The most

obstinate and questioning minds are always the most intuitive, for they have

not lost their sense of wonder.

People who keep questioning do not take

anything for granted; their minds have not

become hard and

broaden our perspective and open our minds: Let us look

at

static.

Let us

meditation with

the eyes of a child.

Let us be

scientific

in

our

approach.

A

scientist

analyzes by

observation and experimentation. Ideally, science aims and searches for the truth,

and puts nothing on the

scales until

it

can offer objective evidence and

verification.

Opinions, on the other hand, offer themselves to be accepted or rejected and promise no evidence, truth, or certainty. Opinions and personal

impressions are therefore not reliable.

Even

the most reasonable opinion

6

may

only be the

first

step toward an established reality. Therefore, scientists fantasize, or philosophize; their claims are well-

do not presume, assume,

supported and backed by

experimentation, and practical evidence

tests,

gained in the laboratory. In our investigations,

us combine the open minds of children and

let

the searching minds of the scientist. investigations are firm

Clearly,

of scientific

the results

based on observation

reliable because they are

Anything but the practical method described above

and practice.

accepted.

scientifically

investigation

and

Similarly,

has

religion

and practical evidence,. ..not blind

unscientific mind, the world of religion can

To

faith.

seem

be

to

to

is

not

understood

by

the unsupported,

be a realm of pure

opinion and even of fabrication.

Religion claims that "seeing

As

who

Hafiz, the well-known Sufi poet

is

believing".

despised pharisaism once said,

Since the Truth was not realized, It seemed best to fantasize.

Religion should be the pursuit of Truth that leads to direct experience of what the Truth actually

is,

not one that results in personal opinions and

Such fabrications are self-made and imaginary and can be

fabrications.

A God

subject to continual change, as one changes.

mind

is

not real, but

called a hypothesis. is

my own

It is

that

merely based on everything

I

upon blind result in

that

faith,

my is

have heard from others plus

my own

known on

the basis

of individual experience of Truth and reality. is

create within

not a proven fact backed by evidence. Such religion

imagination and inventions. Whereas religion should be

there really

I

In the language of science this

creation.

much

One might even wonder if one who accepts religion

difference between the

and another that

rejects

Lack of true knowledge

it.

both cases, since one has rejected

it

is

the

without knowing, the other has

accepted without knowing and blindly, as "blind faith" applies. Religion has

come

to

be equated with belief systems, dogma,

forms of practice, and organizational structure.

Too

rituals,

often spiritual truths

announced by the prophets have been obscured and distorted with emphasis on

claims

of

scriptural

inerrancy,

interpretation of their teachings.

and

"Religio"

literal

rather

than

spiritual

comes from a verb meaning

"to

7

bind together."

Religion, thus,

which compels a

that inner imperative

is

person to bind together everything in a harmonious whole. differently the

The

word has now been misused

history of religion

Mohammad

and

his teachings

we know

The prophet

therefore a very sad one.

were very different from what

is

known

as the

Jesus Christ's beliefs, too, were different from

religion of Islam today.

Christianity as

is

But how

in practice.

it

today. If Jesus Christ

were

to

show up today

gates of the Vatican, he would be very surprised to see

at the

what was going

on.

Today, religious institutions are not representatives of the real teachings of the prophets. All religion today

is

little

more than

tradition.

has

It

become a

combination of different religious and folk ceremonies portraying not the Truth but a collection of myths,

tales,

and symbols.

It

performed

in the first place

practiced in this

Religion

make-believe.

and what

is

manner cannot lead has

very

a replay and

is

why they were

imitation of past historical events without the reasons as to

gained by their repetition. Religion

and

to true faith

seldom been

truly

belief,

and

but rather

scientifically

investigated.

Although physical tools cannot measure metaphysics, there has

manner of

The

investigation that will lead us to faith, certainty,

Sufis point out that careful exploration

Truth, and that the

we must

be a

to

and confidence.

and experimentation lead

to the

learn to go beyond words to find the reality behind

now-empty ceremonies and symbols of

religion.

For "Words do not

convey meaning," 1 but are only signs that represent ideas. Our understanding of the

word

is

based on experience; without that experience, words are

just

words, not meaning.

Mere words,

like religious ideas, are of little use;

using words without actually understanding or

"Water"

is

closely

we

are constantly

examining them.

communicated only among those who know what water

names have become too

familiar to arouse our curiosity

investigate

and comprehend the complexities that

"love," for

example, and

from, amid

all this

source? The same

how can we

lie

true of the

Simple to

beneath them. What

truly define it?

Where does

chemical action and reaction of the body? is

is.

and lead us

words "God" and "Truth."

We

it

Where fight

is

come is its

and

kill

8

over religious ideas and opinions, yet they are so unclear, so unknown, so

The evolution of

meaningless, and so changeable.

the soul, the purpose of

cannot be attained by the repetition of such abstract symbols as

religion,

words. Jesus Christ said:

'Knock and the door

be opened.' (Matthew 7:7)

will

Have we ever asked which door that door, that gateway?

Through meditation, preach about

it is

And how

all.

The more

similarities

distinction

we supposed

the message

between the various

is

The message sect,

in the East.

different cultures, traditions,

How

is

faiths.

are

we

to find

knock? All the prophets

an old one and does not

or religion but includes and unites

understood, the more

we

will realize the

Even books on meditation make a

between the meditation practiced

and understood

to

self-exploration takes place.

this self-exploration.

belong to any particular tradition,

them

that he speaks of?

are

in the

West and

that practiced

But the distinctions we see are products of

and philosophies developed

with relation to geographical and historical factors.

It

in separate regions is

as

if

we

are

all

looking at the same landscape through different windows; these sociocultural

windows,

like stained glass, are full of designs representing

our thoughts and

prejudices, but which color and distort our view.

Zoroaster, Buddha, Moses, Jesus and all is

repeat the same message.

It is

Mohammad,

the wise prophets,

the transformation of that one message that

worth considering.

Thousands of instruments, a different tune each When heard from deep within, The same sweet melody each portrays.

Or

plays.

as the Persian poet Ganjavi says:

The Truth you may recognize not. the many ornaments lost.

Among Let us

start

our investigation into meditation by looking

definitions of meditation.

at

dictionary

Dictionary Definitions of Meditation:

Roots: Latin-meditat, stem of meditari, from the root med., meaning "thought" or "care."

"Meditation" .

is

defined:

by Webster's

New

World Dictionary

as:

1)

Act of meditating; deep continued thought.

2)

Deep

reflection

on sacred matters as a devotional

by Natt all's Standard Dictionary

Continued attention

as:

to a particular subject.

by Funk and Wagnalls Standard Desk Dictionary

The

act.

act of meditating; reflection

upon a

as:

subject;

contemplating. "Meditate" •

is

defined

as:

by The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary of English as:

Think about; consider; give oneself up

to serious

thought. .

by The Oxford Universal Dictionary on Historical Principles as:

To

reflect

upon; to study; ponder; to observe with intentness; to plan

by revolving to

think;

in the

to

mind; to design mentally; the

exercise

mind

devotional)

(esp.

thought

or

contemplation, and "Meditation"

as:

Serious reflection or mental contemplation. Special in religious use:

The continuous

contemplation of some religious

application of the

mind

to the

truth, mystery, or object of reverence, as

a

devotional exercise.

These definitions apply than "meditation."

It

is

to "concentration"

and "contemplation" rather

not by the help of the mind that the "mystery of

10

humanity" unravels "concentration"

is

itself.

Meditation goes beyond the mind.

However,

the preliminary step towards "meditation."

Different

schools

of

meditation

have

been

subject

misunderstanding of the original one message brought to man: thyself."

These differences may confuse the beginning student:

one practice or many? There seems

He

Zen

about

hears

meditation,

meditation, and other varieties. sits

to

He

Is

to

the

"Know

meditation

be many different forms of meditation. Transcendental

learns that while the

meditation,

Yoga

Zen Buddhist monk

quietly with his eyes partially opened, looking at a blank wall, the yoga

meditator

sits

with his eyes closed, concentrating on a particular word,

thought, or image.

meditation,

To understand

we must

the apparent differences

among forms

of

study carefully the historical roots of the religions from

which these forms blossomed.

CHAPTER ONE ENDNOTES 1.

Molana Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha;

Manifestation of Thought. 2.

Hafiz, Persian Sufi poet.

3.

Ganjavi Nizami, Persian Sufi poet.

refer to the introduction of

CHAPTER TWO THE ANCIENT RELIGIONS OF IRAN AND INDIA: ZOROASTRIANISM AND HINDUISM Rightful Deed, Rightful Thought, and Rightful Speech. Basic Teachings, Zoroaster

Where does our begins.

Our

story begin?

background

historical

We will begin with

is

the prophet

meditating in the forest, the Buddha. Upanishads,

1

were already

as well ask

who

is

Buddha

famous

in existence.

own

Buddha

when

truth

when

the major

Hindu philosophy,

Their philosophy must be seen as the point of

teaching.

It

would be a serious mistake, however,

as the "founder" or "reformer" of a religion that

being as some kind of organized revolt against Hinduism, for of a time

where

for spending long years

lived at a time

a series of mystical texts pertaining to the

departure for his look upon

One might

as old as humanity.

there was no consciousness of "religions,"

we

came

to

into

are speaking

when such terms

as

"Hinduism" or "Brahmanism" would have meant nothing. There was simply a tradition,

embodied

in

the orally transmitted doctrine of the

Upanishads, a tradition that was not specifically

whole way of to the

life

it

Veda and involved a

and concerned everything from the methods of agriculture

knowledge of the ultimate

Buddha, we have

"religious";

to trace history

reality.

To understand

back to 2500 B.C.

the philosophy of

14

From

the

middle of the third millennium B.C.

millennium B.C. there was a thriving called the Indus Valley civilization. B.C., at about the time into the area Sanskrit, the

and

is

It

to

came

to

the

second

Northwest India

city civilization in

an abrupt end around 1500

waves of Aryans, a nomadic warlike people, migrated

from western Asia and parts of the Mediterranean region. In

word Arya2 means

the basis of

all

Their language

nobles.

also called

is

Indo and European languages.

traditionally

looked to the Aryans and their religion as

inspiration.

Though many

aspects of later

Aryan

Hinduism has its

source and

Hinduism may well have been

inspired by the Indus Valley civilization or regional peasant cultures in India,

the earliest scriptures of the Aryans, the Veda, have

been acknowledged

for

thousands of years as the embodiment of the primordial truths upon which

Hinduism

is

based.

About 1000

B.C.,

Aryans moved into Iran from the north and

northwest and by 800 B.C. they had occupied the land.

brought a rich oral tradition, much of which

is

preserved

These invaders in the

Hindu

Veda and the Avesta of Zoroastrianism. Thus the religions of India and

RigIran,

both under Aryan influence, display a number of similar characteristics. "Iran,

or Persia, as

it

was once

called,"

according to The World

Religions,

enclosed within a triangle of mountains and has at its heart two salt deserts that are so barren that the Gobi Desert appears fertile in comparison. With the mountains towering to a height of 5,500 meters (18,000 feet), Iran is a land of great contrasts: tropical jungle near the Caspian Sea and Mediterranean climate in the river valleys of the Southwest. These differences have given rise to various cultures, and the mountains have impeded communication between the different cultures. While Western Iran is subject to influence from Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, the East is under the influence of India and even China. Iran thus stands as a bridge between East and West, not only influencing her religion, but making Iran a watershed of history as well. 3 is

Having started out on common ground with India under the influence of the Aryans, the religion of Iran later as Zoroastrianism.

ancient Persian and Zardusht in religious reformer.

became independent and

established

This religion was founded by Zoroaster (Zarathushtra in

There

is

much

modern

Persian),

the ancient Persian

controversy about the period in which he

15 f

From Ancient

According to World Religions:

lived.

from 628-551 B.C. or

Zoroaster lived

BCE

"Recent Parsi tradition dates him around 6,000 but

date

this

is

an

[before Christian era]

not accepted by any Western academic.

BCE

around the 6th century suggests

History to the Present,

Dictionary of Religions says,

earlier.

earlier

Encyclopedia Britannica

5

1700-1400

of

date

Instead, a date

has been preferred although recent research

BCE

as

more

likely."

4

The

named

notes that even the ancient Greeks

dates

6 thousands of years apart. "The Avesta," the scriptures of Zoroastrianism,

"is

indeed our principal source for the doctrine of Zoroaster; on the subject of his

person and

birth,

his life

it is

comparatively reticent; with regard to his date of

absolutely silent.

is

it

13th section, or Spend Nask, which was

The

mainly consecrated to the description of

The

uncertainty of the dates

his life, has perished."

makes

it

difficult to

know

if

Zoroaster's

Veda means "sacred knowledge."

doctrines

came before

The Veda

are documents held to be divine revelation; their oldest parts date

the Veda or after.

from about the middle of the second millennium B.C. They form the core of Brahmanism, the system of

Brahman

religious

doctrines

and

of the

institutions

caste in Hinduism.

Originating with the Veda, the

Brahman

tradition developed into a

pantheistic concept involving the search for a unifying principle or single

this

constant

mental

The Veda maintain

Brahman.

called

spiritual reality

feelings, ideas,

states,

that our thoughts,

and even the soul are continuously changing;

movement proves

that

life

has

permanence. However, deep within existence, blossoms, ripens, withers, and dies,

no absolute

like the

or

stability

seed or core within a

a timeless Being called

sat,

which never changes. "We have the direct experience, however vague, of

this

fruit as

it

lies

being in the uttermost depths of our existence: "We feel that we

am one

and the same person yesterday, today, and the day

are."

1

"For

after, the

I

same

person from childhood to death, in spite of the changes." 8 The individual's experience of the ultimate self and ground of his existence

Atman the Veda

ultimate that

is

is

is

'breath,' but

self,

or

is

called Atman.

a Sanskrit word, the earlier meaning of which according to

Atman,

whose

later

meaning

in the individual

is

is

'soul'

or 'the absolute.' This

an ever-abiding, timeless being

"smaller than the small and greater than the great," 9 and

is

stable.

"

16

The Ultimate Being is not an unconscious, unintelligent Being, but is awareness (chit) itself. The essential nature of being is Love (ananda), a love which is the root of all joy, peace, and bliss. Who indeed would move, would breathe, if there were not this ananda buried deep within every heart? For He alone makes life joyous and happy, and blissful and loving.

The Atman,

the Ultimate Self in man, is pure Being awareness (chit) and Love (ananda). Timeless and spaceless the Ultimate Being is only one being -one Atman in all individuals. This experience of the one Being has been reported by many true seers in other parts of the world, who have been vaguely called Mystics or Sufis. 10 (sat), objectless

According to the Veda, the whole universe is

always present and gives birth to

manner somewhat

like

countless numbers." 11

Atman

one, and the one

of a single vital cell

that

The Atman marches away from

appearance as the physical mold.

is

is

Atman

Atman does

"This the

all things.

in a

multiplying itself into his true state until his

reached and becomes trapped

in

man's physical

then becomes forgetful of himself and becomes the limited

the individual ego.

The

out this lost vision.

The

ego, the limited

"I,"

"I,"

therefore, begins again to seek

no longer appear

vision can, however,

as a whole,

but has buried within himself not only Atman, but also the previous states.

The universe produced from

Atman

the one undivided

is

thus a unified

system, a mighty organism in which the inmost nucleus and pervading Spirit

and Self

is

the one abiding Being.

The Atman

lies

universe; there can be no division in the Being,

within each particle of the

no

real limitation to

him

in

space, time, or any other way.

why the Hindu maintains that the Vedic seers nothing but the simple truth when they declare that they perceived life and awareness in and behind every part and phenomenon of nature, visible and invisible. The seers called each manifestation a Deva. The Devas, crudely and incorrectly interpreted as "Gods, " but more properly "angels, are thus not mere personifications of nature and its phenomena, but the very Spirit and Self of the Universe seen through Nature's forms as through a prism. 12 This

were

is

telling

While the doctrines of Brahmanism are monistic (based on the concept of oneness) those of Zoroaster propose the

finest

teachers

of

the

philosophers and writers. 14

people to

live

East,

He

is

greatly

1 "duality." ^

influenced

said to have

Zoroaster, one of the

early

Greek

withdrawn himself from

alone upon a mountain. After a long period of contemplative

17

he received an inward

solitude,

to seek the amelioration of

call

Zoroaster's teachings have

Gathas.

15

addressed to him by God,

mankind and

come down

his doctrine

Zoroaster, with

chose him

ruin.

to us in seventeen

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica,

in the old Iranian, or Aryan, folk religion.

who

from

their deliverance

hymns, The

was rooted inherent

all his

Iranian national character, shows his strong faith, boldness, and energy

His thinking

through his teachings.

His form of expression

practical.

is

consecutive,

is

and

self-restrained

tangible and concrete; his system

is

constructed on a clearly conceived plan and stands on a high moral level, and

must have been a great advance

in

human

civilization.

Zoroastrianism has a strong social ethic and, in contrast to Hinduism,

an essentially life,

However, although work

activist one.

is

viewed as the

salt

of

a person expresses his character not only with what he does and says but

People must "overcome doubts and unrighteous

also with his thoughts.

desires with reason,

overcome greed with contentment, anger with

envy with benevolence, want with vigilance, truth."

16

His basic teaching

serenity,

with peace, falsehood with

strife

is:

"Rightful deed, rightful thought, and rightful speech."

According to Zoroaster, when the world began there existed two spirits

who

creative

represented the

power

the Evil}

that manifested itself positively in

Ahura Mazda

other.

Good and

is

light

and

life,

and creates

the ethical world of law, order, and truth.

darkness, spirits

filth,

death, and produces

Both

spirits

possessed

one and negatively

all

that

is

story of

God's

conflict with the Devil.

confession

of faith,

continually keeping his

(devil), is

world.

The two

is

evil in the

spirit is

Thus, Zoroaster's religion

The

battlefield

is

man's

by every good thought, word,

soul.

is

the

By

a

and deed, by

body and soul pure, man reduces the power of Satan

and strengthens the might of goodness; he thus has the power

Ahriman and

to establish a claim for

by every

deed, word, and thought,

evil

in

His antithesis, Ahriman

that

religion.

in the

pure and good

counterbalance each other. The ultimate triumph of the good

an ethical demand of Zoroaster's

true

all

1

corrupted and defiled increasing

evil

to defeat

reward upon Ahura Mazda. Conversely

man

allows his body and soul to be

and rendering service to Satan.

18

The Zoroastrians worshiped

fire as

a symbol and son oiAhura Mazda.

Neither the sun nor unbelieving eyes must see the a fire-temple.

When

as a sign of respect

the Parsis (Persians)

and

their foreheads are

visit

fire,

the

and

fire,

it is

preserved in

they kneel and

marked with the ash

as a

bow

symbol

of humility and equality.

The still

influence of Zoroaster has been felt since ancient times and

evident in

modern

religion

and philosophy.

Despite the small number of practicing Zoroastrians in the world today (just over 125,000 in India and, according to a 1976 in Iran), Iranian religion, census, especially 25,000 Zoroastrianism, has in fact played one of the major roles on Zoroaster was much the stage of world religious history. respected in Greece at the time of Plato, and the worship of 18 Mithras spread throughout the Roman Empire as far as Turning to the East, Iranian art and northern England. religion has long been a source of influence for India. Worship of Mithras spread from Iran to the Magas of India in the 6th century and later, but before that, Zoroastrianism may well have stimulated the growth of a savior concept in Buddhism, in the form of Maitreya Buddha. Iran has played a particularly important role in the religion of Islam, helping it develop from an Arab religion into an international religion. The growth of the mystical movement, the Sufis, and the savior concept may owe a lot to Iranian influence. Perhaps Iran's greatest influence has been on the development of Judeo-Christian belief. It is widely accepted by biblical scholars that the later Jewish concepts of the devil, hell, the afterlife, the resurrection, the end of the world, and the savior imagery -the very foundation of Christianity -were all colored by Zoroastrian beliefs. Theologically as well as geographically, Iran, the bridge between the East and West, has contributed immensely 19 to the world's religions.

is

19

CHAPTER TWO ENDNOTES 1. Upanishads, "to sit near (the master)," a series of 108 mystical texts that are the basis of the six systems of Hindu philosophy. The Upanishads form the concluding portion of the Veda, the sacred texts of Hinduism. The early sections of the Upanishads were composed in the 8th century B.C. but the later parts are of a more recent date. The Encyclopedia International, p. 158.

The Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, who ruled Germany, used the word "Aryans" to mean Germans and certain other peoples of Northern Europe. He claimed that the Germans were the purest Aryans and therefore superior to all other peoples. Hitler used his ideas about Aryan supremacy to justify the killing of millions of Jews, Gypsies and other "non-Aryans."

2.

3.

Parrinder, Geoffrey, World Religions: on File Publications, New York,

Present, Facts 4.

From Ancient

New York,

John R. Hinnells, Dictionary of Religions,

History to the 1971, p. 177.

p. 361.

Hermodorus and Hermippus of Smyrna place him 5,000 years before the Trojan War; Xanthus, 6,000 years before Xeres, Eudoxus and Aristotle, 6,000 years before the death of Plato. Agathias remarks (ii 24), truthfully, that it is no longer possible to determine with any certainty when he lived and legislated, p. 1040.

5.

have been revealed in Only 17 hymns, the Gathas, can, however, be attributed to him. Some parts of Avesta, notably some ancients hymns, Yashts, are substantially pre-Zoroastrian in origin. John R. Hinnells, ed. Dictionary of Religions, Penguin Books, Ltd., Harmondsworth, England, 1984, 6.

These scriptures were

traditionally believed to

their entirety to Zoroaster.

p. 57.

Chatterji, J. C. Publishing House, 1973, 7.

8.

Ibid., p. 15.

9.

Ibid.,

p. 17.

10.

Ibid.,

pp. 18-19.

11.

Ibid., p. 62.

The

Wisdom of

the

Vedas,

The Theosophical

p. 16.

Ibid., p. 68. (During my research of Brahmanism, I found no trace of the caste system, nor the importance of cattle; in fact, at this early date, even cattle were sacrificed. How did the cow become scared? It was quite disappointing to find and follow the distortion of these excellent principles throughout the ages. The existing schools based on these principles seem to me to be bad examples of their originators.) 12.

20

There is much controversy over the dates of Zoroaster, but the fact Zoroastrianism proposes a "concept of duality" may suggest that Zoroaster dates prior to the doctrine of Hinduism, and those of the Veda. 13.

that

Nietszche, the 19th-century German philosopher, even entitled one 14. of his works "Thus spoke Zarathustra".

Gathas are also known as "Manthras," which means "sacred words" in 15. Zoroastrianism. This could also be the origin of "Mantras" practiced by the Yogis, of which we find no evidence in the doctrines of the Buddha. 16.

Aehner, Councils of Ancient Sages, Teachings,

p. 25.

17. This bears similarity to the philosophy of Heraclitus, the philosopher, and we see how Zoroaster has influenced his thinking.

Greek

18. Mithras was a popular God worshiped by citizens of the Roman Empire from the 2nd to the 5th century BCE. He was an Indo-Iranian deity and he was worshiped both in Hinduism and Zoroastrianism. Hinnels, p.

216. 19.

Parrinder, p. 191.

CHAPTER THREE BUDDHISM Just

this I

sorrow

have taught and do teach, and the ending of sorrow. The Buddha

Buddhism

preserves latter

its

scriptures in Sanskrit, Chinese

language. In India, Buddhisim lost

its

identity

and Japanese, and Tibetan

one thousand years ago.

who were

Unlike most sages of 6th century B.C. India,

Brahman

(priest) caste of

belonged to the warrior religion,

Aryan

caste.

society,

Buddha

(also

known

Brahmanism then held a

of the

as Siddhartha)

sort of

monopoly

in

and therefore condemned the Buddha's doctrine as unorthodox.

The young

prince

behind

former

his

Buddha life

is

said to have fled into the wilderness, leaving

of luxury as a prince.

After years of meditation, he

claimed that mystical realization of liberation from the mundane attained by realize

two main

The former

sacred literature in the deed Indian language, Pali, while the

its

has

divisible philosophically into

is

southern and northern schools of Buddhism.

the

parts:

The Buddist world, which has included

originated in India.

the whole of Asia east of Iran,

means

liberation,

"Nibbana"

of knowledge

and compassion.

which the Buddhists

call

He

life

could be

claimed one might

"Nirvana"

(in

Sanskrit)

or

(in Pali).

Doubts

exist as to

how much

of the

oldest of the Buddhist canonical writings

Buddhism contained

in

even the

was actually the teaching of the

22

Buddha.

historical

School, claims that

The Theravada, its

Canon

Pali

spoken by Buddha.

actually

the only surviving sect of the Southern

contains the original doctrines in words

However,

its

books were not committed

to

Buddha began

to

writing until the 1st century B.C., five hundred years after

(These words had been passed down orally through some

teach.

15

generations of teachers and pupils in collections of recitations called sutras (Sanskrit)

or suttas

(Pali).

One can imagine

the

shifts

in

individual

mention the many dialect changes, that the original

interpretations, not to

language must have gone through, and the loss that those teachings have suffered in their translations into other languages).

We

do not have any proof that Buddha's teachings were recorded

during his lifetime.

hundred years

later

It is

were

possible that original

and

transformed, since they were handed not

know how much

some

it is

of the doctrines presented five

also possible that they

down

The

orally 15 times.

of the existing doctrines attributed to

were wholly fact

is

Buddha

we do

are his

actual words.

The Bible was Christ himself.

also written by the disciples of Jesus

In fact, the only

doctrines of the prophet

Mohammad

is

Holy Book

the Koran.

It is

himself dictated those doctrines to Hazrat Ali, as he received

mean

that the

and misinterpretation.

Koran has not been subjected

To

truly

his lifetime.

This

to misunderstanding

Always, words can be misleading, and in order to

understand the doctrines of the prophets, doctrines.

original

a well-known that the prophet

them inwardly, the words of which were written during does not

and not by Jesus

that contains the

we need

to

understand the doctrines of Buddha,

experience those

we need

to

have

followed him into the forest and experienced everything that he did and only

then

we would know and understand what he meant by knowledge and

compassion as the means of liberation. The terms levels.

If

Buddha to

we have

exist

on so many

different

not experienced the "compassion" and "knowledge" that

teaches, those doctrines will be changed

and transformed according

our individual the experience. Like the words knowledge and compassion, the word fun can be used

to define experiences that differ with every individual.

consider fun

may be

quite the opposite to another.

What one person

Similarly,

when two

23

people look at the same scene, what they perceive Perception

same.

is

is

not necessarily the

a puzzle;

like solving

we

piece together assorted clues to form a

comprehensive internal picture, and gain an acceptable version of

We

mere

and other impulses from the external world.

registration of light, sound,

Perceiving

is

a complex process extending far beyond the

perceive not only with our eyes, but with the whole person that

reality.

we

are:

our past experiences, our present state of mind, our memories, dreams, and

We see what we want to see. A green, lively garden may seem quite man sentenced to death, who has but an hour to live, than to a

desires.

different to a

prisoner

who

has a lifetime sentence, a poet, or a child.

Words, especially those representing large concepts such as knowledge and compassion, oblige us to use our experiences and memories

What

sense of them.

I

may understand

understanding of Buddha, but experience.

will

Our understanding

reality.

make

be ray interpretation according to

of the Scriptures, even

were written by the prophet himself, experienced their

to

not be the

of passion will

is

if

limited because

still

my

those doctrines

we have

not

But somehow we have to retrace Buddha's every

step to reach the salvation he

was pointing

to.

Buddha's doctrines we have to become Buddha.

In order to understand

We

doctrines, so that they will lead us to true understanding.

must practice

Buddha

his

represents

a stage of awareness and a stage in religion, just like Moses, Christ, and

Mohammad. According to the dictionary of proper name;

means

it

'enlightened' or 'awakened,' the state of having direct

true nature of things, or truth.

he

who

sees the

Buddha

The prophets Message

that

not a

of

God

it

knowledge of the

is

a Buddhist way of expressing

1 it.'"

They have brought a Holy

are Messengers.

must be heard and acted upon, a divine Message, a revelation,

The Messenger who

wayfarers, the ones

brings the

who want

to set out

harmony with

Message

will

their state of

prepare the way for the

on the path of

the Messenger and their guide to the mystical the Bible:

is

'He who sees the truth sees the Buddha, and

sees the truth,

a mystical experience of Truth, in complete being.

"The word Buddha

religions:

denotes a state of being. In the classical language of India

self

Kingdom

knowledge.

of Truth.

He

is

We read in

24

Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

(Mark

The Messengers after their death

worship.

and

God

of

idols to

are not fixed symbols

be placed

Each Messenger represents a

in churches,

1:2)

who become

heroes

temples and mosques for

stage or a part of self-knowledge, that

must be attained and experienced by those who hear them. According to Buddhist philosophy, the Buddha-nature

The

kinds.

hood. The second

is

sambhoga-kaya, the truth

The

the non-mortal realm.

third

is

One example

of such manifestation

India in the 6th century B.C. there have been will

of three

in the

realm of

many such

celestial bliss,

nirvana-kaya, the form assumed by

Buddha-nature, when a historical manifestation occurs, life.

is

dharma-kaya, the pure and absolute essence of Buddha-

first is

form of human

in the

Siddhartha Gotama,

is

who

According to Buddhist thought of

lived in

all

schools

manifestations in the course of history, and there

be many more, any person who would attain that stage of Buddha-hood.

This

any

true of

is

"Where

read:

other,

I

prophets and the stages each represent.

all

you may be also" 2 and

am

I

hear

angelic

the

voice."

representing Christianity and Hazrat that they are people just like us

have

just said, this

which

is

human

in the 3

Koran

Both

Mohammad

possible,

Christ

is

is

Mohammad

prophets- Jesus

Christ

an exalted state of being one

will

never accept that

did, denies

is

perhaps the

religion. it

is

possible to

any real relationship with

Son of God

is

The

Christian priest's insistence that Jesus

also denying the

same

possible experiences.

the words of the prophet claim otherwise.

But

we like

and that such an experience by any other than the prophet

forbidden by God.

the

man

and where they are we can also be. What we

capability, to reach

However, the Muslim Mullah

is

but a

compatible to the prophets and Messengers of Truth,

experience what Hazrat

God

In the Bible

am

representing Islam -claim

most important and the most misunderstood doctrine of

himself

"I

to all

who

received him,

who

believed in his name,

He

gave power to become children of God; Who were born not of blood nor of will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but for

God. (John 1:10-14)

But

/ 25

we

In fact equally,

and

are

and to unite with

God

The message

God

the cnildren of

all

God.

God

has created mankind

can set foot on the path of self-discovery to find the Truth

all

the merciful or the Father in Heaven.

of

God

man

to

"Know

is

The Messengers

Thyself."

of

represent a certain stage of this total self-awareness that each individual

must reach with the help of the one who

The

stage

first

is

will

show the way.

perhaps represented by Zoroaster, for his basic

doctrines, "Rightful deed, Rightful thought

steps towards inner purity, growth,

and Rightful speech," are the

first

and the acquisition of wisdom. The gates

of knowledge will never open unto impure hearts, the great Sufi teacher of

Nader Angha, explains

the time, Hazrat Salaheddin Ali

in the

book of

his

Massnavi:

The heart totally delivered from impurity, Will commence the journey to discovery.

BUDDHA 'S DOCTRINE AND THE RESURRECTION OF THE SOUL After Zoroastrianism, the next page of religion takes us to the doctrines of

Buddha and

his

Buddha including

human

These

beings.

Impersonality, unsubstantiality.

(2)

Impermanence, change.

(3)

Imperfection, sorrow. is

a cornerstone of Buddhist theory. "Just

teach," declared

Buddha,

The Indian-Hindu and essentially unsatisfactory

"sorrow,

Jain,

and

and pain. Hinayan 4 Buddhism,

the

well

as

like other

existence of suffering in

Four Noble Truths, which (1)

That

life is

(2)

That

this

attachment;

that lives,

all

life,

this I

have thought

the ending of sorrow." as

the

Buddhist,

and imperfect; each recognizes

from the world of sorrow primarily through

The

and

life

are:

(1)

Sorrow and do

Message. said three characteristics condition

life full

find

life

of sorrow

Indian religions, aimed at release liberation or

Nibbana.

according to Buddha,

is

the

first

of

are:

subject to sorrow;

sorrow

is

caused by ignorance, which results in desire-

26

That

(3)

sorrow can be eliminated by the elimination of

this

desire-attachment;

That the way to eliminate desire-attachment

(4)

is

to follow the

Eight-fold path.

The

sections of the

Right

(1)

Noble Eight-fold Path Seeing

Views:

life

as

are: is,

it

in

accord

with

the

fundamental Three Characteristics and appreciating the Four Truths; Being motivated by friendly thoughts,

Right Mindedness:

(2)

without prejudice, toward one's fellow

forms of sentient

beings and toward

other

all

Speaking kindly and truthfully and narrating

Right Speech:

(3)

human

life;

incidents accurately;

Acting

Right Action:

(4)

skillfully

and sympathetically while

avoiding vain or violent effort;

Right Livelihood:

(5)

Practicing a

means of

does not

living that

cause oneself or others to infringe on lawful morality; (6)

Right Endeavor:

and rejecting

Self-perfection by avoiding

ignoble qualities, while acquiring and fostering noble qualities; (7)

Right Mindfulness:

The

awareness and compassion, resulting (8)

Right

intellectual intuition,

According philosophy of

Concentration:

cultivation

in self-reliance

and practice of

culminating

Contemplation

in

and wisdom. the

to

written

life is this; in

teachings,

a

summary

Buddha's

of

order to attain Nibbana, or liberation,

we must

escape the "wheel of becoming" -the process of birth and death -for continue as long as our material desires attach us to the world.

Buddha meant by

self-

and equanimity, and;

this

this will

What

has remained very obscure throughout the ages and

has caused the greatest misunderstanding of his doctrines, for this message has

been misconstrued

reincarnation

body and

means

as

"reincarnation."

that once a person dies, he

As we is

define

it

today,

born again into another

to another set of parents, living the life he deserves according to his

actions in the past lifetime; this cycle continues until he

However, the

life

becomes pure.

and birth that Buddha describes does not take place within

/

27

the material world, as

who have

the

is

common belief of the

Buddhist and many others

on the

blindly accepted such a concept as "reincarnation," almost

The

basis of childish fantasy.

life

and birth

the body and the physical mold; instead,

it

in question has little to

do with

takes place in the soul.

Let us

explain this further according to Sufi discipline.

As our consciousness grows and expands,

inferior stages of

die,

and we are born into a more superior

life

following each death signifies a stage of growth.

person's soul

awakened and

is

body and

In the final stage, a

body bind him no longer.

desires of his

be taken care

to

knowledge

knowledge. The new

born into heaven where he acquires

is

The

knowledge of the unseen. Although the body has

state of inner

soul. In all religious scriptures,

he

of,

is

no longer

just a body, but

begins only at this point. 5 This

"life"

resurrection and awakening should take place during one lifetime and not in

numbers and

infinite

change,

it

becomes

cycles.

eternal; death can

the prophets refer

all

arise. rise

Resurrection

is

Kingdom

the soul

is

released from constant flux and earthly

when

all

is

attachments and

the resurrection that

graves spring open and the dead

not for dead bones, but for the living soul.

bound

is

of

its

no longer threaten. This

not a day

to,

from the material

depends on or the

Once

delivered and liberated from

is

stage,

to the material.

Heaven

One

has to

which means that one's existence no longer It is

a holy rebirth that takes place in

as Jesus Christ instructs

and must take place before

death of the body. Similarly, a fetus, while in the mother's

organs and

all

that

it

needs for

life in

does not use them in the womb, he

mouth;

his

is

womb,

acquires limbs and

the material world; and although he

developing them.

nourishment comes from a different source.

He does not need a He does not need

preparing for the next stage in which he will need

lungs or legs or arms; he

is

to live a different

the fetus has not developed the right and necessary

means of

life

life.

If

outside the

womb, he cannot

return to the

incomplete and unable to survive at birth; incomplete

womb. He

he does, he

will

will live

be

an

life.

Whatever It

if

is

to

be achieved

is

achieved during one's material lifetime.

does not matter what shape your body

is

or in which environment and

under which circumstances or in which country you

live,

whether you are

28

makes no

poor or

rich,

enough

that even a prince can give

it

The question

liberation.

The

difference.

life

of

Buddha should be evidence

up the material

for the sake of the soul's

does one want liberation; does one feel

is:

imprisoned by the senses and the limited material world and desire to free himself of worldly and temporary attachments and develop the eternal life?

If

enough? And second, with regards absurd

is

to think

And

animal!

means

for

he does, shouldn't seventy years, an average lifetime be long

what the

third,

spirit

to reincarnation,

of

what happens

man to

what seems even more

could attain in the form of an

one's experiences,

memories and

knowledge, those that one has acquired during one's lifetime?

Perhaps the interpretations of Zen from Buddhism, that translates the "Sudden Awakening"

is

more

in line with the teachings of the

to

Buddha.

Again, in the Massnavi, Ravayeh Hazrat Salaheddin says: of the mysteries of the journey to God thou be, The untimely sleep from the friend has stolen thee.

Unaware spell of Is it

because we do not want to be responsible for our actions, that many of

us choose to believe resurrection must wait until after death, or that

be born again and again looking.

there

is

It is

until

we become

pure.

make our it,

break within

is

to

worry as one

will just

be born again.

lives easier in a superficial

to suit

we

shall

a very simple way of

the least threatening, and does not oblige us to

no need

changed the early doctrines of many religions

deny

This

We

do anything,

seem

to

have

our material desires, to

way. But no matter

how much we

try to

the soul, trapped within the body like a bird within a cage, yearns to

free,

and we have but one

its shell,

never be seen It is

if

this

lifetime in

which to

let

it fly.

Like a pearl

the soul shines and waits within us to be discovered, and will

we do

not expend the effort necessary to find

it.

misunderstanding of the original doctrines that causes the

existing misconceptions referred to earlier; these are the cause of differences

between the

religions,

The words and and

people are fighting over food they have never tasted.

the teachings of the prophets (Zoroaster, Buddha, Moses,

Mohammad)

are in accordance with one

another, but they

represent different stages of the liberation of the soul.

Misunderstanding

Jesus,

between different

religions throughout history,

still

a problem today, are not

29

caused by differences within the original doctrines but by differences of interpretation.

As we read

the

New Testament

of the Bible:

Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not a dot will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in 6 the Kingdom of Heaven.

Does what we have

read

just

seem

like

a contradiction or

a

continuation of the Zoroastrian and Buddhist doctrines

we have examined?

The Koran of the Muslims

and many

also includes these doctrines

like

them,

honoring the prophets that have come before and seeking to unite the doctrines in their final stage: "the Seventh heaven."

Out of many quotations similarity

between the

in the

doctrines,

I

Koran

1

that unite all religions

and show

have chosen the following two:

Do

they seek

For other than the Religion of God? While all creatures In the heavens and on earth Have, willing or unwilling, Bowed to His Will And to him shall they All be brought back.

"We believe in God, what has been revealed to us And what was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, And in (the Books) Given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, Say,

And

in

From

their Lord:

We make

no distinction

Between one and another among them

And The

God do we bow

our

will (in Islam).

9

liberation of the soul, according to Islamic Sufism,

seven stages; Islam,

from the mundane liberation.

to

is its

life,"

"Just this

I

final stage.

is

achieved in

"The mystical realization of liberation

according to Buddha,

is

only the

first

stage of this

have taught and do teach," declared Buddha, "Sorrow,

and the ending of sorrow." This release from the Buddhist world of sorrow

is

30

the primary step toward the true knowledge of and unity with God.

prophets

who

or Nirvana

follow

up

In the

Buddha

will represent the progressive stages in

The

Nibbana

to the attainment of total liberation.

book Nirvan which

is

a description of the journey of man's soul

to salvation through different stages, the last stage that

surrender to Truth,

is

Maghsoud: "On the seventh

day,

man was housed

of hope echoed in the infinite existence: eternal.' Nirvan,

is

Islam,

meaning

thus described by the Sufi Master Hazrat Shah

who had

left

lost his identity in the infinite,

in the

'Nonentity

is

Empyrean. not,

A sound

and existence

the world of appearances, thrust

away the

is

dust,

and regained peace." 10

Nirvana, according to the Buddhists, derives from nir-va, meaning "to

bow." Buddhist texts compare the attainment of Nirvana to the wind blowing out the flame. While Nirvana can be said to be the annihilation of ignorance

and

sorrow,

annihilation.

that

it

Buddhists

cannot even be

Hinayanists equate is

Nibbana."

emphatically

Mahayanists 11 describe

it

When

it

named "The One,"

deny

that

Pari-Nirvana

as Tathata, or "suchness,"

since

it is

means

and claim

not distinct from anything.

with cessation, holding that "the cessation of becoming

urged to speak more, Buddha replied, "No measure

measures him who has

reached

immeasurable measured?

No words

the

Goal;

by what

measure

describe the indescribable."

is

the

31

CHAPTER THREE ENDNOTES 1.

John R. Hinnells, Dictionary of Religions, Penguin Books

2.

John

3.

Koran S.XVIII.

4.

Yana

A

1984,. p. 69.

14:3.

Sanskrit

110.

word made up of two parts: Hina (low or inferior) and means of salvation). The combination of these two was

(a vehicle or

MAHAY

applied by a Buddhist school of thought that called itself ANA, i.e., 'great or superior means of salvation' -superior, that is, to the eighteen other Buddhist schools, Hinnels, p. 148.

The notion of being "born again" is also found in Christian doctrine. "Except a man be bom again he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). This rebirth is an awakening, says Paul: "Awake, thou that steepest and arise 5.

from dead" 6.

Matthew

5:17-19.

7. There are seven stages that the disciple (salek) must pass through before achieving true self-knowledge and cognition of God. These are: seeking, love, knowledge, contempt, unity, wonder, and the finally poverty

and annihilation. 8.

Ibid.,

S.III.83. p. 145.

9.

Ibid.,

S.III.84.

10.

1986,

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, Nirvan, University Press of America,

Lanham MD,

20706,

p. 36.

Mahayana; a development of thought and practice within Buddhism from about the first century CE. Hinnells, Dictionary of Religions, p. 197. 11.

CHAPTER FOUR BUDDHIST AND HINDU MEDITATION The gates of heaven will not open on to those who mortify themselves. Hazrat Salaheddin Ali Nader Angha

The

Buddhist

known

meditation,

as

derives

yoga,

from

the

understanding of Buddha's doctrines.

Yoga Philosophy

The word yoga

describes

primarily for the realization of

be used for such processes.

God

the

disciplines

self-development,

for

by direct experience. But yoga

lesser ends as the control of natural forces

may

also

and physiological

"Yoga" comes from the Sanskrit root "yuj" meaning "to yoke" the

individual self with the Divine.

One who

practices yoga

is

called a yogi.

The States of Yoga

The

eight successive steps of yoga are given in Sanskrit to emphasize

that there are

no exact English equivalents

to the

deeper meanings of these

terms, the meanings which are discovered in experience. (1)

Yama

(2)

Niyama

is

the exclusion of evil actions, that is

is,

self-control.

the regular and complete observance of moral rules.

34

(3)

in

Asana means

which the worshiper

on a

sits

(4)

Pranayama

(5)

Pratyhara

(6)

Dharana

is

is

posture; the most famous

is

the "Lotus Posture"

with feet placed soles up on the opposite thigh. the practice of controlled breathing.

the restraint of the senses.

refers to steadying the

mind by intense concentration

single object. (7)

Dhyana

(8)

Samadhi

is

deep meditation.

is

the attainment of pure consciousness at the highest

The samadhi experience

level of one's being.

is

overwhelming and not

definable.

Meditation plays an important part in the practice of Buddhism. said to help improve

wisdom.

It is

and perfect character and stimulate intuition and

Buddhist meditation begins with simple breathing exercises; by

learning to control one's breathing, one learns to calm and, ultimately, to

With the body under

control the body.

control, the

important task of controlling the mind follows.

more

controlled and purified, the character can be perfected; then intuition mature, until finally mystical realization

In Buddhist meditation,

The wisdom

outside world.

it is

is

the individual

that enables

one

difficult

and

With one's thoughts

wisdom and

won.

who must

change, not the

to accomplish this should not

be

confused with factual knowledge, such as that acquired by conventional education.

Rational thinking and reasoning can be obstacles to wisdom,

because attainment

Buddha

insisted

is

that

essentially a process of passing

beyond the mind.

knowledge must be tempered with kindness and

understanding; neither knowledge nor compassion alone ensures perfection. In the southern school of Buddhism, the science of meditation has

three principle groups of exercises: (1)

Contemplation

of

the

Four

Sublime

States

of

Mind:

Benevolence, Compassion, Sympathy, and Equanimity. (2)

Practice of the Four Applications of Mindfulness:

exercises involve concentration states of mind,

upon

one's body, one's sensations,

and one's mental conceptions.

These one's

35 f

Absorption in the Material and Immaterial Spheres: The most

(3)

important exercise of

all,

contemplation of four material and

this involves

four immaterial spheres. Meditation on the objects of form results in a state of tranquility within the

mind and the

contemplation

the

involve

of

senses. Meditation

space,

infinite

on formless

unlimited

objects

consciousness,

emptiness, and neither perception nor non-perception.

However, although the word yoga means union with the divine and practice according to the teachings of attaining Nirvana, the

programs offered

physical nature, concentrating physical exercises

Buddha should lead in

yoga classes today are mostly of a

on the health and beauty of the body through

and a vegetarian

diet.

The Yogi

is

so concerned with

he eats because, strangely, he believes that he becomes what he food the

spirit

or soul needs

its

to salvation or

is

eats.

what

But the

not the solid food the body needs for

its

chemical functions. The food of the soul must be of another kind, one that

must be

in

harmony with the

Some

subtle state of the soul.

yogis not only eliminate animal protein

follow an extreme regimen of near starvation.

open on

to those

who

mortify themselves."

1

from

their diets but also

"The gates of heaven

Although

it is

and extraordinary how much control they are able to gain over through severe discipline, of the

body

balanced will

is

diet.

their bodies

not the purpose of meditation.

this is

will not

quite admirable

The

health

very important and one should strive to maintain this through a

However, the training and the maintenance of the body alone

not lead one toward Nirvana. In classes teaching Buddhist meditation,

meditation (known as T.M.), the

method

especially transcendental

of long hours of chanting

is

used for

the purpose of self-discipline and the training of the body and the mind.

The

given words or phrases, which must be repeated continuously, are called mantras. In Concentration, "I

An Approach

to Meditation,

Earnest

Wood

states,

have recently read in one of the Upanishads the recommendation that a

certain 16-syllabled

commentator

mantra should be repeated 35 million times, and one

offers the calculation that

it

can be done in twenty years

rate of about five thousand times each day, or eight times per

hours!"

2

The

idea, according to Earnest

Wood

is:

(1) the

at the

minute for ten

words help

to

keep

36

the

mind on the

effect

object they refer

to,

and

(2) their repetition or

rhythm has an

on the body. However, without going

to such

upon a word, repeating mantras may

an extreme

However,

as a preparatory step toward meditation.

concentration technique in

my

keep the mind fixed

to

serve as a technique for concentration I

would not use such a

because a word stands as a symbol for

classes,

a meaning. That the repeated words are of no significance and are repeated for

rhythm and

task.

I

effect are not reasons

many

find there are so

enough

for devoting long hours to the

more

other techniques of concentration

rewarding and effective than the repetition of meaningless words.

program

In the spring of 1989, a television

that

was broadcasted

San Diego discussing controversial issues regarding T.M. announced the

government of West Germany has issued

in

that

warning of ill effects

leaflets as

caused by T.M.

One "I

am

plus

that."

m.

It

mantra, however, "It is

said that

begins with

supposed

is

Om

is

a, the first articulation

mouth, goes through the middle sound

make, m. A, followed rapidly by

u.

well."

3

u,

forms

goes from the beginning to the end of

meanings of unity as

to

composed of a

we can make

and ends with the o,

all

Historically

Om, meaning

have a meaning:

a unique word, being

in the last

plus u

back of the

sound we can

and thus we have Om. Thus,

articulate sounds I

Om

and includes

all

have not found any record or

evidence of Buddha reciting and repeating mantras.

His meditation took

place in silence.

However, manthras, according "sacred

words" in Zoroastrianism.

Zoroaster, but the term

is

under the same context

in

to

the dictionary

Primarily

also used to refer to

Hinduism.

these all

The usage

of religions,

are

prayers.

are

the gathas

Mantras

of

exist

today, however, does not

have a religious connotation and a form of prayer, but the

utilizing

of

particular

sounds for their effects on the body and concentration,

as

mentioned

earlier by Earnest

Wood.

37

CHAPTER FOUR ENDNOTES 1

Molana Salaheddin

Ali

Nader Angha, the teacher of the school of

Islamic Sufism, Lectures.

Earnest Wood, Concentration, Theosophical Publishing House, Wheaton, 2.

3.

Ibid., p. 129.

An

Approach

Illinois,

to

1949, p. 123.

Meditation,

CHAPTER FIVE THE SPREAD OF BUDDHISM IN CHINA AND JAPAN There is much wisdom and most important of all is to achieve life.

Buddhism was introduced

China about A.D.

to

65,

where

it

was

patronized by some emperors, persecuted by others, and flourished in a

number

of sects.

Buddhism penetrated Japan around A.D.

In 1191, the

Zen

first

sect

was founded

Chinese Ch'an, Sanskrit Dhyana, Pali

means meditation.) The because

its

flavor

is

origins of

//zarca

Zen

- in

are as

so peculiarly Chinese,

in Japan.

it

all

55.

(Japanese Zen-na,

four languages, the

much

may be

word

Taoist as Buddhist and, best to inquire into

its

Chinese ancestry.

Three years

of

major role

religions have played a

history.

They

are

Confucianism,

in China's three

Taoism

and

thousand

Buddhism.

Confucianism and Taoism are indigenous to China. They had both been existence for India.

some

five

But even before the

religion (from

in

hundred years before Buddhism was introduced from rise of

Confucianism and Taoism, an earlier

which both Confucianism and Taoism each

in

its

own way

grew) had held sway in China for nearly a thousand years. Religion in China

had thus a history extending over a millennium and a half before

were challenged by a foreign

So powerful was of

Buddhism

to China,

this

its

notions

tradition.

indigenous tradition that, after the introduction

Buddhism became

increasingly Chinese in character.

40

Purely Chinese schools of Buddhism were born. But again, so influential was the

impact

thought and

of Indian

philosophy

that

Buddhism began

and

Confucianism

an

play

to

philosophy. Several schools of

upon Chinese minds and

religion

Taoism

underwent

also

important

increasingly

Buddhism were brought

to

and several more were developed by the Chinese. In

all,

change.

Chinese

in

China from

India,

there were

some

The most

significant

While originating

in certain

thirteen major schools originating from Buddhism.

Chinese contribution was the Ch'an school.

role

teachings of Buddha, Ch'an was, for the most part, the philosophic-religious

Buddhism with a

creation:

distinctly Taoist accent.

philosophy, the Ch'an school transformed practical form.

The Chinese approach

to

Buddhism Buddhism

universal over individual salvation. Historically, fulfillment of long traditions of Indian

much more Chinese than

cultures

culture, but

it is

as the

actually

Zen Buddhism

has rooted

itself

deeply and

in the culture of Japan, as the fruition of all three great

However,

Zen Buddhism

and more

stresses the doctrine of

Zen may be regarded

and Chinese

and as a unique and peculiarly

liberation.

a part of Chinese

Indian.

Since the 12th century,

most creatively

As

to a simpler

as

we

instructive

example of a way to

are about to see, by the time

has shifted a long way from

and powerful doctrines of the Veda,

its

it

reaches Japan,

true source, the magnificent

at the core of

Hinduism.

Zen Buddhism

The Zen understanding from

India's,

This

is

one of the most

Suzuki,

1

of the doctrines of

Buddha

differs

somewhat

mainly because of the simpler approach of Zen. "What difficult

the greatest authority on

according to Suzuki, evades

all

is

Zen?

questions to answer," says Daisetz Teitaro

Zen Buddhism. The

definition

significance of Zen,

and explanation. Zen can not be

converted into ideas and can never be described in logical terms.

Zen

practice

is

derived from the awakening experience of Buddha,

which took place suddenly one night as he

sat

after seven years of meditation in the forest.

and

all

verbal doctrine

experience

itself.

is

Buddha

under the Bodhi Tree

This event

is

at

Gaya

the height of Zen,

secondary to the wordless transmission of the is

said to have transmitted this

awakening

to his

41

chief disciple, Mahakasyapa, by holding

up a flower and remaining

silent.

"Thus from the standpoint of Zen," says Alan Watts, "Buddha never spoke a word," despite the volumes of scriptures attributed to him.

Buddha's real

message always remained unspoken because words could never explain them." 2

Zen

has a famous saying:

Those who know do not speakthose who speak do not know. This "noble silence," along with the Four Noble Truths (listed in ch. 4),

summarize Buddha's doctrines according

mistrusts the intellect

Zen

suggests a

kind of slavery,

new

rely

on

to

Zen

traditional

practitioners.

Zen

methods of reasoning.

point of view; seeing conventional ways of thinking as a

Zen masters urge

practitioners there logic.

and does not

is

"A flower is not

no

red,

Zen awakening

nor

is

the willow green.

occurs

To

us to break away from logic.

logic in the actual living of

life,

for life

is

the

Zen

superior to

"4

immediately and

instantaneously

without

passing through preparatory stages. Nirvana cannot be approached by stages,

by the slow process of the accumulation of knowledge, but must be realized in a single flash of insight; in Japanese, the

"sudden awakening."

word of the experience

Zen emphasizes immediacy and

No

is satori,

naturalness:

thought, no reflection, no analysis

No

cultivation, let

Zen communication

is

it

no intention,

settle itself.

5

always "direct pointing":

Outside teaching; apart from tradition.

Not founded on words and

letters.

Pointing directly to the human mind. Seeing into one's nature and attaining Buddhahood. 6

The practice of Zen, however, is not a means to the end of awakening. The practice of Zen is not the true practice as long as it has an end in view, because to practice with an end in view is to have one eye on the practice and the other on the end, indicating lack of concentration and lack of sincerity. Zen practitioners claim that one does not practice Zen to become a Buddha. One practices it because one is a Buddha from the beginning and this original realization is the starting point of

Zen

life.

Zen

experience does not imply any specific course of action, but turns

without hesitation to anything that presents

itself to

be a

state of

mind

42

functioning without blocks, conflicts, or alternatives. consists of confronting the

without stopping to deliberate and choose.

must follow with the immediacy of sound are clapped or of sparks from a match

Koans are puzzles or

Much

of

Zen

dilemmas the student must learn

The response

issuing

when

training

to handle

to the situation

from the hands when they

struck.

These are called koans.

questions, which are intentionally misleading.

Koans as a whole are called wisteria vines or entanglements and particular groups are cunning barriers (kikan) and hard to Zen student does not really know Zen penetrate (nanto). unless he discovers it for himself. The Chinese proverb, "What comes in through the gate is not family treasure," is understood in Zen to mean that what someone else tells you is not your own knowledge. Satori comes only after one has exhausted one's thinking, only when one is convinced that the mind

A

cannot grasp

itself.

basic position of Zen is that it has nothing to say, nothing to teach, because the truth of Buddhism is so selfevident that it is, if anything, concealed by explaining it. Therefore, the master does not "help" the student in any way, since helping would actually be hindering. On the contrary, he goes out of his way to put obstacles and barriers in the student's path. The preliminary koan begins, therefore, to obstruct the student by sending him off in the direction exactly opposite from that in which he should look. The student is, in fact, encouraged to make a total fool of himself, to whirl around and around like a dog trying to catch up with its own tail.

The

Meditation Hall

The Western student might be today in Japan.

He will

find that

Zen

is

startled by

monastic

Zen

enforced with the big

as

it

exists

stick, involving

a disciplinary regimen somewhat similar to the old-fashioned British public school system.

Much importance is attached to the physical posture of Za-zen. The monks sit on firmly padded cushions with legs crossed and feet soles-upward upon the thighs. The hands rest upon the lap, and left over the right, with palms upward, and thumbs touching one another. The body is held erect, and the eyes are left open so that their gaze falls upon the floor a few feet ahead. While monks are thus seated, two attendants walk slowly back and forth along the floor between the platforms, each carrying a Svarning stick.' As soon as they see a monk

43

going to sleep or sitting in an incorrect posture, they stop before him and beat him on the shoulders.

The usual first koan is called: Original Face. At first, the student is told to discover his Original Face, as it was before He is told to return his father and mother conceived him. when he has discovered it, and to give some proof of discovery. In the meantime, he is under no circumstances to discuss the problem with others or to seek their help. As soon as he is told how to sit by the head monk, he starts to seek the proper view of his koan. Pondering the problem of his Original Face, he tries and tries to imagine what he was before he was born, or, for that matter, what he now is at the very center of his being, what is the basic reality of his existence apart from his extension in time and space. He soon discovers that the teacher has no patience whatever with philosophical or other wordy answers. He wants to be shown. He wants something concrete, some solid proof. The student therefore starts to produce such "specimens of reality" as lumps of rock, leaves, and branches, shouts, gestures of the hands - anything and everything he can imagine. But all is resolutely rejected until the student, unable to imagine anything more, reaches the conclusion finally that he does not know.

At this stage, the student is now ready to begin his Zen training in earnest. It is not quite the paradox it seems to say that Zen training can begin only when it has been finished. For this is the basic principle, that awakening is not truly attained unless it also implies the life of Buddhahood, the manifestation of the marvelous use of Void. At this point, the teacher begins to present the student with koans that ask for impossible feats of action or judgment. "Stop the ship on the distant ocean. " Tokyo out of your sleeve. 10

Zen

is

with a thorn,

Take the four

divisions of

just a trick of words; as with the principle of extracting a

Zen

is

extricating people

from the tangle

landed themselves by confusing words with ideas and

in

reality.

"The continued practice of Za-Zen now provides the student with a clear, unobstructed mind into which he can toss the koan like a pebble into a pool and simply watch to see what his mind does with it.

As the work goes on, crucial koan alternate with subsidiary koan, which explore the implication of the former, and give the student a thorough working acquaintance with every theme in the Buddhist view of the universe, presenting the whole body of understanding in such a way that he knows it in his bones and nerves. By such means, he learns to respond with it instantly and unwaveringly in the situations of everyday life.

11

thorn

which they have

44

Finally, this energetic use of

exhausting the strength of egoistic not.

It

must be meaningless, any assertion as

my being must The

is

to

as a

means of

know what

reality

is

Just as every assertion about the basic substance or energy or

whatsoever. reality

"Awakening

cease identifying oneself with any object of knowledge

to

is

koan can be considered

will.

also be the height of folly."

following

poem

what / am

to

at the very roots of

12

translated from "Ikkyu's Doka,"

The Young

East,

says:

We eat,

excrete, sleep,

This All

is

we have is

Some Zen opponents extreme

may

side.

and get up;

our world.

to do after that13 to die.

find the discipline too vigorous and

be a good idea for one

who

lives in a monastery, but

how

continuously faced with challenges and

state of

how can one be

wandering mind

merely wanders

worthy

is

Others

in the street

Void

who

is

turn to

in

I

am at the roots

I

look

Zen

life,

state, like a

who

boat drifting

impractical or undesirable for most of us.

find

am

of my being

I,"

Zen is

Zen

is

incapable of answering their

and "What offers

life.

disciplines for the purpose of

is

no goal

the purpose of life?" at all

the height of folly to

and claims that

want

to find out."

as an interesting technique for realizing that in the face

of the absolute existence, one

is

ignorant; that neither logic nor reasoning can

explain, for example, one's Original Face, what one

The

is

decisions? In

be a healthy one? a person

such a

Zen and other such

are disappointed to find that

at

make

a principle that cannot be applied to everyday

self-discovery and direction in

"What

may

may be

most important questions: "Who

They

obliged to

absolutely sure, once one lets go of logic, that the in the

aimlessly upon the water but that

How

is

could this

where one

principle be applied to our day-to day living in a city,

addition,

on the

Others argue that to become free from the confines of logic

was before conception.

stage of reaching one's ignorance and understanding the limits of our

logic and reasoning

is

a very important stage in

one's mental and reasoning power, what then?

itself.

Is

But when one exhausts

knowledge impossible? To

45

arrive at ignorance

does not

know

is

is fine,

When

knowledge.

but

it

cannot be an end. In

fact, realizing that

perhaps an early stage (perhaps the ignorance

is

reached

it

one

stage) toward

first

must then be replaced by

knowledge, the same way the emptiness and the state of Void must be replaced.

The mind cannot

and seems incomplete and Sufism teaches that

wisdom and knowledge LIFE. or

We

pitiful,

do not need

we need

yet

stay in a state of Void.

in

life is full

to achieve, to retreat

of love, beauty,

taken too

literally

and Eternal

life

up

and

The

all is

it is

cast

is

much

to achieve

not sorrowful

some

flight of

light

upon

Buddha

not unusual to find

It is

been

in the mountains, as are convents

many Buddhist

and monasteries.

But instead of retreating from the world, we need to understand that passing, that

we cannot become

material world all

is

attached to

but a road on which

our desires and treasures behind,

we

it

and

settle eternally in

are passing. Surely as

is it

into

temporary pleasures in order

life's

Life; unfortunately, his action has

through the ages.

'retreat centers' high

and hope. There

from the world, because

to find a definite goal in

was a symbol of forsaking

to seek Eternal Bliss

has a lack of purpose

and most important of

the darkness of confusion and aimless wandering.

the wilderness

Zen

need of much explanation.

we

it.

it

is

The

will leave

not best to detach ourselves from

worldly treasures and try to acquire that which

we can keep

forever?

Does

not hiding from the world give away our weakness to temptation?

The eminent Imam

of Islam, Hazrat Ali, explains this in Nahjul-

Balagha: Verily this world is a house of truth for those who look into it deeply and carefully, an abode of peace and rest for those who understand its ways and moods, and it is the best working ground for those who want to procure rewards for life hereafter. It is a place of acquiring knowledge and wisdom for those who want to acquire them, a place of worship for friends of God and angels. It is the place where Prophets receive revelations of the Lord. It is the place for virtuous people and saints to do good deeds and to be assigned rewards for the same; only in this world they could trade with God's Favors and Blessings and only while living here they could barter their good deeds, with His Blessing and Reward. Where else could all this

be done? 14

Strength

lies

not in hiding from the temptations of the material world,

but in understanding and withstanding them.

Solitude

is

thus explained by

46

Mohammad

Hazrat Mir Ghotbeddin heart,

and that

Angha:

where he should take

is

"The sanctuary of

refuge.

This does not

should separate himself from the society, but that he should

men

but not to partake of their bad habits.

For an individual may

solitude.

thoughts. Such a person

The wilderness

is

live

is

his

that

he

amongst

all

what the

Sufis call

alone but be engaged in numerous

not called solitary." 15

is

to

sit

This

man

mean

which one must retreat

is

within the heart, thus

detaching oneself from the heavy loads and bonds of earthly desires and attachments. for

him

The

to use,

Sufi believes in comfort but not in ownership.

and

to

make

his life

more comfortable, those

Things are

things belong to

him, and not the other way around, he does not belong to things.

Once

Shah Maghsoud

the great Sufi Master Hazrat

not feel an ownership even toward this shirt on eternity

is

after the eternal

metal that shines

is

and

everlasting.

my

He knows

gold, thus distinguishing the real

never tempted by the

false.

"I

do

The seeker

of

said to

back!"

me:

that not every yellow

from the

false,

His treasures are stored elsewhere.

and

is

According

to the teachings of Jesus,

Do

not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 7:19-21)

How darkness can

we

can

we

appreciate light?

appreciate and

The Light

Only when we have experienced

know light.

of truth shines through the pinhole of hearts, but hearts are beset with transient temptations and desires. 16

47

CHAPTER FIVE ENDNOTES 1.

D. T. Suzuki, Essays in Zen Buddhism, Grove Press St., New York, NY, 10014 1985, p. 267.

Inc.,

196 West

Houston 2.

Alan W. Watts, The Way of Zen, Random House,

New York,

1957, p.

45. 3.

Ibid., p. 77.

4.

Suzuki, p. 272

5.

Watts, p. 79.

6.

Ibid., p. 88.

7.

Ibid., p. 154.

8.

Ibid., pp. 163-4.

9.

Ibid., pp. 156-7.

10.

Ibid., pp. 164-6.

11.

Ibid., p. 167.

12.

Ibid., p. 171.

13.

Ibid., p. 162.

14.

Hazrat

Ali,

Seyed Jafery,

trans.,

Nahjul Balagha, Elmhurst,

New York,

1978, saying 130, p. 207. 15. Hazrat Mir Ghotbeddin Mohammad Angha, 40th Sufi Master of Oveyssi School of Sufism, The Light of Salvation, University Press of America Inc., 1978, p. 84.

16.

Hazrat Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, The Message from the Soul,

University Press of America

Inc., 1986, p. 39.

CHAPTER SIX JUDAISM AND CHRISTIANITY For God alone

my soul waits

in silence.

The Holy Bible (Psalm 62:1)

The

history of religion can

be used as a metaphor for every

journey toward self-discovery. Buddha's path to truth. to

When Buddha

he

talks of suffering,

is

only the

is

pointing not to

first

step

soul's

on the way

life itself,

the bondage of desires and attachments that cause suffering.

abandonment of wealth and rank lust

and endless

what comes

desires; thus

after the

liberated

us farther along the path.

him from those attachments, from

he reached the stage he called freedom.

abandonment of

but

His

physical attachment?

But

Judaism takes

Freed from worldly attachments, the soul

thirsts

for knowledge.

Judaism gave instruction

us,

spoke with Him.

Moses went

the Promised Land, giving

God of

is

for

the

first

and guidance from God. to his

them

time

God

in

religious

history,

direct

spoke with Moses, and Moses

wandering people with the message of

direction to follow.

Direct guidance from

the stage that follows the aimless wandering, the void and emptiness

Buddhism covered

The Lord

When Moses'

in previous chapters.

also gave

Moses

instructions to build the temple of worship.

rebellious people preferred to worship idols

gave Moses the Ten

Commandments

to bring

down

made

to them.

of gold,

God

50

Then, as God finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of stone on which the Ten Commandments were written with the finger of God. (Exodus 31:18)

Mediate upon

all

I have given you today, and pass These laws are not mere words; they

the laws

them on

to your children.

are your

life.

(Deuteronomy 32:46)

The

religion of Moses, for the

words and theory

most

part,

remained among the Jews

as

The commandments of God announced by Moses

only.

remained on stone for they were only heard, never contemplated nor acted

Those laws were turned

upon.

from generation

to generation

into

and

many

traditions,

their reality

and were passed on

lost

among

traditional

may

not see

me

was

ceremonies.

God never revealed his face to Moses, You may not see the glory of my face, and

saying, for man

live.

(Exodus 33:21)

To

witness

God

at this stage,

comes with the message

Christ

after a spiritual rebirth,

is

not possible.

possible to witness

it is

which he explained

man be born

Except a

that

Judaism,

Later, Jesus

God, but only

in his preaching.

again, he cannot see the

kingdom of

God. (John 3:3)

With the next stage of Christ,

who

religion

points to the heart of

kingdom of God," he

man and

spiritual calls

it

in the

heaven.

it

tabernacle

written on stone, were

first

growth comes Jesus "Seek

first

the

This time, the temple of worship was to be

taught.

found within; no longer was

commandments,

and

now

made

to

of wood.

be written

The

in hearts.

According to the teachings of Jesus Christ the place of worship, as well as the

kingdom of heaven,

is

nowhere but

within.

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, the kingdom of God cometh not with observation. Neither shall they say, Lo here! or God is within you.

Lo

there! for, behold, the

kingdom of

(Luke 17:20-21) Jesus spoke of

make

God

as "His Father in heaven," saying that each of us can

direct contact with

God

through him, Christ the Savior.

51

No one knows the

Son wishes

the Father except the to reveal him.

Son and anyone

to

whom

(Matthew 11:28)

And

Jesus insists on inner transformation via meditation through the

temple within the heart.

Do

you not know that you are God's temple and that God's dwells in you?...For God's temple is holy and that temple

spirit

you

are.

(Corinthians 3:16-17)

Throughout the whole Judeo-Christian tradition the temple place where

chamber.

man

The

goes to worship the Lord

who

real significance of the temple, as

is

the

dwells in the innermost

was mentioned,

is

not a

physical building or a place of worship, but the temple within each person.

The God who made

the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything since he himself gives to all men life and breath and everything...He is not far from each one of us. (Acts 17:24-28)

When you pray, to your Father

go into your room and shut the door and pray

who

is

in secret.

(Matthew Scriptural witness to meditation, however, pervades both the

and the Gospels. For For

6:6)

Old testament

instance, the Psalms read:

God alone my

soul waits in silence.

(Psalm 62:1)

commune my spirit. I

with

my

heart in the night;

I

meditate and search

(Psalm 77:6) of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

Let

my words

O

May my

meditation be pleasing to him, for

rejoice in the

I

Lord.

(Psalm 104:34) Originally, Christian teachings (before they

dogmatized by various Christian

became

institutions) focused

sleep through the light shed by inner wisdom.

Awake, thou

that sleepest

and

Jesus Christ gives the message,

arise

externalized and

on awakening from

from the dead.

52

Knock and

the door will be opened.

The realm

lying

(Ephesians 5:14)

behind the door

is

yet another stage represented by

the Messenger that proceeds Jesus Christ; the key to the door, however, the holy hands of

Mohammad,

the temple within, that one

The Koran

the prophet of Islam.

is

in

only after entering

It is

reborn and thus acquires eternal knowledge.

is

says:

Do

they not travel through the land, so that their hearts thus learn wisdom; and their ears may thus learn to hear?

may

Truly it is not their eyes that are blind, but their Hearts which are in their breasts. (Surah XXII 48)

And God knows

all

that

is

in

your hearts.

(Koran XXXIII 51)

He who

It is

sent

down

Tranquility into Hearts.

(Koran 48:5)

Beyond the that goal

is

unity with our identity, the

bliss that lies

the

limited understanding of the senses,

God

within.

The

Sufis

bliss brings fulfillment

and wisdom, and

practice of religion, which

is

me know myself,

Realization of this

heart.

only achieved through the true

is

self-knowledge through meditation.

Lord, and

I

shall

know

thee. (St.

No one

Augustine)

can be saved without self-knowledge. (St.

The above during the

first

like

Bernard)

quotations reveal that in the long line of Christian sages

few centuries A.D., the practice of meditation was more

essential than verbal prayer

However,

a goal and

speak of the

within the heart of man, a bliss that can never be acquired by

mind and grasped by anything other than the

Let

we have

and was practiced regularly

Judaism, Christianity has also become

religious ceremonies,

and self-knowledge

is

in the monasteries.

lost in tradition

no longer an

issue,

and

although the

meditative tradition at one time dominated early Christianity in the Middle East. St.

Anthony established a school of systematic meditation

on a mountain now

in

A.D. 310,

called St. Anthony, 65 miles south of Cairo.

Another monastery, the monastery of Tabenna in upper Egypt, was founded by Paul in A.D. 300. In all, there were approximately five thousand monks practicing meditation and austerity in the desert of Nitra, or the Nitron Valley in Egypt,

53

around that time. During the second half of the fourth century, a large number of ascetics lived near Cairo. Christianity began to replace the myths and gods of Egypt, and the sign of the 1 cross was often seen instead of the ancient symbols. Unfortunately, in spite of the meditations of Jesus and the importance of meditation given in his teachings, Western Christianity has never seriously

absorbed the genuine meditative tradition.

However, meditation Religion has one Message:

is

the true practice and experience of religion.

"Know

Sufism.

Yet the

religion,

Know

That experience

missing. If

I

suggested earlier, there

and acquiring the goal of

the

for

is

of different

existence

is

opinions

and

because the actual experience of Truth

meditation.

the theory of religion were combined with the practice and with the

help of the right guide or teacher, there would be no such confusion. great teacher of

of his

is

are Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity,

interpretations of religion and faith is

As

according to the doctrines of Islamic

different stages of understanding

thyself,

The reason

and Islam.

thyself."

God

only one religion and only one

own

man

ever spoke

experience.

strictly as

Theoretical knowledge alone

the scent, like words on a

menu

In response to a learned

instead of food

man who

No

a theorist; each gave the message

on a

is

like a rose

without

plate.

asked Abu-Hanifa, Wliat shall I do

now?, he replied, Practice what you have learned, for theory without practice like

a body without

knowledge

made

is

spirit.

2

There

is

no knowledge without

the product of action and

is

is

action, since

brought forth and developed and

profitable by the blessings of action.

The two

be

things cannot

divorced in any way, just as the light of the sun cannot be separated from the

sun

Therefore, what words describe in the most beautiful poetical

itself.

scriptures remains to

The wisdom

is

be discovered by us through meditation.

difference between knowledge and

wisdom

in religion

born of experience gained by applied knowledge.

important as the theory of religion to find the

wisdom

is,

theory alone

that lies hidden in the heart,

is

is

that

Therefore, as

Our

worthless.

and theory alone

goal

is

will not

lead us there.

The

difference between religion and theology

merely a system of speculation of the unseen, whereas

is

that theology

religion

is

is

experience.

54

The

artist's

ideal

is

beauty, the scientist's

goodness. Religion combines

Every creative act

all

is

truth,

three and wants to

and the moralist's

make

is

us aware of unity.

in science, art, or religion involves a

new innocence

of perception liberated from the contract of accepted beliefs. In this spirit of

innocence, the true scientist looks at the world with young eyes, as seeing

it

for the first time.

He

is

delighted

if this

new vision opens

if

he were

the

way

to

a theory or a discovery that upsets the very laws of science on which he has

been

raised.

The most encouraged

and

its

vital religion

would be one

to report these truths so that all

discoveries.

What

only take place

open ourselves

if

may

a religious flowering

we break away from

how we can

at all,

but that

heart and soul and mind,

benefit, as a scientist does with his

we would

have!

the prejudices

However,

this will

we have formed and

actually

happens when we meditate. is

to learn

how

to

Two, we

will

be concerned with

use meditation in our day-to-day

chapters

cope with

CHAPTER 1.

had no creed

all his

to the truth.

In the succeeding chapters, Part healing and

that

believer to seek the truth with

Rev. Lawrence Bouldin,

et

The

life,

crucial goal of the next

few

stress via meditation.

SIX al.,

Publishers, Honesdale, Pennsylvania, p.

ENDNOTES Meditation in Christianity, Himalaya 7.

Ali Bin Uthman, Kashf-Al-Mahjub, translated by Reynold Niholson, Islamic Book Foundation, Samanabad, Lahore, 1976, p. 95. 2.

self-

and what

A.

PART TWO

CHAPTER SEVEN STRESS

Man

and along the path of life a stranger even to the moments of his own life. In this journey without return, the sorrow of desires will wither the freshness of his face as he takes steps towards the unknown, pledged between his past and future searching for the lost songs long hidden in his soul. he

lives alone,

is to all,

Hazrat Shah Maghsoud Sadegh

Angha

In the previous chapters the close relationship between religion and

the state of meditation was explained.

Again, behind the empty words and

habitual traditions there existed a message preached by

"Know

thyself."

was brought

This truth, hidden or even lost

among

all

the Prophets:

many ornaments,

to the light.

Self-awareness, the superior goal of religion, starts

so

is

a journey within, which

with awakening and hearing the message of love through the heart.

This takes place by means of meditation. At that time one

is

able to ascend

the ladder of spiritual perfection that finally leads to self-awareness.

"Open your hidden eyes and come, return your

you

own

will

2

says Jalal

to the root of the root of

al-Din Rumi, the great Persian Sufi poet.

"When

hear the voice of a friend on that lonely night, you will be delivered

from the and

self,"

striking of the serpents

ants,"

common

in

and the fear of

ants."

3

The words

"serpents

Persian literature, refer to the mortality of the body

and represent a rather morbid but descriptive image of the body being

58

Man

consumed by animals.

lives in constant fear of

surrenders himself to the world around

"What seldom

at

is

him and

such an end, and yet

to the rule of the jungle.

man?" asks Nietzsche, "A knot of savage serpents

that are

peace among themselves -thus they go forth alone and seek prey

in the world."

4

First let's try to define

man.

potentials? Science describes

man

perspective, but

Who in

is

man? What

are his abilities and

terms of his physiology with a chemical

would that be a true definition?

Who

is

man? The

cousin of

apes evolved from primal ooze to superman or a being unique in cosmic

The dweller

history?

man? The

Or

the prince of peace? Judas or Jesus?

How can we know what man is? How can we humanity"? life,

even

relative it

all

We may be

seems,

we

the mysteries

unknown

when we

from the

to us, not by escaping

search for the meaning of

we

discover the "mystery of

able to discover our true nature, and the purpose of

world but by a complete acceptance of

without purpose:

Who is

in Plato's cave, or the witness of divine visions?

inventor of war?

life

its

only

finite

and

limitations. Paradoxical as

when we have seen

that

it is

search for and discover the mystery of humanity only

are convinced that

we know nothing about

it

at all.

The wise knows that he does not know, The foolish does not. Those aware of their poverty those aware of their loss

And

The reason why point

is

As a

seek and

find.

the materialist and the relativist

because they use limited tools to

of man.

shall receive riches. shall

result of trying to

fail to

try to discover the

reach

this

unlimited reality

measure the ocean with the help of a spoon,

they soon abandon faith and openness, and allow their minds to harden into doctrine.

The man who has been helpless victim of stress. to reach them,

confront the

created in the image of

God

is

today the

Quite unaware of his natural resources and unable

he uses a certain amount of adaptive energy he has to

modern everyday

conflicts.

resources and the potential that

source and relieve himself at

last

lies

Why

is

he so ignorant of

within him?

of stress?

How

his natural

can he reach that

59

The connected

recognition of man's potential, the natural energy supply he

and

to,

and enable him

its

activation

and assembly through meditation

own

to take part in his

desirable to himself and to those

fate,

who surround

is

will fortify

creating an environment

him. This and more will be

the subject of the succeeding chapters that explain "self-healing," an effective stress

own

management

technique.

The

Sufi believes:

"Man is

the architect of his

environment." 6

The stress

social

and economic structure of modern

today than ever before in

too great to bear, and yet

them on a

some

human

history.

feel they

life

has created more

Burdens are sometimes

just

have no other choice but to accept

component about which they can do

daily basis simply as a fixed

little.

Let us consider some general sources of stress (or stressors, as psychologists call

and overcrowded

Environmental stressors include

it).

living conditions.

air,

noise pollution,

Other stressors are the constant sense of

time urgency, deadline pressures on the job, the feeling of almost always running out of time, that twenty-four hours in one day

Other psychological

home, a need

relationships that

that

just not sufficient.

may

at

involve a problem child, a mate, a friend, or a boss. In

go to the gas station or the market

to wait in long lines or deal with traffic, are but a

one might have

While

work or

to prove oneself all the time, or having to deal with difficult

fact every small task, such as having to

and having

is

stressors are the sense of competition at

to face

on a

stress has always

few

stressors

daily basis.

been a basic part of human

changed considerably during the

last

life, lifestyles

simple.

"Think about

this picture," says

have

two centuries and are no longer as

Dr. Jackie Swartz.

People slept beneath homemade quilts, awakening naturally at the first sounds of morning, rising with the dawn. They dressed

made of natural fibers, perhaps homespun. They had definite jobs to do, maybe the same work their parents had done before them. Their food was homegrown, and if they didn't grow all their food themselves, they bartered with a neighbor, perhaps swapping eggs for corn. Older and younger family members lived together, and children had a feeling of security and identity. There was a lot of caring expressed between the simply in preparation for their day's work in clothes

60

generations. There weren't any telephones or automobiles, and timepieces were scarce. And, of course, there weren't many interruptions in their lives; their days were relatively predictable. Everyone worked hard because heavy physical lot of labor was often a necessary part of their work. physical exercise, like chopping wood and beating rugs, was a regular part of their lives. At the end of the day, their work was done. Because fuel was regarded as a precious commodity, they went to bed not long after sunset. They slept soundly, naturally, restoring their bodies. Others didn't expect any more of them. Certainly, life was far from perfect then. But there were fewer sources of stress, and people were better equipped to handle the stress that is a part of everyday life. Contrast this scene with life today. Now, most people are packed into densely populated areas, living and sleeping They are scant yards from others they don't even know. awakened by a mechanical alarm, the first of many mechanical devices that influence or even govern their daily lives. They dress in clothes that are usually made of synthetic materials. Breakfast is often something out of a package, washed down with instant coffee and imitation orange juice. Then they either hop into a metal and glass 'isolation tank' or cram into a subway, bus, or commuter train to be transported to work, which is often far from where they live. This daily ritual stirs their competitive and survival senses as they struggle through heavy traffic or contend with crowds of others heading for work. By this time they're fighting the clock, fighting for their own safety zone, alert to dangers that may slow them down or impinge on their space. 7

A

Because of the development of technology,

bombarded with many

stressors.

more complicated, human beings they try to adjust.

As

life

find themselves

At work, they have

machinery, and often without any computer-like character has to

becomes

under a

to function as fast

rest.

become

meet the needs of loved ones. One may

men and women

in big cities

At home, the soft,

lot of

and fast

faster

pressure as

efficiently as

and

efficient

tender and loving in order to

feel the

need

to

be an understanding

spouse, a loving parent, or an ideal daughter or son, and as a result be

with no time for oneself to rest from the pressures of the day.

remaining time

may be

adventure shows distressing

full

are

and

left

Instead, the

spent in front of the television, watching mindless

of crime and violence, followed by the generally

news program

in

which news of childabuse, homicide, crime,

incurable diseases, worldwide social and political uncertainties and turmoil that

one can not do anything about are reported. With no other choice but

61 f

the acceptance of one's feeling of helplessness and hopelessness, the day

over and one retires to bed.

Even though our energy

because most people do not know how to raise

it,

is

level stays the same,

the negative effect of

stressors are dramatically increased.

While the family unit was strong stressor

single parenting.

Another

stressor

is

competition for

as partners

common modern men

and companions, they are

a circumstance that leads not only to individualism

rights,

Having

but to the necessity of bearing of pressures alone.

much

a

the present relationship between

and women. Instead of acting together in

thirty years ago,

the breakup of the family and, consequently, the pressures of

is

stress in a society that

is

to

cope with so

geared toward individualism rather than

toward the establishment of family

ties

and family bonds requires a

level of

strength that not every individual has.

In 1986, the

American Association

held a convention in

for Counseling

downtown Los Angeles where

workshop. At the convention

I

I

and Development

was conducting a

also attended a lecture given by

stress

Alex Haley,

the author of Roots. Haley emphasized "the importance of preserving family

bonds and the importance of grandparents to grandchildren." however, that the lack of love, attention, and support in the

people

many

may

who come from

'broken homes' causes

to seek outside help

explain

and

why people choose

relief.

much

Four major especially

the

evident,

many

and forces

suffering,

Such a lack of a sense of belonging

to join groups such as the cult of

where the members were robbed not only of wealth but of

may seek temporary

It is

lives of so

relief in drugs

and alcohol.

stress-related

disorders

have

that

life,

Jim Jones,

or

recently

why

they

become

prominent in the U.S., Western Europe, and Japan according to

latest

research

respiratory diseases.

are

cardiovascular

diseases,

These are described as the

cancer,

arthritis,

and

afflictions of civilization that

are most prevalent in the sophisticated, developed areas of the world.

Diet,

environmental contamination, and especially the increased psychosocial stress of post-industrial societies are

their

considered major contributing factors in

development.

Most standard medical textbooks percent of

all

attribute

anywhere from 50

disease to psychosomatic or stress-related origins.

to 80

Another

62

alarming

statistic is

that 30 million

Americans

from

suffer

stress-related

sleep-onset insomnia.

The most common signs of

damage

pounding

heartbeat,

concentration,

negative stress reactions serve as early warning

to the body.

They include

forgetfulness,

tightness in the chest, rapid or in

difficulty

irritability,

upset stomach,

lack

asleep,

falling

tightness

in

the

of

neck and

shoulders, nagging headaches, dry mouth, sweaty palms, clenched jaws, back

pain and pain in other areas in the body that are more vulnerable to

Exposure to stressors focuses the contract and

become very

on the body, so

stress

tense, causing pain

feeling of exhaustion. In this state,

when

stress.

that the muscles

and discomfort and a constant

faced with a

crisis,

one

is

not able to

think clearly but tends to panic instead.

As

stress continues to build,

more damage

signs appear:

patience, constant stomach pains, thumping heart sounds,

smoking or drinking. As the

lack of

and increased

accumulate over long periods,

effects of stress

The

negative stress eventually depletes one's supply of adaptive energy. usual outcome

is illness,

including migraine headaches, ulcers, high blood

pressure, alcoholism, drug addiction, asthma and heart disease.

Experiments have shown that experimentally induced psychological stress may 'tax' the heart and circulatory system, may decrease the clotting time of the blood, inhibit certain aspects of the immune response, disturb gastric conditions, and cause urinary difficulties, sexual dysfunction, and hormonal problems. Both the acute alarm reaction and the more prolonged stress reaction may contribute significantly to the development and course of mental illness. 8 Stress reactions,

times a day.

even violent ones, can occur anywhere from 10

Medical theory suggests that excessive

stress

anxiety play a leading role in disease and emotional illness. identified the

overwhelming cost of treating

stress; the

Statistics

high cost

to

is

discovered,

be done, and procedures are very Stress

reaction to

is

it is

costly

not obvious that there

and

cause;

it is

is

have

In the

anything

frustrating.

not synonymous with anxiety or tension.

some unknown

50

because

is

the medical profession has a hard time defining the cause of stress.

few cases when the cause

to

and consequent

often our body's

Anxiety

first

is

a fear

response to any

63

sudden change. Tension, on the other hand,

is

the contraction of tightening

of the muscles, either voluntarily or involuntarily.

Emotional responses physical reactions

we

and worry are linked

to fear, anger,

Some

associate with stress.

example of a positive stressor may be preparing for a marriage. stressor

is

to

do a

Simply when we are labeling a situation as a "problem,"

are in fact producing for ourselves an unpleasant stressor. react to a stressor, pleasant or unpleasant, stress

is

the

sum

we

are adapting to

we

Each time we

some change.

of the adaptive changes that our body

help us adjust to various social or environmental situations.

an

A negative

we have

a death in the family, for example. In each case,

lot of adjusting.

Therefore

to the

stressors are positive;

It is

makes

to

analogous to

temperature change; we respond to heat as we respond to cold. In the same way,

we respond Hans

to positive

Selye,

demands

an authority on

as well as negative ones.

stress, explains

how

his discovery of stress

arose from a very simple set of observations.

As

a medical student, he noted that people show a characteristic fatigue and general discomfort when they are sick; in addition, this general state may arise not only during illness but also after any demanding physical or emotional event. Intrigued by these early observations, Selye began research to identify this consistent physiological response to

demanding circumstances.

He found that a sudden change in temperature, a bacterial infection, a loud noise or a great surprise can all trigger the same system of bodily defenses. Selye called this non-specific reaction to any demanding circumstance stress. Whenever an event triggers this reaction, that event may be termed

a

stressor.

The General Adaptation Syndrome

(G.A.S.), Selye's medical term for stress, develops in three the alarm reaction, the stage of resistance, and the stages: stage of exhaustion. The initial alarm reaction is generated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems working together. These subsystems adjust bodily functions to meet the stressor. The sympathetic system stimulates the adrenal glands Simultaneously the hypothalamus to produce adrenaline. activates a pattern of hormone release from the pituitary gland. Through its hormonal signals, this master gland regulates the In general somatic defenses of the adaptation reaction. resisting disease or real dangers, these operations are lifesaving. During the second phase of G.A.S., certain of the body's neural and endocrine reactions persist until the stressful situation has abated.

64

The expenditure of energy and

vital bodily

resources in

to the third phase of G.A.S., the exhaustion of the individual. This fatigue persists until the body can gain deep rest and replenish itself. If the body does

the

first

two stages then leads

not receive rest sufficient to restore

its

equilibrium, stress

becomes a chronic condition that gradually destroys physical and emotional well-being. Not only physical stressors but also strong emotions can increase adrenaline production. The organism experiences this state of alarm as preparedness for fight or flight. Although the behavioral components of the fight or flight syndrome may be suppressed or modified, however, a person cannot suppress the attendant biochemical consequences. Doctors are studying the biochemical basis of anxiety and anxiety neurosis. The neurotic reacts with fear out of proportion to the situation. In such people, information processed by the cortical and limbic centers appears to activate the G.A.S., inappropriately, leading to increased adrenaline production. The biochemical changes of the alarm or fight/flight reaction include the release from the body's fat deposits of free fatty acids to be used as fuel for the coming expenditure of energy. Increase in the amount of fats present in the High bloodstream contributes to coronary disease. concentration of fatty acids in the blood is associated with high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. Hypertension, a chronic condition in which psychic stressors apparently play an important role, is the most common of all the circulatory disorders. Today close to 24 million suffer from it, and 700,000 Americans die each year from heart disease. 9

In a society that

is

very

much

stress-oriented,

we must

learn to

develop the means to moderate the negative effects of stress on our physical as well

as

aggression

success,

Models of behavior

our psychological well-being.

admired -including ambition,

and

the

appearance

busy -nevertheless contribute to a high level of passes

many people

their lives

religion

so

are realizing that this

is

for this reason that

being

feel that life

for spiritual

people are looking for new values in

life,

as times

and

fulfillment.

are turning toward

does not have to be

The widespread human-potential and

movements and a renewed search

constantly

However,

to happiness

more and more people

and meditative techniques. Some

complicated.

of stress.

are

financial

not the way they want to spend

and are looking for other approaches

It is

that

extreme goal orientation,

drive,

self-exploration

growth seem to indicate that

rather than those designed by

modern everyday

life.

For most people, lives in

them cope with the pressures of

society, or simply values to help

it

not possible to

is

order to eliminate the sources of

make a major change

stress, since to

divorce, a change of job, friends, environment, philosophy,

Not many people are strong enough or others, or willing to give

up the

free

in their

do so might involve a and even

goals.

enough of commitments

to

Therefore,

security of a place or a job.

instead of finding solutions, most people turn to alcohol and drugs.

Unfortunately, drugs can be addictive. They may hide stress responses for a limited time, but they do not train one to prevent the situation from arising again. Drugs make one dependent, not independent.

For the

common

of simple

disorder

alarming number of prescribed each year.

nervous tension, an

and

barbiturates are indicated 144 million new prescriptions are written each year for psychotropic drugs, including anti-depressants, minor and major tranquilizers. Millions of Americans are virtually on drug maintenance for alleviation of nervous tension, and spend a great part of their waking activity in a sedative state. 10 tranquilizers

A recent

statistics

In spite of their vast use, these drugs do not

seem

to provide a cure.

In a seminar on Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Sufism in 1987 in Los

Angeles, Dr. Lynn Wilcox, a psychologist and professor at California State University, Sacramento, said,

Research has not been able to substantiate the claims of psychotherapeutic helpfulness. The so-called 'cure' rate is not impressive. Temporary changes are sometimes seen, but permanent change is elusive. Therefore, some people go from therapist to therapist, from workshop to workshop, from seminar to seminar. It seems analogous to eating a good meal. The stomach is temporarily filled, but hunger soon recurs.

symptoms of the

Psychologists merely treat the

disease,

from behavior

A

problems to deep depressions and abnormalities of character. superintendent of a sanatorium says,

our technical work. of our patients.

11 "

What we need Yet wouldn't

specialized, treated the

is

"We

specialists are too

medical

wrapped up

in

a doctor alongside us to treat the souls

it

be better

whole "person" of

if

every doctor, however

his patient?

to treat the patient rather than the disease?

Not just

Wouldn't

it

to relieve the

temporarily but to find the roots and the causes of the disease?

be better

symptoms

A

related

66

What

question

is:

"psyche"

means

qualifications

"soul,"

the

are

sufficient to treat the soul of a

"Psychology attempts to study

is

today

human

must such a doctor possess?

And

person?

commonly

defined as a branch of science that

behavior, acts, or mental processes," says Dr.

Wilcox, a Psychologist and Professor

at

California

State

This is an extremely broad area of study, including all the complexities of human existence, from the reflex actions of a newborn to the motivations for declaring war. Unable to determine any basic underlying principles governing human behavior, psychologists have more or less divided up the area, each specializing in the study of one small segment of human behavior. Physiological psychologists study the structure of the human eye, just as some physicians do. Perceptual psychologists study how our eyes deceive us in perception. Industrial psychologists attempt to determine how to increase work productivity. Educational psychologists try and measure what they call intelligence, and so forth. The goal of all psychology, expressed in every beginning psychology text,

human

behavior. The academic attempting to predict and control human behavior. In so doing, it studies only what is quantifiable, that is, that which can in some way be physically prediction and control of

area of psychology devotes

Lynn

University,

Sacramento.

is

since

academic qualifications of psychologist

itself to

measured. Psychology

essentially the physiological studies functioning of the central nervous system, including the brain. Although psychologists have provided useful information on psychological functioning and useful descriptions of human behavior in various circumstances, psychological experts disagree in their opinions about every question of importance, as: 'What is mental illness?' 'What is creativity?' 'What is intelligence?' This is one reason why what is called 'psychology' frequently changes. The second reason is that psychology is based on theory, that is, on some individual

such

person's ideas about human behavior, from which he or she constructs a model they believe to be correct. As ideas change, so does the theory. There are today several hundred approaches to choose from: psychoanalytic, Gestalt, client-centered, behavioral, rational-emotive, neurolinguistic programming, existential, to name just a few, concludes Dr. Lynn Wilcox. In a meeting of medical superintendents of sanatoriums, specialists who have obtained good results with a treatment noted that they were disappointed to see patients leave the sanatorium and take up their normal lives again, only to be back a few months later. Several doctors at the meeting therefore suggested that the patients should be kept in the

67

sanatorium for longer periods. But

it is obvious that a patient physical illness has been cleared cannot be withheld indefinitely from return to normal life. However, it too often happens that the patient's 'home' leads to a relapsed, caused by returning to his family and his social environment where all the problems whose solutions he had been unable to find before

whose

still exist.

13

Therefore an individual needs to be examined physically, mentally,

and

much understanding

spiritually in order that as

as possible about his

relationship with his total environment can be discovered. This environment

includes his family, peers, job situation, living situation, his concept of

himself and his role in society, and his goals.

Many

be determined. intertwine,

making

it

the

times,

difficult to

be

identified.

It is

that

It is

of distress have to

affect

determine their sources.

a psychologist to merely listen to a patient. to

The causes

stresses

us

It is

overlap and

not enough for

the cause of distress that has

not sufficient for a physician to relieve psychosomatic

disease by drugs; again, the source has to be determined.

Modern medicine has tended to view man as a machine with interchangeable parts, and has developed sophisticated procedures for repairing, removing, or artificially constructing these parts. These are significant achievements, but in the process the healing professions have lost sight of man as a dynamic, integrated, and complex system with marked capacity for self-healing.

14

Consideration of the whole person emphasizes the healing process, the maintenance of health, and the prevention of in

Eastern culture,

to

emerge

in the

this

West where

it is

An ancient

illness.

idea of preventive health care

is

one that

is

considered as one of the most important

innovations in medical research and

its

clinical application.

Results of the research on self-healing have changed the

people view treatment and recovery.

"The more

convinced that emotions are running the show. give

up hope when faced with

stress,"

Cancer Counseling and Research Center you must learn to be tenacious

concept

beginning

look, the

I

Cancer

Candace Pert in Dallas.

"If

in fighting your disease

strikes

way many

more I'm

people

who

told patients at his

you want to recover,

and hopeful about the

outcome. That means undergoing counseling to learn to deal with social and emotional problems.

It

means

setting goals

and finding reasons to

live.

68

Stress can

make

a person sick, depressed people are

more

likely to get

cancer, and positive thinking promotes survival." "I

think about

not death, "answers one of the

'life'

the Sufi Master Hazrat Salaheddin Ali

why he had

AIDS

Nader Angha when a

patients of

friend asked

started school again with such a terminal condition.

Psychoneuro-immunology [PNI] researchers investigate the brain effects the body's immune cells. Drawing on the most sophisticated techniques of psychology, neurobiology, and immunology, these researchers have shown that the brain can send signals along nerves to enhance defenses against infection and pump out chemicals that make the body more aggressive against disease. And since these pathways can be turned on and off by thoughts and emotions, they say, it's no surprise that mental states can alter the course of an illness. PNI studies have demonstrated that the brain and the immune system make up a closed circuit. Not only can the brain's chemicals regulate immune defenses, but communication can also go the other way, from the immune system to the brain. In this manner the immune system can act as a sensory organ, sending chemical messages about bacteria, viruses, and tumors all over the body. During an infection, the researchers believe, immune cells not only fight invading organisms but also affect brain-controlled functions like heart rate, sleep, and body temperature. Signals from the immune system may even reach the emotional and rational centers of the brain, explaining perhaps the cause of irritability, and why mental capacity deteriorates at the same time as resistance to infection. The brain controls the immune system the same way that it controls behavioral activities, concludes immunologist Gerard Renoux of the University of Tours, France. Obviously, no one would deny that having to cope with a serious disease affects a patient psychologically. But the connections between the brain and the immune system suggest that something physiological is going on as well. Since the brain can talk to immune cells, a patient's state of mind can, in a concrete way, determine the status of immunological 15 defenses.

how

In light of these findings,

more

physicians are

now acknowledging

the

connection between mind and body. "Feelings are chemical," says Dr. Bernie Siegel, the author of Love,

good about

life

Medicine and Miracles and a surgeon.

helps us physically."

"Feeling

Statements like these from physicians

would have been surprising even just a few years ago. But with the many new research findings and case studies being documented in medical journals, the practice of self-healing

is

now

receiving

much more

serious attention from

69

the doctors than before.

more accepted within

With the concept of

now becoming

self-healing

community and physicians

the medical

realizing the

importance of the mind in the healing process, many open-minded physicians are working with their patients in finding ways to fully utilize this

new

method of treatment. Studies have

shown

due to

that 75 percent of all doctor visits are

symptoms, and the worst kind of chronic

stress-related

stress

is

helplessness.

Self-healing techniques often provide the individual with an increased sense

of control over his or her illness, which reduces feelings of helplessness.

Once an

individual understands that he

participant in the process of self-healing, he

an active and responsible

is

no longer the passive victim of

is

a disease or the passive recipient of a cure. The patient has to be guided and

shown

that he

is

own

responsible for his

health, lifestyle,

and

future, in

which

he can become an active participant through meditation and self-healing and by gaining awareness of who he

is

and what he needs. Carl Jung

human psyche embraces

horizons of the

purview of the doctor's consulting room.

infinitely

says,

more than a

The cure ought

to

"The

limited

grow naturally

16 out of each person and patient himself."

Medicine disease.

This

is

is

legally defined in terms of the diagnosis

An

but one aspect of health.

responsibility for his mental

and treatment of

individual

and physical well-being.

must assume

According to the

ancient Chinese philosopher Lao-tse, "The journey of a thousand miles

begins with one step," and that

commitment

to

oneself

is

initial

acceptance of responsibility and

prerequisite

a

for

individual

growth

and

transformation.

The

ancient mystics, or Sufis, believed that

knowledge of existence, but that

must grow and develop consciously.

He

traditional kinds of therapy, in

the therapist

is

This

is

we

and

birthright,

he

He

is

different

which the attitude

capable of gaining the

from the premise of most is

that the patient

is "sick,"

the all-knowing "authority," and he cures the patient by

outside help and support. In contrast to

guidance

has inherited total

has inner potential and abilities that

enable him to shape his environment.

knowledge of self-awareness.

man

to claim his inheritance

this,

the

Eminent Hazrat

Ali,

whose

follow in the School of Sufism, states that, "Each individual has

70

his or

her

own

truth,

prosperity within." life.

The path

and cure within

oneself."

And Buddha

says "Find

Therefore, man's will helps him reach higher realms of

to tranquility

and happiness

lies

within each of us.

Any

help acquired from outside, even the best and the least harmful,

temporary. For a

wound must begin

to heal

type of is

are applied in order to avoid infection, but the renewal of the tissues

healing process that takes place from within.

immune system

fights viruses

even before the

rise of

a

temperature in the body

fields.

These energy

important role in our physical, mental, and psychic well-being. explained in Chapter Eight.

is

Similarly, the body's excellent

makes us aware of any abnormalities. In the same way, we are able mental pressures using the body's energy

but

from within. Then, medications

to fight

fields play

an

This will be

71

CHAPTER SEVEN ENDNOTES Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, Psalm of Gods, from the collection of 1. The Mystery of Humanity, University Press of America, Inc., 1986, p. 53. 2. C. William Chittick, The Sufi Path of Love: The Spiritual Teachings of Rumi, State University of New York Press, Albany, 1983, p. 339.

Chittick, p. 348.

3.

Frederick Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Penguin Books Limited,

4.

NY,

1982, p. 66.

5.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, Psalm of Gods,

6.

Salaheddin Ali Nader Angha Peace, introduction.

7.

Jackie Swartz, Letting go of Stress, Pinnacle Books, 10018, 1982, p. 9.

NY,

p. 53.

,

Harold H. Bloomfield, et 8. Overcoming Stress, Delacorte Press, 9.

Ibid., pp. 50-53.

10.

Kenneth R.

Pelletier, p. 20.

al.,

TM

New

York,

Discovering Inner Energy

New York, New York,

"Mind

Inc.,

as Healer,

and

1975, p. 51.

Mind

as Slayer,"

Dell

publishing, 1977. 11.

Paul Tournier, Edwin Hudson,

trans.,

The Healing of Persons, Harper

& Row Publishers, Inc., New York, New York, p. 21. 12.

Lynn Wilcox, seminar, "Psychology, Psychotheraphy

&

Sufism",

LA,

1987. 13.

Paul Tournier, Edwin Hudson,

trans.,

The Healing of Persons, Harper

& Row Publishers, Inc., New York, New York, p. 21. 14.

Pelletier, p. 12.

15. Rob Wechsler, "A Feb. 1987, pp. 51-58. 16.

New

Prescription:

Mind over Malady,"

C. Carl Jung, Thoughts, Reflections, Dreams.

Discover,

CHAPTER EIGHT HEALTH: A BALANCED ENERGY FLOW IN THE BODY law of life is motion, the rhythmic, pulsation of radiant energy, which is the basic building block of our bodies.

The

basic

cyclic

Jack Schwartz

To understand how

to

opposing forces from within, fields,"

and "auric

fields."

it

win the war against is

Then we

will

understand

Selye's G.A.S., the expenditure of energy

avoided.

The process

stress

necessary to learn about

how

and

fight

the last stage of

of self-healing will be introduced in this chapter.

With progress in modern science, we are becoming more and more aware that the human organism is not just a physical structure made up of molecules, that we are electromagnetic and electrochemical beings made up of energy fields. Our bodies may appear to be solid and opaque, but if we could magnify the cells, molecules, and atoms of which we are composed, we would see that at the most fundamental level we are made up of energy, of electrochemical and electromagnetic activity that is constantly going on in our bodies. the force behind our electromagnetic is the direction-giving aspect of increasing scientific evidence for this view of human energy fields. For years, scientists have been able to detect the energy emitted by the body by measuring skin potentials. In order to measure the electrical output of various organs, researchers place electrodes on the skin. To measure the electrical output of the brain, for example, electrodes are placed on the forehead and the scalp in the cerebral area. If electricity is

energy

fields,

then magnetism

There

is

Hans

and the stage of exhaustion, can be

Jack Schwartz explains,

that force.

off

"human energy

74

measures the electrical output of the heart through electrodes placed on the skin of the chest wall; the polygraph, or lie detector, measures the changes in the electrical potential of the skin, or the galvanic skin resistance. In all these cases, we are not sure exactly what is being measured but we do know that we are measuring a form of radiation; we would not be able to measure it if it were not But because all these radiant, or electromagnetic, energy. measurements are taken using skin potentials, we are not really accurately measuring the output of the organism itself; we get interference from the skin that lies between our instruments and the organ whose output is being measured. now have a better method of measuring the Instead of using skin electromagnetic output of the body. potentials, the electromagnetic forces around the body are measured directly. This is done with highly sensitive instruments. This is done in a unit of magnetism known as the gauss. Of course, earth itself radiates electromagnetic energy. Similarly, the electrocardiogram

We

Every particle on earth, even though

it

may appear

solid

and

stationary to us, has continual activity taking place within it; it looks solid and dense because the energy is of high frequency and low amplitude. Besides the energy outputs that have been measured outside the body, there are other subtle forces acting within the body that are not yet understood by science. The Soviet researcher, Dr. Alexander Dubrov, has found that during mitosis, or the splitting of cells, there is photon radiation from the cells. Photons are particle waves of light. The radiation produces a dim glow. The photon emissions produced by the cells in our bodies are the ultraviolet frequencies, beyond what we know as the visible spectrum. All the trillions of cells in our 1 bodies are emitting such photons, from one to another.

"There are two main factors that have direct influence upon cellular life,"

says Hazrat

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, a teacher of the Oveyssi

School of Sufism, which was founded 1,400 years ago.

These

are nutrition and temperature, serving as the experimental basis for all research and present investigations concerning life. However, we cannot overlook the influences of cosmic and ultracosmic rays, the planets, and finally, all the

universal gravities acting upon the cellular cycle. Can the condensed powers in one atom of hydrogen be conceived or measured? The condensed powers in one atom of hydrogen are acquired from the sun or cosmic and ultracosmic radiations in an initial atom. Since, in my opinion, the reality of life has to be shown in the hydrogen atom or in its compositions, and cell organizations are formed of four kinds of hydrogen compositions, these condensed powers (which are in direct contact from within the cell to external energies), prove to be an agent of life on the earth. Therefore, discovery

75 t

of the cell

and

life is

impossible without recognizing these powers

their influences. Other factors

influencing

cell life are the body. Numbering thirteen, these main sources are in direct connection with all universal

directly

human

magnetic sources of the magnetic and electric

For more

power

fields.

clarification, let us consider the following

example. Just as

stations distribute current through extended wire cables, magnetic

sources play their part in the

human body

They transform

as substations.

the

acquired energies into magnetism and other essential conditions of the body.

The tender

materials of the body, such as magnetic substances, act both as

transmitters and receivers; each

is

either effected or effective.

Therefore,

if

any disorder in these magnetic sources should appear, the body's magnetics

and

its

nervous system would not be able to perform their communicative

become

functions properly, and the body would

Health depends on energy flow.

one

state to another,

it

defective.

For energy

to

be transformed from

must flow constantly through the body. As mentioned

above, the magnetic sources of the body provide the impetus for this flow.

When

these centers stagnate or

aura of energy,

its

radiant output,

stagnant water where there

is

when is

their function

distorted.

An

is

impeded, the body's

analogy

is

what happens

no flow and movement. The basic law of

motion, the rhythmic, cyclic pulsation of radiant energy, which building block of our bodies as

it

is

of the universe.

characterized as a stagnation of this energy,

is

the basic

Illness

when energy

is

to

life is

can be

not being

heightened and transformed.

The body ingests nourishment in a heavy form because the body is heavy. more subtle body assimilates finer energy. But the human body has the potential and the task of transforming the energy it digests into more subtle energy. are not bound to the heaviness of our organism, for we have the capacity to transform the energy within ourselves into finer and finer levels. have abused our natural birthright if we cut ourselves off from the finer nourishments, or energy,

A

We

We

surrounding us. Our bodies are composed of, for the most part, water. _ The processes of this mass of water, which flows through our body, are of the utmost importance because the body fluids act as a catalyst, carrying and adjusting all external influences and nutrition throughout every part of the body. Furthermore, the paramagnetic quality of our body fluids depends on a constant

76

process of the creation and combination of ions in this fluid and the maintenance of the ionic balance. To make changes in the body, then, means to change the electromagnetic state of the body's fluid. Electricity is the particular characteristic of the energy force we are dealing with, and magnetism is the direction given to that force. Disease, old age, and other alterations in the body's energy pattern are ultimately traceable to imbalances and declines in the electrical potency of the body plasma, its intermolecular fluid.

3

The condition of health is thus a regulated, balanced flow of energy through the body, which receives its impetus from the energy centers. Moreover, there is radiant energy emitted by the body, and this radiant electromagnetic energy bears a specific relation to the location and intensity of the activity within the body. When we realize that our bodies are in fact made up of nothing but energy in constant transformation, it is easier to understand how subtle, nonphysical, energetic influences such as emotions and thoughts can have an effect on our emotional and mental experiences. Similarly, once we understand what produces the radiant emanation from our bodies, it is clearer why this emanation should reveal something about the state of our functioning. People with no particular psychic gifts can learn to see the ray and the aura around the body. This information can be of tremendous help to counselors or to those who treat physical illness because the subtle energy fields that surround the human body can convey advance warning of problems that may not yet have manifested themselves physically and in any case understanding of the energy fields can aid in a clearer perception of what is really amiss in a case of mental, emotional, or physical illness. Health, therefore, is not just the absence of disease, it is a dynamic, evolutionary process, a state of constant change. You are made up of some 350 trillion cells, each unique and each with capacity to maintain and reproduce itself and to interact and interrelate with all the other cells of the body. Every particle that makes up the components of the cell is in a state of constant activity, and there is a constant flow of energy arising from that activity. Because health is equivalent to the free, unimpeded flow of energy, you can see that it is possible to interfere with your health, to make yourself ill by intervening on the subtlest, least-material level.

The

Swedish

radiologist

Nordenstrom

posits

what

seems

astounding theory:

The human body contains As Nordenstrom describes

the equivalent of electric circuits. his body electric, the circuits are switched on by an injury, an infection, or a tumor, or even by

an

77

the normal activity of the body's organs; voltages build and fluctuate; electric currents course through the arteries and veins and across capillary walls, drawing white blood cells and metabolic compounds into and out of surrounding tissues. This electrical system, says Nordenstrom, works to balance the activity of the internal organs and, in the case of injuries, represents the very foundation of the healing process. In his view, it's as critical to the well-being of the human body as the Disturbances in this electrical network, he flow of blood. suggests, may be involved in the development of cancer and other diseases. Classical medicine certainly doesn't deny that there are myriad electrical forces at work within the body, in addition to chemical ones exerted by hormones and enzymes, and physical ones like the pressure of the blood in the arteries and veins. Every human thought and action is accompanied by the conduction of the electrical signals along the fibers of the nervous system. Indeed, life wouldn't exist without the constant flow of ions across the membranes of cells. Yet Nordenstrom argues that the picture is incomplete. As he sees it, medical research has provided a descriptive view of the chemical and physical processes at work in the human body, but hasn't explained how they're interrelated. It is a picture of effects without causes. In Nordenstrom's view, the cause behind many of the effects is the ebb and flow in his biologically closed electric circuits. If he is right, these circuits may explain many fundamental regulatory processes in the human body, and even the seemingly inexplicable therapeutic effects of acupuncture and of electromagnetic fields. To prove that his theory is more than just an academic curiosity, Nordenstrom has put his ideas to work, using electricity to treat lung and breast tumors. Considering the immaturity of his science, he has had remarkable success. He is also developing techniques for combining electrical treatment with chemotherapy, using the electrodes to concentrate the chemical around the tumor. 6

We seem

can therefore claim that although,

at first glance,

human

beings

to possess only a physical body, science as well as religion tells us this

not the whole picture.

dimension of man's being. order to maintain

its

body

In fact, the physical

The body needs

is

is

the most superficial

to receive a balanced diet in

equilibrium, but nutrition alone

is

not enough.

An

overall balance has to be achieved to ensure the best possible health since

the

human body

Each of these invisible

consists of different auras that surround the physical body.

auric bodies

is

nurtured through the flow of energy from

energy centers mentioned before.

A

healthy and balanced energy

flow throughout the body assures a radiant auric body.

78

CHAPTER EIGHT ENDNOTES 1. Jack Schwarz, York, 1980, pp. 1-3.

2.

Human

Energy Systems, E. P. Dutton,

New

York,

New

Shah Maghsoud Angha, The Hidden Angles of Life, Multidisciplinary Pomona, Calif., pp. 56-58.

Publications, 3.

Schwarz, pp. 89 and 91.

4.

Ibid., p. 21.

5.

Ibid., p. 108.

6.

Gary Taubes,

An Electrifying Possibility,

Discover, April 1986, p. 22.

/

*

CHAPTER NINE THE ENERGY CENTERS IN THE BODY The most important energy body

is

source in the

the heart, the "source of life." Hazrat Shah Maghsoud Sadegh

In this chapter

we

will discuss in detail the function of the

centers and the different bodies surrounding the physical mold: fields.

As a

stage of

result

Hans

existent in the

balance.

we

will discover

Selye's "exhaustion"

how

to fight stress

in

this

energy

the auric

to prevent the last

by means of activating the energy centers

body and the conservation of

However,

and

Angha

and

chapter

explanation of these energy centers

is

in

given;

its

that energy to gain inner

the

the

next,

theoretical

practice will be introduced

later.

"The health of the organs and regular functions of the

cells

must be

secured by providing a suitable equilibrium in the magnetic functions and assimilation

and repulsion of the body," 1

Maghsoud Sadegh Angha The 1)

in

to

Hazrat

Shah

tasks of the body's energy centers are:

absorbing and storing the subtle electromagnetic energies from

the surrounding energy fields 2)

according

The Hidden Angles of Life.

breaking

(i.e.,

solar,

cosmic or ultracosmic);

down and transforming

can be used by the body; and

those energies into a form that

80

distribution of the transformed energy throughout the

3)

nourish each

The

body

to

cell.

cells, in turn,

use that transformed energy to balance their

The law governing

energy exchange

this

balance of input and output.

is

activities.

one of conservation and

A malfunction in this system, caused either by a

low input of energy, a dysfunction in energy transformation, or an uneven In such a case the

distribution, will cause disorder at the cellular level.

body's magnetic and nervous systems are immediately deficient.

When

an energy center

of the aura surrounding

is

will

it

operating in a balanced manner, the color

be very pale and pure.

If

a center

not

is

properly transmitting energy, the color will have a dense, dark outflow,

apparent

in the aura.

For an optimal

utilization of energy, all the energy centers should

Our energy

functioning in a balanced, fully operative manner.

never completely blocked or closed.

we would

die.

If

If

no energy

at all

could flow through,

one of these energy centers slows down, the energy flow

be impeded and organs

will

begin to show signs of

illness.

centers' interaction with the endocrine glands maintains the

of the body's organs. Because the centers

is

will

The energy

normal function

unimpeded energy flow through the energy

the key to optimal health,

we must

and anxieties that impede the flow can be injury to

be

centers are

realize that the attitudes, fears

just as

damaging

as actual physical

an organ.

Let us at

this

time take a closer look at these energy centers and

understand their function individually and as a whole.

This

we

try to

will

according to the instructions given in The Hidden Angles of Life, which written by the Sufi Master, Hazrat Shah

do is

Maghsoud Sadegh Angha.

ENERGY CENTERS Thirteen main energy centers connect

magnetic and electric

fields,

human

through which the body

with the currents of existence. centers to be the most important.

The

is

beings with universal constantly in contact

Sufi discipline considers the following

81

Solar Plexus

The

solar plexus

lower,

in

is

The diaphragm

diaphragm.

more

"instinctive"

increasingly related in a

the pit under the sternum and

serves as a sort of boundary

over the

between man's

become

nature and his higher centers, which

more evolved

separates the subtle from the dense;

it

consciousness.

literally

The diaphragm

separates the sensitive organs,

The

such as the heart and lungs, from the digestive and purgative organs.

lower part of

upper

this

borderline has been defined in the

part, the "heaven."

If

we

Koran

as the "earth," the

define the earth as the plane in which the

laws of physics, action, and reaction govern, then heaven represents infinity

and the most subtle

one

state of existence.

in essence but

when

becomes dense and takes the shape of becomes more and more

The same

their molecules are

the

ice;

as ice, water,

and vapor are

packed closely together,

more

the molecules expand

it it

subtle, almost invisible as vapor.

This important energy center, the solar plexus, that

boundary of the heaven and the

earth,

is

is

located on the

nourished by the heart, and

it

nourishes the liver and the organs.

The

"solar plexus"

"Solar" refers to the sun,

its

is

so

named because

it

is

means of nourishment. The

associated with solar plexus

of internal sun produced by the oxidation or "burning" of food. their energy directly

from the

produce their own energy.

sun, but

When human

trapped in plant matter and release digestion.

maintaining

human

it

is

fire.

a sort

Plants take

beings and animals must

beings eat they take the energy

through the chemical process of

This creates an "inner flame," which provides the energy for life.

When

this

inner flame

person to be healthy, to digest

his

is

properly regulated,

it

allows the

food properly, and to have a consistent

energy level without being easily fatigued. This center primarily serves as a receptor of the principle force of vitality that enters the physical

fostered by sunlight.

body.

Because the

Its

magnetic particles are directly

activities of the solar plexus, as well as all

other energy centers, are directly related to the nerve tracts,

all

cells,

globules and finally the entire organism depend completely on receiving the

82

magnetic waves of the sun. Thus by the help of solar energy many diseases can be treated.

Focusing

one's

thoughts

concentration of the energy there.

on

the

solar

plexus

increases

the

The concentration of energy speeds up

the action of the digestive organs and improves their ability to secrete

enzymes and process food. Poor digestion may mean an inadequate focus of energy the solar plexus.

When

Energy

is

the solar plexus center

in the area of

ordinarily stored at this solar plexus center. is

energized, one feels dynamic and assertive.

The Center at the Base of the Spine

Another magnetic source

Some

thinkers

seem

is

at the last vertebra of the spinal

to believe that this triangular cartilage

agent for the being of mankind and

is

In any case, the vital organization of

composition. This magnetic source

is

column.

an effective

one of the important centers of life and

has a structure which will not be transformed to

it is

is

its

soil after

cells

death.

possesses a complicated

the center for exertion of powers, and

impressive in genesis and reproduction. In previous beliefs and religions, and even in Islam, extra importance has been given to this triangular magnetic source. The yogi, for example, concentrates on his spinal column, which is very effective. However, in Sufism the process of concentration will be performed on the source of life, in the heart, and the magnetic source of the solar plexus, and then will be expanded to the brain. This kind of unification and method belongs exclusively to the 'Oveyssi School of Sufism,' and this method resembles the instructions given by the prophets. 2

The Source between the Eyebrows

The

third of these energy centers

eyebrows, which

is

directly

in

is

located at the pit between the

contact with the cartilages of the

Concentration and gathering of magnetics in the ability to read the thoughts of others, and

this source, is

nose.

produce telepathy,

related to the "sixth sense."

Concerning "extrsensory" perception, Hazrat Shah Maghsoud says that cognition

is

the ability to conceive of magnetic rays or waves that

from our surroundings. These waves pass through

all

come

to us

materials and objects

83

without the need of a natural substance.

who

He

also says a "clairvoyant"

is

one

has control over a part of his brain and can conceive the rays from a

certain point.

This

will receive the

This

is

is

like

Of

a wireless receptor.

all

the existing waves, he

appointed and desired wave.

in reference to the coordination

between physical and

spiritual

a result of which the brain becomes susceptible to receive any

ability, as

special magnetic waves. Obviously essential fundamentals

and conditions are

necessary for both the sender and the receiver systems. For example,

if

some

tremblings of sound are broadcast on a special wavelength, a receiver will get the waves

on a channel, but these sound waves are of no use

to

an insensitive

or deaf ear, although these broadcast waves are distributed throughout space

and surround the

earth's atmosphere.

scientific transaction

and

activity.

This example

Our

physical events, but our knowledge about

orbit

them

mental system of knowledge

is

things happen, or are inspired

and discovered.

is is

comparable

is

full

small.

far too ill-equipped to

to any

of metaphysical and

Our

physical and

understand the way

Eastern, clear-sighted, and intuitive scientists believe that if all of man's natural powers and strengths were concentrated on a precise metaphysical point of existence or became accustomed to comprehending truth superior to sensual limitations and animal habits he would be able to discover more clearly and precisely those natural principles that have metaphysical terms, because naturally the sum total of strength is much more powerful than scattered energy. When man reaches this level of concentration, or, when the power of organized existence comes under the will of the intellect or the rational mind, then he will be able to comprehend and discover energies beyond even waves, and he will be able to comprehend the spirit and divinity of himself and all in the depth of his mind and soul. All that is hidden from him now shall manifest to him. 3

Let us go on to the next important energy center

at the top of the

head.

The Source

in the

Upper Fontanel

This magnetic source at the top of the head acts as a radar, and

consequently

it

can contact the spreading waves of thoughts in space.

According to Hazrat Shah Maghsoud, discoveries and inventions occur by

84

concentration of this source and

its

connection to the magnetic source

located between the eyebrows.

This magnetic source to 12 kilometers or

more

may

transmit the magnetic waves of the brain up

in space in the

form of a luminous column. Alpha

waves, after contacting this magnetic source and communicating with subsources, cause hearing, smelling and seeing waves that are invisible to the

limited senses and other supernatural events.

cortex and

kilometers

the is

bounded

certain,

and

solar it is

A connection

of the cerebral

system to the diameter of three billion

in constant contact

with the alpha and other

mental waves that are called the bounded area of illuminated thought by Hazrat Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha

in

The Hidden Angles of Life.

The custom of placing an ornate crown on the head of a monarch seems to be rooted in the idea that the person with an evolved consciousness should be the one to lead the state. This reverence for this is the concept of the 'philosopher king.' center of consciousness is also seen in the symbology of certain religions. In the Christian tradition, it has been customary for certain monks to shave the crown of the head and leave a bare circle. In the Jewish tradition, a skull cap is worn that covers that same area. Religious art often highlights the area of the crown with a burst of light or a halo. The Hopi Indians say of man's relationship to this center:

A

'Here, when he was born, was the soft spot, the "open door," through which he received his life and communicated with his Creator. At the time of the last phase of his creation, the soft spot was hardened and the door was closed. The yogi tradition gives a similar significance to the soft spot of the infant, noting that it gradually hardens as the child's intuitive qualities are diminished during the development of rationality and ego functions. The yogic viewpoint, however, emphasizes that this door may be t

reopened.

The Source At The Head of the Medulla Oblongata This magnetic source the

first

is

situated at the

head of the medulla oblongata,

vertebra of the cervical spine in the neck.

connects directly with the energy source, that spinal column.

The harmonization and

is

This energy center

in the last vertebra in the

the communication of these two

pivots result in extraordinary actions practiced in India.

Some samples

that

85

indicate extraordinary survives

power are the yogi who

rests

on a bed of

on one date a day; another by he who holds out

train that

is

his

and

nails

hand

to stop a

moving.

The Source of Life

The most important energy source Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha

known

it

in the

body

all, is

connected to

This magnetic source place "Heaven in the

human

is

all

is

the "source of

and powerful manager, containing

as a wise

important of

calls

the heart.

The

life."

Hazrat heart

intelligence, and,

is

most

magnetic sources.

the celestial center in man.

heart." Molavi, the

famous

Most

religions

Sufi poet, says:

O pilgrims where are thee, where are thee? Ka'ba

is

Ka'ba

is

here, here

Sufi believes that also visit

he

is

you should be, here you should be.

the house of it is

God

that pilgrims visit in

not enough to

visit

God, the owner of the house.

indicating that

God

However, a

When the

Sufi poet says

Ka'ba

dwells in the heart of each of us, that

have to travel a distance but need only travel

and meet him.

Mecca.

the house alone, but that one must

in the land of

not

our hearts to find

God

confirms this in the Koran,

All Heaven and Earth may not be vast enough to bear His divine Presence but the heart of the righteous man will. also says,

Have

they not traveled in the land so that they should have hearts, with which to understand, Or ears with which to hear? For surely, it is not the eyes that are blind, But blind are the hearts, which are in the breasts. (Koran surah 22:46)

The Bible

here

Revelations only take place in the heart, without the

interference of the senses.

The Koran

is

we do

says,

Do you

Or

not

know

And

that

say:

that

God

you are God's temple dwells in you? (Corinthians 3:16)

And the Koran says, He has forged a lie against Allah? So

if

Allah please,

He would And

seal thy heart.

Allah blots out the falsehood,

And confirms, the Truth with His words, Surely He is Knower, Of what is in the breasts. (Koran surah 42:24)

Whey My

servants ask thee concerning I

I listen

am indeed

Me,

close:

to the prayer of every suppliant, When he calleth on Me:

Let them

also,

with a

will,

My call.

Listen to

(Koran surah 2:186) Say:

Whoever

is an enemy to Gabriel, For he brings down

The

revelation to thy heart

By God's

will,

A conformation of what went before, And

guidance and glad tidings For those who believe. (Koran surah 2:97)

Thenceforth were your hearts hardened

They became

like

a rock,

And even worse in hardness. For among rocks, There are some from which,

And

Rivers gush forth, Others, there are when split, Asunder send forth water, And others which sink, For fear of God, God is not unmindful of what ye do. (Koran surah 2:74)

Hazrat Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha explains that love is a penetrating, electric, or magnetic power that joins all the particles of the infinite together. In fact all existence is originated by the power of love. Without the existence of this force of attraction, it would be absolutely true to say not a single particle could come into existence. Love is the basic characteristic of every manifestation. Love exists in three stages. The origin of love and desires on the materialistic level is the magnetic source of the 'solar plexus.' more superior kind of love occurs with the complete unification of the two magnetic sources of the brain, and the solar plexus. Love is a description of life in its most subtle state. This superior form

A

87

of love is called 'spiritual love.' The spiritual love results in the unification of the two magnetic sources of the brain, the heart, and the solar plexus and their unified effects on all the magnetic and nervous systems in an extensive cooperation. Disorder and a lack of harmony occur, however, when each of these sources performs separate functions. One's eternal identity is discovered when unification and equilibrium are established between the outward and inward, the individual and universal powers. Then, it is assured that many of the

matters will be discovered through laboratory experiments on both the magnetic centers and sources of the atom, as well as the universe. At this time, the gates of the unknown world will open wide. 'If the research of the spiritual

spiritualists had been started from this point, many biological problems would have been solved long before now.

Therefore, health should be achieved through the balance of personal

magnetics instead of customarily following an ambiguous psychological philosophy by establishing a link between experiences gained from ambiguity and physiological medicine. This

is

this

the right path that the medical

sciences should pursue.

At the present time, the

Sufi

Master of the School of Oveyssi

is

busy

with spiritual healing, transmitting magnetic energies to patients, and thus In Chapter Eleven

strengthening them.

we

will

talk

processes the Sufi Master Hazrat Salaheddin Nader

AIDS

patients he

is

about the healing

Angha

is

using on the

treating.

Concentration of the vital energies of man on any of the mentioned energy sources has its own extraordinary effects, and generally similar effects are found less in inferior animals in comparison to the human being. The dispersion of the magnetic energies makes human beings appear weaker than even animals, while it is not so. For example, animals are aware, in some circumstances, one or two hours before an earthquake. This is because of their senses and animal nature, but perfect men are aware of many events before their happenings by their concentration of internal and external energies. sight this

Discovering future events and keeping past incidents in depends on being an observer in the present. In Sufism called breaking the limited boundaries through the

is

In other words, when a human being succeeded in light he would gain knowledge about manifestations past and future. For example, when I was in the presence of my great

infinite.

overcoming the speed of all life

teacher,

Angha,

my

Hazrat he uttered:

father,

in 1961,

Mir Ghotbeddin

Mohammad

88

'I

am

see

hearing the sound of cries and mourns and buried alive under ruins.'

many people being week

later, a destructive and horrible shook a large area about 1,000 The earthquake kilometers sixty kilometers from Teheran. ruined the area and killed nearly 10,000 people. Just as different organs of the body are interrelated and effect each other, and each have their individual function, these sources are also interrelated and effective in the same manner. Therefore, the fields of their effects are perpetual from the body to the magnetic particles and vice versa. The first stage of the physiological death of the body can also be rendered by the disconnection of these energy transmitters of

Exactly

earthquake

a

hit,

which

the body. It should not be imagined that the human being is only a material organization. However, the magnetic connection of the body has been considered man's spiritual connections by some researchers while the independent identity of man, the soul, that governs the body and is the active and wise force that manifests through each person has been overlooked. 6

Therefore, Hazrat Shah

and

its

Maghsoud proposes,

introduction,

and the book of creation should be studied from the

chapters to discover the repelling and receiving of energies by the particles, and life."

7

"In order to discover life

mysteries, the material laboratory experiences should be used as an

how

human

first

magnetic, cosmic

they assist the extensive equilibrium of

89

CHAPTER NINE ENDNOTES 1.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, The Hidden Angles of Life,

2.

Ibid., p. 63.

3.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, The Manifestations of Thought, pp.

14.

4.

Ajaha Swami Rama, Yoga and Psychotherapy, pp. 270-271.

5.

Angha, The Hidden Angles of Life, pp. 60-62.

6.

Ibid., pp. 70-73.

7.

Ibid., p. 74.

p. 62.

13-

CHAPTER TEN INNER BALANCE By activating the existing energy sources to maintain an energy flow in the body and to form strong auras, we form a kind of protective shield around us, that help us fight outside stressors.

The Auric Fields

Man rational,

is

a complex mechanism composed of physical, etheric,

and luminous bodies. The physical body

dimension of man's being. The higher

is

celestial,

only the most superficial

invisible bodies

can help

man

reach

higher spiritual realms.

The

etheric body, according to Hazrat

of the body and

is

like

by angels from etheric elements. This

around the physical body and responsible for innate

body.

It

invisible

vitality,

is

is

like

a thin veil of cloud and floats

rarely detached

from

it.

The

rational,

in the

higher bodies,

the necessary

all

is

of the

like three

circles

previous chapter.

and luminous bodies are

one another. As the rational soul becomes purer and more

rises to

body

medium

contacts the physical body through the crucial

celestial,

etheric

transmitting the energies from the sun to the

energy centers mentioned

The inside

Shah Maghsoud, has the shape

a mold, formed prior to the formation of the embryo

gentle,

it

of which are in perfect harmony, thus transferring

power and influence

for this ascension

and

goal.

92

The human aura

move away from and more

subtler

more about

We energy

thus

is

human

the

made up

have

progressively

Because of

we know

considerably

difficult to see.

all

The

had the experience of observing such a multi-leveled

last

and degrees of

time you were looking at a candle flame, for example,

Around

that

is

by varying

levels of density, represented

Light one

subtlety.

around the wick, a bluish form bluish-gray.

this,

body than we do about the subtler ones.

you might have noticed different colors

As we

become

the auras closer to the

field.

of different levels of density.

body, the energy fields

is

now and

take another look. Right

surrounded by a dark area that

an oval shape of a golden or yellowish

is

color,

also

and

within that yellowish oval, you can see layers of varying degrees of subtlety.

Beyond the flame

itself,

flame's glow dissipates.

you can see subtle oval-shaped

The human

fields of

energy as the

aura, like the candle flame,

is

made up

of progressively subtle levels of density.

The human body's

marked

"halo" that

we

may extend

physical aura

but on the average, the aura

is

as far as 15 or 20 feet,

5 to 8 feet in diameter.

same way, the

In the

see around the head of prophets in a religious painting

depicts an aura and indicates the connection they have established with the

center point of their being, that

is,

with the source of

life

within.

Considering once again the tangible image of the candle,

how

lights its

it

A

surroundings and spreads rays.

constant flow of energy and can be said to glow like a candle.

energy flow and the

we

are.

A

less fatigue

and

stress

feel,

notice

The

better the

the better and healthier

constant energy flow provides the body with ample energy and

keeps the body functioning solution to stress,

lies

in

a state of "inner balance." Therefore, the true

within each of us.

INNER BALANCE is

Just as physical health depends

health.

we

we

healthy person has a

equilibrium, the whole

human

on a balanced

crucial to our

diet to maintain

its

being needs to establish an emotional and

spiritual balance.

An

unstable person

management" are balance.

like

The problem

Because the table

is

is

like a rickety table.

Many

techniques of "stress

holding on to the table's legs to keep is

that the table will fall as

not secure and cannot stand by

need of support from an outside source, similar

it

from

tilting off-

soon as you

itself, it is in

let

go.

constant

to our fighting stressors by

93

drugs, alcohol, a vacation, or even the help of a

using an outside agent:

The problem with such

friend.

relationships with people

What we need

independence. independence.

agents

-which can

is

they

become

frustrate both parties.

instead

is

to

addictive - even

Addiction

acquire

Like a study table standing strong on

its

stability

legs,

is

not

and

we need

to

learn to carry loads without any outside help.

Meditation can give us gathers

all

this

balance and strength. By meditating, one

energies within oneself. Meditation results in an even and natural

distribution

and flow of energy throughout the body and mind, helping

establish stability

and balance.

body we also prevent

it

By enhancing the

from many physical disorders.

preventive health care measure.

to

auric shield around the

This

is

also a

S

94

Every atom has

-energy -electrical

charge

-magnetic field

Everything

we do

scatters the energies

—

weakens the magnetic

field

energy

Expenditure

Energy

generation

Energy generation through meditation

scattered energies

imbalance

& weakness

gathered energies balance & inner strength

95

The expansion and flow

of energy (as

around the body and act as an immune system

shown above) form a

By

to fight stress.

our existing energy sources to maintain an energy flow

in the

form strong auras, we form a kind of protective shield around

shield

activating

body and

to

us.

ILLUSTRATION Outside Forces 1.

No

Imbalance

Help:

(distress)

Stressors

Outside Forces 2.

Outside

Temporary

Outside Help

relief

Stressors

help

Outside Forces

MEDITATION

inner strength

Balance

Stressors

The above diagram

represents an individual (the block) under the influence of stress (the stressors.) 1. An individual under the influence of stress has no outside help in order to cope and withstand the stressors. The result is distress and imbalance.

The individual still cannot cope with the stressors, but is seeking outside help which presents some temporary relief. This relief is dependent upon the existence of outside help.

2.

Through meditation the

individual can stay balanced in the face of the inner strength fights the outside stressors, the results of which are balance - calm, serenity.

3.

stressors.

The

96

Meditation

Through balance and equilibrium, we

set

our mechanism to work

Through

this

constant input and output

effectively

enough

to activate energy.

of energy, the auric field

and the

soul.

If

is

shaped, thus nourishing us as a whole, the body

our energy centers do not function well,

we cannot generate

or emanate energy effectively, as with batteries that are charged only once.

After a while, the energy dissipates and the batteries go dead, unless they are

For humans, the recharging process

activated again.

because our physical, mental, and flow of energy.

Maghsoud

In his

spiritual health

is

very important,

depends upon

book The Message from

the Soul,

this

constant

Hazrat Shah

says:

No

farmer

For

if

block the wells or the springs of his farm, he does, there will be no harvest. 1

The most important the source of

life.

The Kingdom

of

but within us.

will

of

the energy centers in the body

all

"The Kingdom of

God

is

the heart,

is

within," said the great prophets.

God is "Heaven" and lives not in images, When all the magnetic energy fields in

churches, or books the body function

together as a whole and harmonize with the main source, the heart, an overall health

is

achieved.

"Kingdom of God

man

is

within,"

And

only at this point

which

is

is

one able

complete self-awareness.

no longer a victim of events and

stress

to realize the

At

he cannot endure but

of force and serenity. All of which he draws from the spring of

life

this is

time

a pillar

within.

97

CHAPTER TEN ENDNOTES 1.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, Psalm of Gods, University Press of Inc., Lanham, MD, 1986, p. 44.

America,

CHAPTER ELEVEN THE ART OF SUFI HEALING AS APPLIED TO

"AIDS"

In the land of our heart the plant of despair shall never grow. Hazrat Salaheddin Ali Nader Angha

In a recent

TV

interview, Hazrat Salaheddin Ali

He

asked what he teaches people with AIDS. to live, not

how

responded:

Nader Angha was "I

Linda O'Riordan, who has been a nurse for 25 years, the

Sacramento

teach them

how

to die."

AIDS

foundation, and

is

is

working closely with

involved with

AIDS

patients

under the direction of the Spiritual Master of the School of Islamic Sufism, says:

Concepts, fears, beliefs, and opinions attached to the HIV virus limits and boundaries. With AIDS, the limits and boundaries are based on terms like victims, incurable, terminal, death sentence, and the media feeding people a chronic diet of 'no hope.' AIDS is not a terminal disease unless we allow it to be. Healing begins when you want to live and start to take responsibility for your own life, and is a continuous process.

form

The

first

Sufi healing classes for

medical care, began twice a week.

in

The

AIDS, complementary

January 1988. The Sufi

One

patients

meet

to traditional

for

two hours

Master has also worked personally with the

participants very regularly to fortify their

processes.

AIDS

such process

is

immune system through

healing

by transmitting magnetic energies to them,

99

regulating a balanced flow of energy throughout their body.

any wounds, physically and metaphysically,

"The healing of

based on acquiring a state of

is

balance and equilibrium between the physical state of consciousness and the existential healing powers," says

At

Hazrat Salaheddin Ali Nader Angha.

time the Master has given instructions for classes that the

this

participants attend regularly every

and work on

their bodies'

seen

less frequently

their

own

own

week where they

are learning to recognize

As they recover they are

healing abilities.

by the Sufi Master, and become active participants in

healing.

Sufi

Healing covers a broad spectrum because

aspects of the

human

being, which

are:

it

considers different

Mental, (2) Physical, (3)

(1)

Emotional, (4) Spiritual, (5) Nutritional, and (6) Energy fields of the body.

Other approaches two

or, at

to healing

do not focus on

all

these; only

one or perhaps

the most, three would be emphasized.

Sufi healing differs

electromagnetic areas. electromagnetic

field,

exercises designed for

It

most remarkably

in

its

focus on the spiritual and

works extensively with energy, with the body's

and with the energy centers

AIDS

in the body.

Specific

patients by the Sufi Masters are intended to

provide a stable, balanced equilibrium in the magnetic functions of the body. Strengthening the energy sources and balancing the energy, combined with releasing stress and relieving pressure effect

on the entire system has a profound

on the stimulation of the immune system and the body's healing

abilities.

The the

spiritual

connection

is

also very essential.

Sufi healing teaches

way within, and through personal experience one becomes aware of one's

spiritual identity.

One

begins to experience the presence of

God

as

one finds

access to the healer within, and faith, hope and love begin to flourish.

healing process that generates love and self-worth and self-respect.

born from the

twilight of love" says

It is

"Life

a is

Hazrat Salaheddin Nader Angha.

In a panel discussion on "The Art of Sufi Healing as Applied to

AIDS,"

AIDS

at California State University,

patients

who had been under

Sacramento, on August

5,

1989, five

the direct care of the Sufi Master

consented to speak publicly about themselves.

100

Panelist A:

He had AIDS

for

two years.

He

told the panel that

he had started

attending the Sufi healing classes just after recovering from a near-fatal,

He

week-long coma.

has since returned to college and

He

time, in spite of people questioning him.

His

life.

last

T-4

cell

is

count was 19 (under 500

is

also working part-

determined to is

live

and enjoy

considered dangerous for

opportunistic infection). Yet he has been healthy for the last year.

Panelist B:

He

spoke of increased self-esteem, of new potential, and of feeling

empowered. He first

came

stressed the fact that he

to class but

was absolutely exhausted when he

was re-energized and

revitalized

when he

left.

His

clogged sinuses had cleared and he experienced no more 2:00 a.m. panic attacks or dark days of despair

and depression.

Panelist C:

Near

tears,

he had

difficulty speaking.

He

told the public that he

had

attended the healing classes after two hospital bouts of 40 days each of cryptococcal meningitis, hallucinations, and fevers of up to 107 degrees.

thought he was dying and had

Soon

after

lost

undergoing healing instructions,

subsided to

less

than

4,

his fungal

count of 285 quickly

and he went from a wheelchair

to walking again. His

energy level has increased, his pain

much more

positive.

beforehand.

He

Panelist

He

35 pounds, and was weak and in pain.

He

is

reduced, and his outlook has

become

reduces the pain of spinal taps by meditating

said that the Sufi healing

had saved

his life.

D:

He was introduced to Sufi healing in 1988, when he first tested positive for AIDS virus. Results of the classes were immediate, he said. He calmed down; he came

to realize

but that he also had a soul.

He

he was not

spoke of

love,

just the life,

body he was occupying,

peace, and joy.

101

Panelist E:

He

spoke with great emotion and was near

attended the healing sessions for a year.

on

file

and he did not wish

healthy again, and that was of power and through

summary

it

He

speak about

to

He had

After being quite

it.

that mattered.

all

tears.

also

said that his medical history

He had

he was going to stay

ill,

found an inner source

and happy.

alive

is

he was

This

is

a

of the panel discussion that took place, each patient talking about

their process of recovery

About hope

and renewed hope.

the Sufi Master Hazrat Salaheddin says:

Hope

is seed that is cultivated in fertile soil, that bears fruit. 1 In the land of our heart the plant of despair will never grow.

"If

says

you are an optimist by nature, then you are already halfway

there,"

Marlene Martin, free-lance writer who writes primarily on the subjects

of health and nutrition, in an article

named

'Healing from Within." "Studies

have shown," she continues, that people with a positive attitude toward life tend to get sick less often than pessimists. It is also believed by some that a positive attitude can in itself mobilize our immune systems. Psychologist David McClelland of Boston University's Center for Applied Sciences conducted studies in 1987 showing increased levels of salivary immunoglobulin -an antibody that protects us from respiratory infection -in some people 2 who exhibit strong feelings of love.

A

Contrary to the Western medical tradition, in the East, due to the philosophy of

life

inherited from the great Sufi Masters and the knowledge of

Sufism, diseases, even terminal ones, are not considered fatal. is

terminally

ill is

often not even told so, for

it is

A patient who

believed that the morale of

the patient will weaken, and that he would lose faith and give in to the illness.

The inherent hope and

healing and recovery process. result

is

victory.

will to live

One

is

the most important factor in the

has to fight for

In the case of

some cancer

life,

and

in

patients,

many

cases the

physicians and

researchers are also taking a closer look at numerous cases of "spontaneous remission" and they have found that

many

of these patients have maintained

a positive outlook and a belief in their ability to overcome their disease.

One

possible conclusion from these findings, continues Marlene, could be that "with

all

other factors being relatively equal, a patient's state of mind can

102

often be the deciding factor in his or her degree of recovery from illness; or,

with a disease, even whether or not he or she survives." 3

Sufism reminds us that

he

is

man

is

created in the image of

the worthiest, richest, and wisest of

connected to the of God's

own

infinite

image,

is

power source of

all

God and

-if only he knew.

existence.

is

Such a man, a creation

not subject to indigence and misery and confined to

sorrow and despair.

The

that

Man

delighted souls and the eyes that can see are in love with beauty, and their joy lies not in living in seclusion or living in deep corners of sorrow. 4

103

CHAPTER ELEVEN ENDNOTES 1.

Salaheddin Ali Nader Angha, The Secret Word,

UPA

Publication,

1989, p. 20. 2.

US Air

Aug. 1990,

Magazine,

article

"Healing from Within," by Marlene Martin,

p. 80.

3.

Ibid., p. 80.

4.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, The Message from

the Soul, p. 39.

CHAPTER TWELVE INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION Both your pain and your cure are from within yourself Hazrat Ali-ibn-abitalib

In previous chapters

nine chapters will include

we spoke more

The

of meditation theoretically.

next

on meditation and

practical information

concentration as well as the physical and psychological bearings of stress and

how we can I

recognize and eliminate those on our body and mind. However,

must remind readers

although

this

that the theory of practice

book was meant

meditation classes

who

at

more

desired

first

for

is

still

students

theoretical information,

to present publicly the practical aspects of meditation in a

somewhat

useful to

theory only, and attending

already I

have decided

form that can be

all.

Obviously, attending actual classes, which are monitored very closely, is

a

much

faster

and surer way

much misconception

exists,

to attain this

knowledge. In a

where so

field

guidance and supervision are very important

factors. I

must also caution and remind each interested individual that

do not know what meditation know, the

less

you

to meditate

you can be misled very

will risk getting lost or confused.

you home, not every signpost

how

is

is

if

you

more you

Not every bus

that reads "meditation"

and not misguide you.

easily; the

will take

going to teach you

105

If

you want

to learn physics,

more or

physics course will be

same

the

But when you want

you attend.

university

easy to choose a

it is

less

The

class.

basic

in

whichever college or

to learn

something that has no

standard for the material, no academic criterion, you have to rely on

someone

else's

experience and trust they are going to teach you the right

thing and not mislead you.

The

right meditation class transforms

and takes you through an inner

True meditation connects you with

evolution.

reality

and makes you aware

of our fundamental unity with everything in the universe.

should be a

It

journey of growth in which one passes from one state of awareness to another, moving gradually to deeper and deeper levels of one's being. Ultimately, one passes from the level in which one has the awareness

body" to the level in which one experiences

"I

This important transformation involves a pattern, which are in

more harmony with

the alchemy of

is

meditation

Effective

should

enrichment and inner growth.

some

to focus

magical force is

more fun

control.

is

within.

However,

it

The meditator needs

seeks to transmute lead

consciousness.

be

always

It

is

easier

flowing up the spine than

to close the eyes

It is

human

self.

who

is

evaluated

to pretend that a

to struggle with forgiveness.

and dream and fabricate rather

simpler to concentrate on a straight posture than

about one's self-deceptions.

dance" than

to forego the long sleepless nights of prayers

It is

it is

and the

It is

concentrate on positive vibrations and sounds rather than to find

more

restful just to relax

and

let

to create

easier to imitate the "Sufi

denial that leads to the ecstasy and dance of the ascetic.

It is

go of tension than

psychological reactions that caused the tension in the

first

it is

to

mere profession

all

to too

too often out just to

many incompetent

make money.

mechanic who does not do a good

job,

If

self-

easier to

God within. remove the

place.

Unfortunately, meditation, the core of religious practice, has a

It

work on mind

to

straight thoughts it is

of

disciplining oneself

and more fun

it is

terms

in

perhaps more appealing for

on beautiful images and colors instead of

harmony

to reach the

new behavior and thought

the inner

to pattern himself after the mystical alchemist

into gold. Meditation

am

"I

am God."

become

teachers and institutions that are

you give your car to an incompetent

it is

only your car; but in matters that

106

You

concern your soul and total well-being, you cannot afford to gamble.

have to know exactly what meditation

is,

what

it

will

do

for you,

and which

is

the right class to take.

Before

we can

we need

learn to meditate

order to gain control over mind and body.

It

may

years of preparation in

start

with simple relaxation

but progresses to deep concentration, telepathy, healing, self-awareness, and, in

its

final stage,

a union with God.

common

Contrary to the

view and most instruction available on the

development of muscles

subject, the

(as according to yoga)

is fine,

but

it is

not a shapely body and developed muscles that will lead to heaven; rather, is

through the control of desires that one

we

long as

are captives of the body,

hallucinations, will

we

bound

are

is

led closer to the immaterial.

its

and the mind and

desires,

to our basic natural instincts

-and

prisoners

it

As its

we

remain.

Most meditation including

concentration exercises.

open

do not go beyond a mere training of the body,

classes

Why

not just a physical being; he

and

toning,

is

man

is

emphasis

is

obviously physical.

composed of mind, body, and

is

some

perhaps

these classes are called meditation classes

to speculation, since their

creating a

muscle

techniques,

relaxation

But

capable of

spirit,

harmony between the three -in meditation. This goes

far

beyond

physical training, vegetarian diets, and repetitious words.

Freedom from bondage

of

temporary and release from

the

limitations, like a bird that finally breaks

spread

its

wings and

fly in infinite

space,

away from is

cage and

its

A

the goal.

voyage and a holy

pilgrimage from the temporary to the eternal, from the finite to the is

the goal.

A trip back home

The meditation Sufism], prepares the

help students aspects.

These

Tarighat Oveyssi

The

[MTO

School of

classes are designed to

of their inner abilities, and to grow in

all

an extensive program of inner evolution. Based

the eminent Hazrat Ali-ibn-abitalib, the

of Islam, in the 7th century,

cure are from within yourself," is

Maktab

to this inner journey.

classes offer

infinite,

the goal of meditation.

classes of

way

become aware

upon the teaching of

Imam

is

its

free to

is

who

claims:

first

Shiite

"Both your pain and your

MTO believes that the cure of each individual

within, just as the source of both happiness

and

grief

is

within.

107

The

celestial

man, who had become

his

own

tyrant, fell

from

the quiet paradise into the abyss of illusion, the devil's temple, and moving back and forth across the flames of torment and contradictory desires, he began to mold his brutal existence.

Man

born with the need for happiness and immortality.

is

This

natural inborn instinct will account for every effort and struggle in

Although the same goal each person.

One

will

is

shared by

all,

seek happiness in knowledge, another in wealth and

rank, a third in solitude and withdrawal chastity

happiness in a quiet and secure way of

Gustav Velebon

eye."

from

society,

and forsaking earthly pleasures. There are

principle

we

And

all

life.

different approaches are chosen by

says,

still

in pursuing

who

look for

living.

"Although the search for happiness

agree on but the means of acquiring

in the teachings of

some

others

Buddha we

it is

is

one

different to every

read, "Find prosperity within."

108

CHAPTER TWELVE ENDNOTES 1.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, Nirvan,

UP A Publication,

1986, p. 30.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN THE METHOD OF CONCENTRATION IN MEDITATION As a fletcher makes straight his arrow, a wise man makes straight his trembling and unsteady thought, which

is

difficult to guard, difficult to hold hack.

A

tamed mind brings happiness The Budda

Let us

From our

start

with the mind and experiment as

childhood

we have been

elements but never to look within.

Hence most

faculty of being in touch with ourselves.

control the

we become

a laboratory.

taught to pay attention only to external

mind from constantly going

It is,

of us have nearly lost the

therefore, very hard

outside,

and

work

to concentrate all

to its

powers.

Let us take some time

now

to

do a thought observation.

THOUGHT OBSERVA TION motionless or

down on

the floor and close your eyes.

•

Sit

•

Just observe the stream of thought with passive awareness, like a spectator who must not interfere.

•

Try not to make judgments or show surprise, anger, dismay, sorrow, or any other emotion.

•

Just watch

lie

and observe.

110

It

mind

is.

comes

as a shock for the beginner to find

As

new meditator

the

and ceaseless flashing images.

become

what an unruly place one's

turns within, he faces continuous

mind

have come across many people

I

chatter

who have

so trapped in the turmoil of their daily affairs that they have lost

control over their lives and the

they desire.

They seem

power

utterly helpless

all

to lead their thoughts in the direction

and confused.

Case History #7 I

remember

who came "My

a student of mine, a young, beautiful girl of twenty-five,

to class complaining of a severe lack of concentration.

biggest

problem

that

is

I

cannot concentrate on anything.

thoughts are not

my

own.

where they want

to.

Even when

enjoy or pursue a goal thoughts lead

me

I

cannot control them; they take

I

to other subjects

me," she lamented,

engage myself

I

have chosen, I

I

lose

in

an

my

She

It is

me

as

said, if

activity that I really

concentration and

my

have not chosen to think about. Believe

have come to the conclusion that these are not

"I

my

with them

my

thoughts!"

Now, do thoughts have a mind of

their

own?

action without a subject performing that action?

she was not thinking; subject,

if

that

be missing or

lost

was

so,

among

My

who was

then

thinking?

numerous

the

How

can we have an

student was convinced

flashing

Can

the

"I,"

the

and distracting

thoughts in one's mind? In order to clarify will

this,

an example

in the Sufi discipline, "the chariot,"

help explain. Let us consider a chariot and two horses, the power to pull

the chariot. Let us imagine that the horses take off without a driver. will they

driver to

go? Will they choose a specific route or goal?

who knows

the direction he wishes to go and

keep the chariot moving

is

Do we

active

in that particular direction?

Where

not need a

and determined

Now

think of the

chariot as the mind, the horses as power, and the driver as the active will.

The

three have to

work together

course, has to be in

in

order to avoid confusion. The driver, of

command.

Concentration deals with mind-control. Tuning and training the mind as

an athlete tunes and

effective meditation.

trains his

With

body

is

one of the primary steps toward

special techniques

we

are able to

work on the

111

and

active will

awaken

to

that inner identity in order to take control of our

undisciplined minds that refuse to obey the

described the mind of except where

it is

man

Saint Theresa of Avila once

will.

an "unbroken horse" that would go anywhere

as

bid.

Speaking of mind control, about a computer that suddenly

also

I

remember a

science fiction movie

by

starts functioning

and refuses

itself

to

obey the orders given by the computer operator, who was successfully working with

computer

becomes

up

it

starts to

moment.

to that critical

mix up

While watching the movie

totally uncontrollable.

The mind can become confused what

is

the

call

I

We

sale,

have

and perhaps have

even might have experienced having an "Open House" a purpose for

is

it,

and that

you would decide who came House," the door eat,

we

is

is

But when

eat.

comes

it

without being selective and deciding going to do with

it,

Our minds comes you

in

if it is

nutritious,

if

in our

if it is

is

fresh

we

and

let

nutritious;

still call it

following

that information,

what we are

going to be enriching.

When was

the last time

traffic

up there? Would you

coming and going

in

like to

a helpful concentration exercise.

the floor and

•

Lie

•

Totally relax your body.

make

be

it!

living If

you

and out of your house,

your house? is

Can you

cleaning your mental household?

Exercise 1:

down on

we

are open houses that accept and store almost anything that

could not control the

The

Normally

everything enter,

house that has a sign post saying "Open House." Think about

would you

some or

own home.

welcome. Similarly, when we

to our mind,

we need

and

possibly imagine everything you have in a

seen "Open

visited

when you have an "Open

and that never get cleaned or organized.

down and thought about

sat

is

best for us that

is

all

to advertise to sell the house.

your house. But

open and almost anyone food that

try to eat

watch what we

in to

One common

for different reasons.

"Open House" syndrome.

House: signs on houses that are for

There

found many

I

between the wild computer and the uncontrolled human mind.

similarities

reason

In this chaotic situation the

the data, gives out unwanted printouts, and

all

yourself comfortable.

112

•

Close your eyes.

•

Let your hands rest comfortably beside you.

•

Begin sensing your body.

•

Start with your feet.

and then the

Try and sense each individual toe on the right foot

left.

•

Now try to feel the middle of your right foot, and now the left. Now sense the right heel, and the left heel. Now sense the sides of the feet, on the right then the left.

•

Compare

•

Do

• •

the different sensations sides of your foot.

between the

top,

the same with each part of the body and try to feel not just the surface and the front of the body but all over. The body is not just a flat surface,

but has dimension. Try to feel that.

•

Continue to move up the body, feeling and sensing

•

Also concentrate on areas where there

•

Feel the calves, the right and the

•

Feel the knees.

•

bottom and the

Now

feel the hip joints

is

it

as best

you can.

a feeling of discomfort.

left.

and the whole area of the

pelvis; feel the best

you can. •

Now try

•

Continue up the shoulders.

•

Now

•

Now start

•

Approaching the face

•

Finally sense your

•

Now

•

Place right hand upon the right knee, and the knee.

•

Once again close your eyes and start sensing your body, beginning with your toes, and moving up the body as before until you reach the top of your head. As you are doing this note which parts of the body you can feel and which parts are difficult to sense, and also, which parts you cannot feel, as if there is a discontinuation.

•

Be

and sense the chest

area.

start to bring your right hand into your awareness, then the upper arm, the elbow, the lower arm, the wrist, the hand and the fingers, one by one.

sensing the neck, feel start

it

totally.

with the mouth, the nose, the ears, the eyes.

head and

skull.

be seated in a comfortable position on the floor, keeping the upper body as erect as possible. Make sure you can maintain this position for a while without having to move and change position. left

hand upon the

left

sure to sense the entire body, including, for instance, the inside of the mouth.

113

Compare

the two sides of the body noting any differences, seeing if the body and the left feel exactly the same, and if not, noting how they differ.

•

right side of the

Once you have reached

•

toward the

the top of the head, this time go back

down

feet.

•

This time move up feeling the body quickly, trying to keep the body image in your mind as you do so.

•

At

this time focus your attention on your right hand, and sense its contact with the knees; note the way your hand is resting on the knee. Feel the hand, the palm of the hand, the back and individual fingers. Do they all feel the same: Feel your wrist.

your attention

•

Shift

•

Now try to feel the

A

problem

now

to the left

entire

that

body

almost

attractions,

that there

is

and

is

is

same

everyone

concentration, in different degrees.

be that our attention

hand and do the same.

at the

time.

suffering

is

As mentioned

from

earlier,

lack

is

of

one reason may

completely absorbed by a multitude of external

spread thinly across a very broad spectrum.

This means

no point of focus.

However, itself in different

this is

ways;

not well comprehended, and the problem manifests

memory

loss, uncertainty, inability to

make

decisions,

chronic fatigue, not having enough time, feeling overloaded, insecurity, frustration, stress, is

and lack of intelligence are some symptoms. Our attention

either spread too thin or

and

finally loses contact

is

absorbed in the past and future expectations

with the present and also our true identity and

purpose.

Case History #2: Concentration and Learning

Many people who complain

of a lack of intelligence in general or in a

particular field or subject are usually suffering

from a lack of concentration

instead. I

once had a student who seemed very preoccupied with her

fifteen-

year-old son and complained that he had a learning disability that had

developed and worsened through the years.

She was afraid that he would

never graduate from high school. After the

first

concentration session

had a lack of concentration, but when

I

I

had with him,

examined more

it

seemed

closely

I

that he

noticed a

114

slowness

certain

mental

lacked

that

seemed

he had a learning

to indicate that

disability in the true sense of the

realized

what

his

problem was and soon

exercises for him,

his

of successful studies behind

business and

One

is

I

and

swiftness

disability,

word but a

limited

that

his

Everything added together

concentration, hindering his learning process.

but in fact

it

was not a

lack of mental exercise.

Once

I

designed special concentrational and mental

He now

grades became better.

him and

is

has two years

working toward a bachelor degree in

planning to continue in graduate school.

of the exercises that

I

used was the following:

Exercise 2:

you can maintain for a

•

Seat yourself in a comfortable position that while.

•

Place both hands in front of you on the floor: should be down.

•

Close your eyes.

•

Imagine your

•

Now

•

Now focus your

right

hand

flat

on the

the palms of the hands

floor, also picture

it

in

your mind.

and picture your right hand as if it were in front of your eyes. Picture the hand somewhere before your closed eyes and turn it around so that you see the back, the front, the sides, the tips of the fingers. Then put your hand down. try

attention inside your head. Try to become aware of the is and let your attention roam around in that

area where your brain space for a while. •

Become aware

•

Become aware

•

Create the image of your right hand, as

of the right hemisphere of the brain and then the left and the corpus callosum, the connection between the two sides; also

note the convolutions of the brain. of all the activity in the brain, electrical activity as well as chemical activity. Feel how very active the brain is electrically and chemically. Focus all your attention there.

brain.

•

What

Make is

that

that three-dimensional

or have you

made

if

the right

hand

is

there in the

image three dimensional. a

fist?

image

What does

it

like?

Is

the hand stretched out

look like?

•

Let the hand go away from the brain now and just feel both hands resting on the floor again, the palms down.

•

Think about the connection between the hand and the brain. Focus on the brain and then focus upon the hand, and keep alternating your attention from one to the other.

/ 115

Breathe freely as you switch your awareness from one to the other. Does it seem more natural to breathe in as your attention moves up towards the brain and breathe out as your attention comes down toward the hand?

Now

practice doing

it

the opposite way, inhaling as your awareness

moves down toward the hand and exhaling

as your awareness rises

toward the brain.

Again

try

it

Which

the other way.

Think about the right hand. Think about making a fist up

is

easier?

Think about making a

fist

on the

floor.

in your brain.

Imagine making a

tight fist and then letting go, while your hand is resting on the floor; just imagine it and feel the sensation. Repeat this three times. What do you feel in your muscles when you imagine making a fist and then letting go of it?

Try and feel what happens when you think about making a fist and when you release it. What do you feel in your wrist? in your arm? in your shoulders? Do you also sense it in the neck, eyes, mouth, or even in your breathing?

Focus your attention in the brain area and give instruction to the hand to make a fist and then to release. As you do this become aware of the connection between the two. Feel that an impulse goes from the brain to the hand. The brain orders the hand to make fist; once the fist is made a signal returns to the brain letting it know that the fist is made. Although this whole process happens in a split second, try to feel this going-back-and-forth of the messages.

Now,

for the first time, make the this several times.

fist

with your right hand and

let

go

and repeat

See what you

feel in

your

Now feel your left hand.

wrist,

arm, neck, and face.

Feel both hands simultaneously.

Sense the right side of your body and then the clearer? Compare the sensing of the two sides. Lie

down on your back

for a

left side.

Which

side

moment, and observe how the two

is

sides

lie.

Observe your breathing. Is the whole body breathing equally? equal on both sides? How clear is the breathing on the left side?

At

this

time imagine an image of yourself lying down.

Examine Sit

this

image from above and below and from the

up again and focus on the like?

Can you

feel

brain.

Now feel

sides.

with both hands. Feel pulsate and move. What does it

Feel it any electrical

the aliveness of the brain.

sound

Is it

it

activity?

Sense the outside of the head again, and the inside, and the brain, the left and the right hemisphere. Feel the ears and their connection to the brain; the sense of hearing and the sense of sight.

116

•

Become aware

•

Open your eyes and focus on something and, then, close the eyes, trying to picture it in your mind, as if you took a photograph and gave it to the brain. What is the difference between looking at an object and then the image of the same object? Open your eyes and look and now close them and look, and remember.

•

Focus your attention back on the brain. It should be more stimulated by the exercises that you have just performed and its ability to remember, think, imagine and concentrate should be improved. It should be strengthened in all these areas and become much more alert.

•

It is

•

Breathe

of the eyes and try to sense the connection between the eyes and the brain.

time for the brain to take a comfortably

and

rest.

just

tell

Tell

it

the

to

do

so.

brain

to

relax

fully

and

completely. •

Feel

how

•

The

brain

it is

is

just resting.

now

refreshed and strengthened and very

For those students who would skills, this

exercise

is

much

aware.

more concentration

like to acquire

very useful before classes or even exams.

Exercise 3: •

Close your eyes.

•

Pay attention

•

For a

•

Start regulating your breath, trying to breathe fuller

•

Let your stomach expand as you begin to inhale.

•

See how many counts are required for your incoming breath.

•

Hold yourself motionless

to the respiratory muscles. little

way you are breathing and

to the

movement

of the

while, just pay attention to your breath.

for

and deeper.

an instant or two, before beginning

to

exhale. •

Allow the same counts

•

Let your breath be gentle and quiet.

•

Simply allow your body to unwind and the thoughts to become

•

You

untangled, the mind to

for your exhaling breath.

become

quiet and

still.

are ready to concentrate and do your very best!

Several techniques allow us to steady the mind.

A disturbed

not capable of finding a solution to any problem; on the contrary,

confuse the problem even further.

A

mind it

is

may

person with a disturbed mind makes

117

The

or no sense of his situation and embraces failure everywhere.

little

reason for

this is that

when

function properly since

the

it is

mind

is

troubled and confused,

influenced by

many

it is

unable to

factors that intervene.

Our

thoughts will thus not be able to follow a specific direction and concentrate

on one desired channel. The confused mind will

go where

acts like

an unbroken horse that

wants without any particular destination.

it

This confusion

and most of the time we are prevented from

naturally affects our lives,

making important decisions and reaching important

goals.

Like a computer that has to be kept at a moderate temperature in order to function and

respond accurately,

the

reason and the

active

mechanism of the mind and the senses work the same way. Everyone

we

mental peace and

in search of

is

and makes everything possible

to attain

But

it.

this is

why one

struggles

in desperate search for

very often choose ways that only increase the confusion.

peace

Mental peace

opens many closed avenues of wisdom and mental unrest closes many.

To the

the person of high aim

higher mysteries

everywhere, that universal separation, yet

Mind

all bliss,

whose body, mind, and soul

become

of nature life

wherein there

peace and

no

distinction,

it,

we

trivial.

By becoming completely

help develop mind control. There are definite exercises in

"mental muscles" can be

The mind in

hides

its it

oneself

no sense of

unity.

controlling the mind, just as in controlling the body.

up

harmony,

feels

control can be achieved by giving our entire attention to

whatever we are doing, no matter how absorbed in

is

act in

One

revealed.

is

By

practicing them,

built.

our worst enemy or our closest friend. The mind caught

habitual playground in the world of senses veils the inner self and

from

us.

It

makes us think

that

God

is

far away,

and that happiness

must be found outside. Yet the same mind that separates us from the also can help us reunite with

necessary

if

it.

Although

"discipline"

and

"will"

self

have become

sometimes negative catch words for many people, they are

necessary for our preparation.

As

the

new

student begins to attain

some measure

control of his mind, he finds his center of interest

of self-mastery and

moving back from the

118

visible

No

world of effects to the inner world of causes.

longer

is

he a mere

puppet controlled by mass opinion but a co-worker with the forces of nature.

When we touch

own

its

mind goes deeper and deeper

practice meditation, the

more

within and becomes

When

quiet.

it

becomes

clear,

becoming more and more a mirror

source,

it is

then able to

to the light within.

Like a pool whose surface, when ruffled by the winds of anger and desire,

is

unable to reflect the sun, the agitated mind can no longer mirror and reflect the truth.

It is

upon

visions gathered

the serene and placid surface of the quiet

from the

invisible find

In other words, inspiration cannot

eye of

wisdom cannot see

greatest happiness

mind

that the

a representation in the visible world.

work through a turbulent instrument; the

clearly through the mists of

comes when one

sorrow and

the mind. If the

stills

mind

The

joy.

weak and

is

distracted,

even the healthiest body becomes diseased.

full reality

are very different from narrow minds, trained to the practice of

either/or, black or white,

Minds tuned

good or bad, high or low, functioning only by

to the

habit,

and, in short, attempting to measure infinity with a yardstick.

As

written in The

Dhammapada,

fletcher makes straight his arrow, a wise man makes straight his trembling and unsteady thought, which is difficult to guard, difficult to hold back. tamed mind brings

As a

A

happiness.

water where they

Irrigators lead

carpenters shape 1 themselves.

The

own

wood

true man's destiny

free will.

is

The human being

own power he can make

his life

will; fletchers

their

to

shape the arrow, men shape

wise

will,

not shaped by his environment but by his

has the freedom to

become

anything.

sublime or wretched. By his

can reach the heavens or descend to the depths. For a person

and

is

prison is

in

harmony with

is

a wide-open space. But for one

out of touch with

Buddha

says:

reality,

reality,

even a dry desert

even a

Control of the mind opens a Spiritual

development, however,

equipment, which

will

is

who does

celestial

"Showers of gold pieces

is

will

not

his

who

is

in touch

a celestial garden, even a not

garden

know

is

satisfy the

new path

By

own power he

his

own

like prison.

one who

to a higher

is

self

and

And

as

in pain."

realm of

life.

not possible without sound physical

be the subject of the next few chapters.

119

CHAPTER THIRTEEN ENDNOTES 1.

Buddha's Teachings, The Dhammapada, translated by Irving Babbit, Publishing Corporation, 80 Eighth Ave., New York 10011, p.

New Directions 8.

124

PHYSICAL A WARENESS •

Right at

this

moment, which

parts of your

body are making contact

with the chair or the floor? •

How deep

•

Is

is

your breath?

your body symmetrical?

•

How do you

feel

your body?

•

As you read

this

book, what noises can you hear?

All these questions have to do with our awareness.

awareness

is

and around

our consciousness toward what

to increase

is

To sharpen our going on within

us.

Awareness Exercise •

Have

•

Seat yourself quietly on the floor or on a chair.

•

Close your eyes, and

•

Ask yourself

What

a sheet of paper and a pen available.

is

happening

What am

How am I How am I What

are

I

right

sure you are comfortable.

now?

thinking right

now?

feeling?

breathing?

my senses

How clearly can •

make

the following questions.

I

telling

me?

picture myself, and the

Slowly open your eyes now.

way

I

am

sitting?

125

CHAPTER FOURTEEN ENDNOTES 1.

W.

K. C. Guthrie, The Greek Philosophers, Harper Torch Books,

London, 1950, 2.

Hazrat

Jafery, P.O.

p. 72.

Ali,

Box

Nahjul Balagha, translated by Seyd New York, 11373.

1115, Elmhurst,

Mohammad

Askari

122

Therefore, in the Islamic discipline, there the spirit and flesh and between is

is

no opposition between

mind and matter but the view and

based on the multiple hierarchy of being and

principle

This means that

unity.

we

cannot separate the body from the mind, nor either from the soul, because a

human

being

body, mind, and soul. Equilibrium and balance are the laws

is

that should govern this unified being.

The human body is

not inferior or

goal of

life is

evil.

is

the most beautiful,

wondrous creation of God.

must be cared for and taken care

It

of.

not just to maintain the body, as dear and beautiful as

mold

It

However, the it is.

The

for the life

and soul

within, the shell in which the pearl grows; without the shell, there

would be

body should be taken care of because

no

it is

the

pearl.

"When

health

absent,

is

wisdom cannot

manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth

becomes

reveal

itself,

useless,

cannot

art

and intelligence

cannot be applied," said Herophilus, physician to Alexander the Great. This

is

how important

the body and

its

health

is,

not for the sake of

developing muscles and outer beauty alone. The beauty and the truth within also needs recognition

optimum shape maintained for

in this

and expression.

Like a car that must be kept in

order to best serve the driver, the body has to be

The purpose

purpose.

of a car

destination, but a beautifully maintained car that

is

is

to take

you

to your

washed and polished and

kept in perfect condition will be no more than a heap of metal, or at the most a beautiful object, unless for the sake of

it

mere beauty

serves is

The Greek philosopher knowing and understanding shoemaker:

"If

you want

to

its

To wash and

purpose.

not what the car

is

made

polish

it

Socrates believed that the virtue of

his

function; he uses the

first

be a good shoemaker," he

what

thing necessary

said,

is

it is you are setting out to produce and what function it have to perform. The virtue of a shoemaker depends first and foremost on the possession of this knowledge. He ought to be able to describe in clear terms the nature of the thing he intended to make, and his definition should include a statement of the use to which it was to be put. The first task,

will

man

is

metaphor of the

to know what a shoe is and what it is meant for. It is no use trying to decide on the best sort of tools and material to use and the best methods of using them unless you have first formed in your mind a clear and detailed idea of

the

alone

for.

123

therefore, if we are to acquire this universal discover what the function of man is. 1

Therefore, the goal of

man

is

human virtue, human

reach his

to

is

to

potential and

connect with his infinite source of knowledge and inner wealth so that he the image of

Man

God.

is

beyond

himself, a self-recognition that goes as

Man

then to acquire his true value. his body.

2

Therefore, the physical part of our training

Our awareness may more and more

become

And

start

the infinite

lies

Imam Ali.

proclaims the eminent

is

only a starting point;

not an end or the ultimate goal of our meditation classes, as

to

is

know

to

"You think of yourself

a small mass (cluster) of matter, while within you

existence,"

is

it is

it is

many.

in so

with the physical body but must gradually progress

subtle parts of our being

satisfied with a beautiful

for eternal everlasting

life,

body?

and go

Why

far

beyond the body.

not aim for the beauty

Why

itself?

something that the body cannot provide.

However, the physical aspect of our training deals with strengthening the body, gaining control over the physiological process that enables one to control one's metabolism, to induce changes to treat psychosomatic ailments, to ease anxiety, control brain patterns, regulate the breath,

and secure and

maintain balance and physical health in the body.

The most important accomplishment

of the "meditative therapies,"

such as autogenic training and progressive relaxation,

aware

they

have

can

control

over

their

is

they

autonomic

or

make people involuntary

physiological functions. Voluntary control of the involuntary nervous system

was considered impossible a decade ago. Once one begins self-regulation can extend to all areas of one's lifestyle in

a more positive direction.

one becomes

active

and responsible

life,

to realize that this

one can change one's

Because of the importance of volition in the process of the healing treatment

rather than a passive victim of stress or disease.

In order to gain such control the body and

how

it

functions.

we need

"Know

with knowledge on a physical level.

to increase our awareness about

Thyself," as the prophets said, starts

CHAPTER FOURTEEN ACHIEVING UNITY THROUGH PHYSICAL

CONTROL AND AWARENESS Equilibrium and balance are the law that should govern this unified being. Mental control to

easily understood, but

is

what

physical control? Is

is

it

go without oxygen for a period of twenty-four hours? Or to survive on a

single date a day?

Or

to

sit

on needles and not

feel the pain?

Or

to develop

incredible physical muscles in order to perform acrobatics?

Although the above

The

health

the

of

MTO, Maktab body and

maintained by the right diet and sufficient exercise,

Some regarding place

it

religious

yogis, require severe

no means small achievements, these types of

achievements are not the goals in the meditation classes.

by some

feats, practiced

physical discipline and are by

practitioners

tend to

is

importance

only

upon

the

physical

overall

balance,

very important.

trivialize

as inferior, while considering the spirit to

misinformation about Islam, the principle of

Tarighat Oveyssi,

its

body.

UNITY,

the

human

be superior.

its

Among main

body,

Others the

all

principle,

still

survives.

Islamic Sufism emphasizes theory of unity, which considers mind,

body, and

spirit as

one; each represents only abstractions that try to separate

aspects of a unified organism. So mind,

Object, use and user.

the unity,

is

The

creator, the

what makes the meaning.

body and soul are one complex

work and the audience,

in

unity.

each case,

CHAPTER FIFTEEN BUILDING BODILY BALANCE AND PERFECT POSTURE Stress

is

one of the main-

sources of bad posture.

POSTURE Our posture staying in

tells

one position for too long and

furniture for long periods of time.

muscle tension from

Poor posture can be caused by

a lot about us.

stress

sitting in

bad posture

in ill-designed

This inactivity, together with increasing

and other sources,

is

one of the main causes of

bad posture.

Our posture

influenced by our mental and psychological well-being.

is

Each person has a

characteristic

tension;

when we

way

very noticeable to

students walk

crumpled apparent

in,

me

this.

at the

many with one shoulder

toes, tight fists, at the

of

contract certain muscles and create painful knots in

response to tension, our posture reflects It is

of responding to stress by tensing

Our bodies have become a storehouse

particular parts of the body.

end of

and wrinkled

class.

However,

if

beginning of each class

raised faces.

much

A

how my

higher than the other,

noticeable difference

is

these contractions remain, in time

tension builds up and affects our posture, causing abnormalities, limited

motion, and damage to the nervous system.

your body's particular

signals.

The

first

step

is

to recognize

128

Lower Back

The lower back

one of the most

is

highly susceptible to stress.

become very

common problem

Lower back and hip

areas and

is

cause the spine to

inactivity

and vulnerable. Ill-designed chairs that do not support the

rigid

back and jobs that require a

lot of

standing or bending or

lifting

heavy objects

cause bad posture and injury to the lower back.

Neck/Shoulders

Too much

driving,

keyboard work, and

long cause tension in this area. causing "tension headaches." painful, are a

common

It

sitting in

one position for too

interferes with the circulation of the blood,

The

become

shoulders, which can

tight

and

tension area in the body.

Face

Many people premature

lines.

of headaches.

gather a lot of tension in the face area, which causes

The clenching

It is

incredible

of teeth and tight jaws

mirror handy in class because too often mirror to see that worry

how

is

what a relaxed face does

beautiful they have

I

need

become

yet another source for you.

I

have a

to ask students to look in the after class

is

over.

With

all

and tension wiped away, faces become smooth, very radiant, and

peaceful.

Chest

The

tension and contraction in this area interferes with breathing

deeply and can cause severe chest pains.

Stomach Diseases of the digestive tract that are either caused or aggravated by stress

include bloated stomach, gastritis,

ulcerative colitis,

and

irritable colon.

stomach and duodenal

For many people,

this is the

ulcers,

weak

spot

in the

body and

one

aware of the weaknesses and the abnormalities we have created. Poor

stress reaction

shows up

in this area.

Beautiful posture can be developed; corrections can be is

made once

129

posture affects your whole body, puts stress on your skeleton and internal organs,

and damages your self-image. Make a posture check

right

now.

POSTURE CHECK •

Stand in front of a full-length mirror and check your posture.

your head too far forward?

•

Is

•

Is

your head too far back?

•

Is

your the chest too far forward? your chest dropped?

•

Is

•

Are your shoulders too

far

forward?

•

Are your shoulders too

far

back?

•

Is

your back rounded?

•

Is

your back arched?

•

Is

your pelvis

tilted

forward?

•

Is

your pelvis

tilted

backward?

•

Is

your diaphragm low?

•

Are your

•

Is

•

Are your

•

Are your knees locked?

feet aligned?

your body symmetrical? pelvis, chest, head,

and shoulders centered?

Standing with your body correctly aligned burns the fewest possible calories.

The reason

and the back

up against correctly, If

to

is

that proper alignment allows the muscles in the front

be used evenly. All your muscles work together to hold you

gravity.

When the body is

aligned and the body parts are arranged

you are allowing your muscles to function your alignment

is

efficiently.

not correct then you will not

body will continuously be vulnerable

move

freely

and your

to injury.

ALIGNMENT What made all

is

correct

body alignment?

of three principle parts: 1)

It

helps to think of the body as being

The head;

2) the rib cage;

and

3) the pelvis,

attached to the spine. They are also connected to and supported by two

130

legs,

which are balanced on top of the

correctly arranged

When

feet.

and balanced, then the body

•

Start with the head,

•

Proceed now to the

and hold

it

these elements are

all

aligned.

so your ears are over your shoulders.

The

rib cage.

is

rib

cage needs to be directly above

the pelvis, not leaning back or slumping forward. •

Now pay

attention to your shoulders and

make

sure they are gently held

down.

Now align your pelvis. Your pelvis

•

needs to hang down from your spine It must not be tipped so that your back is a relaxed vertical line. backward causing an exaggerated curve in the waistline, nor should it be tipped forward or tucked under so that the curve in the lower back diminishes. No extra muscular effort should be needed to keep the pelvis correctly aligned. Try unlocking the knees, which helps align both the pelvis and the rib cage.

•

Align the feet now, pointing them straight ahead and not letting them go out to the sides. Balance your weight on the entire foot, not just the

•

Have you become aware

•

Which

heel.

parts of your

of the weaknesses in your posture?

body react most quickly

to stress?

Posture Correction Exercise

Now

that

we have become aware

try to

your head

too far forward, hold

it.

Look

center!

is

it

posture

close your eyes

and

problems and

For example,

if

very far forward, then back; then center

at yourself in the mirror; notice

Then

of our

exaggerate and then correct them again.

weaknesses,

how much

better you look

try to actually feel the difference.

on

Try to

exaggerate each of your weaknesses and act in the same way. •

•

your shoulders are too far forward, exaggerate by pulling them even more forward, and now back, and finally centering. Look at yourself in the mirror and admire your beautiful centered shoulders. Close your eyes and again feel the difference. If

If

your shoulders are too far back, pull them back even farther, then them forward and now center.

pull

the back is rounded, exaggerate that roundness. Now lengthen the spine to the point that you are arching your back. Now align and

•

If

•

the pelvis is tilted forward, try and tilt a little more, then tilt backward, and now unlock the knees and center and align the pelvis and the rib cage. Examine the correct posture in the mirror. Close your eyes and feel the difference.

center. If

131 f

In this

way work on

the different areas that are irregular and need

all

Remember

correction.

corrective measures only

that awareness

is

the

first

when you become aware

You can

step.

of those

weak points

take in the

body, causing your posture to change completely in time.

PHYSICAL EXERCISE

MTO physical therapeutic system corrects irregularities in posture

The

Again, each person has a characteristic way of

motion and metabolism.

responding to mental tension by contracting and tensing particular parts of

Through time these tensions stimulate and

the body.

affect the

nervous

system and the body in general. With the help of physical exercises, the body

can be rid of any tensions and

Among

will regain its healthy,

balanced and

state.

other benefits are regulation of the heartbeat, blood circulation and

The

breathing.

regulation of breath results in the uniform distribution of

oxygen throughout the body, which

is

Take an hour out of each day in the body.

how

experience

it

and release the tensions

After physical and mental relaxation you will have

energy, will feel

forgotten

essential to health.

to relax, stretch,

to

much

stronger and

We

more concentrated.

be naturally relaxed and

much more have almost

in a worry-free state.

Let us

again.

RELEASING TENSION Interestingly enough,

I

have noticed in

my

classes that

most people are

not aware of the degree and amount of tension they experience in their

bodies simply because they almost never relax.

and tensions stored

in the

paying any attention to

body and carry

it

They are used

it.

In order to relax fully and to

remember once again what

relaxed, try the following exercise, designed to contrast the

you exaggerate tensing your muscles with the way you them. This technique will leave you •

Lie

to the pain

with them from day to day, hardly

it is

feel

like to

when

when you

relax

fully relaxed.

down on your back, and extend your

be

feel

way you

legs out in front of you.

132

•

Make sure that you are resting comfortably. Do not support your head unless you need to. Use a pillow under your knees if you are suffering from back

pain.

•

Let your arms

•

Close your eyes.

•

fall

to the side not touching your body.

Start to breath deeper,

and see how you

feel lighter as

your breath

becomes deeper. •

Breathe normally.

•

Start with your feet and curl your toes very tightly, as tightly as Hold this tension for a count of five, then relax.

•

This time try to flex your feet, pulling your heels towards you, and again hold for a count of five, then relax.

•

Now point your feet out

•

Experience

•

Tighten the knees, almost raising the feet off the ground, holding the tension for a count of five, and then relaxing.

•

Tighten the hips and hold that tension for a count of

how

away from you and hold

for five

and

you can.

relax.

relaxed the feet feel. Proceed from the feet to the rest

of the body.

and

five;

now

release

relax.

abdomen and keep

•

Pull in the go-

•

Expand your the ground a

it

in; after

a count of five completely

let

if throwing it out in front of you, coming off of hold the tension and the breath, then release.

chest, as little;

•

Approach the shoulders now, raising the arms off the ground and tensing them quite tightly almost to the point of pain; after five counts you may let go completely. Feel the difference.

•

Tighten the arms now, hold and

•

Make

•

Spread the fingers outward and hold the tension for a count of you let go and relax the fingers, notice how they feel.

•

Try and reach your chest with your chin without raising your head off

•

Roll your head back on the floor as far as possible, stretching out the neck. Relax and feel the difference.

•

Open your mouth

very tight

fists

relax.

with your hands. five; as

the ground.

five,

as

wide as possible and keep

it

open

for a count of

then close. Hold, then release

•

Press the teeth tightly together, clenching them. completely.

•

Push the tongue as far back as possible toward the throat; for a count of five and then release and relax.

try

and hold

133

Close your eyes

•

tightly

and hold the tension. Let go and close the eyes

lightly.

•

Raise the eyebrows toward the forehead as high as possible; as you go notice the difference.

•

Frown very

let

fiercely, bringing the eyebrows as close to each other as possible. Let go of the tension in the face completely.

What you

how

it

feel

now

should always

simply a natural state of the body;

is

freedom from

Just enjoy the

feel.

now you know

tension.

Go

back

to

any areas of the body as needed.

EXERCISES TO DO It is

happen

best not to build

at

up tension

for long hours, but that can often

work. These are very helpful exercises that can be performed

work, especially

your job requires

if

swiveling of the chair to reach for the

Exercise 1:

ON THE JOB

Back

sitting for file

at

long hours, with occasional

cabinet, computer, or telephone.

Twist

a chair with your knees and feet together; place the feet the ground.

•

Sit in

•

Place your right hand on your

•

Place your

•

Take a deep

•

Gently twist your upper body toward the

left

left

flat

on

knee.

hand on the back of the

chair.

breath. left,

looking over your

left

shoulder, as you start to exhale. •

Hold

•

Breathe

•

Place your

•

Place your right hand on the back of the chair.

•

Breathe

for five counts, breathing normally. in

and gently return left

hand on your

in; as

Look over your

you

start to exhale, twist the

Hold

•

Return

•

Repeat three times on each

If it

you exhale.

upper body to the

right.

right shoulder.

•

for five seconds. to the front very gently.

was easier

want

to the front as right knee.

for

you

to

move

to repeat the exercise

side.

to

one side rather than the other, you might

and work on that particular side one more time.

134

The Forward Bend

Exercise II:

with your hips touching the back of the chair.

•

Sit

•

Place your feet flat on the floor. a book under them.

•

As you breath in a

wide

If

your feet do not reach the floor put

both arms high up in the

in raise

air,

extending them out

V above your head.

•

Lean forward as you are exhaling until your head hangs limply over your knees and your hands are loosely crossed on your feet.

•

Relax for a few seconds.

•

Raise the body very slowly back to the upright position.

Exercise III:

The Knee Folding

on the edge of the

•

Sit

•

The

•

The arms should hang

•

Raise your right knee by clasping both hands round far as possible toward the chest.

•

Breathe

•

Hold both the squeeze and the breath

•

Start to breathe out while returning the leg to the floor.

•

Now raise

•

Hold

feet should

in as

be

chair.

flat

you do

on the

floor.

very loosely at your sides.

and pulling

it

as

so.

for five seconds.

the opposite knee toward the chest and breathe

for five seconds

in.

and release and breathe out while returning the

leg to the floor. •

it

Repeat three times on each

side.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN STRESS AWARENESS: ELIMINATING BARRIERS TO SELF-KNOWLEDGE You have

to

become aware of the your body sends.

stress signals

In this and the next chapter

how

reactions to stress, and

of

life's

stresses while at the

we

to recover

will learn

more

how

to recognize the body's

quickly from the extra

same time learning

to

demands

change responses to new

and more positive ones.

MIND/BODY RELATIONSHIP

We stress

said that each person has a characteristic

by tensing particular parts of the body.

separated from the other.

It is

We

have to work on not

on our body but

incredible

how

the

just the effects

is

mind

affects the

body and how we tend if

not

all,

to

muscular

self-produced.

Recently,

I

from asthma. She coming

and traces

also the causes of stress.

react to stressful situations by tensing our muscles. Most,

tension

of responding to

One cannot be

our physical and mental well-being.

posture reflects

that stress leaves

way

In this way, our physical

came is

across a very interesting case of a student suffering

a very intelligent and dedicated student

to meditation class for

from asthma

for years.

more than a

year.

who

has been

She has been suffering

During the holy month of Ramadan we worked on a

136

self-improvement program in which the students set important goals for

may sound month.

funny, but

am

I

get rid of

me after my asthma

This particular student approached

themselves.

almost sure

and

it,

am

I

I

am

I

going to get rid of

have brought

class

and

upon myself and therefore

this

tired of not being able to breathe."

We

time

when

was at a

she was experiencing a

her

a few years back.

attack she had in class

this

of stress and difficulty in her

lot

history of

asthma before that

she was going to succeed.

if

and

last

She

on several occasions

it

she was completely out of breath. Yet before the

rid of her

life,

stressful period in

encouraged her, although remembering the

I

made me wonder

always brought her inhaler to class and had to use

was

She was

problem, because she knew

it

had absolutely no

when

can

little

She explained how her asthma had suddenly developed

that she life,

I

talked a

about the history of her ailment and the medications involved. convinced that she could eliminate self-produced.

said, "It

by the end of the

month was over she

asthma for good; nearly a year has passed and fortunately she

has not had a relapse.

What was happening contracted

the

muscles

was

in her case

of

her

that during times of stress, she

bronchial

walls

and

therefore

obstruction of the bronchi and bronchioles caused her attacks.

partial

She solved

her long-lasting problem by learning proper breathing techniques and

becoming aware "If I

was able

that her

In chapter seven reactions

Let us

it

causes,

First,

reactions,

modern

traffic,

I

remember her

able to get rid of

stress

saying,

it!"

was and the dangerous

to stroke, heart attacks to suicide.

toward alleviating the

"stress

epidemic" that

life.

pay close attention to the source of

and how those

more aware of how

The odors

am

I

we determined what

from mild headaches

affect the body.

It is

stress,

sensitivity

become aware

of our

sad but true that most people

their car functions than

have a tendency to lose our

of

problem, then

start taking a positive step

plays a large role in

are

problem was self-produced.

to create such a

how

their

body does.

We

and awareness of our surroundings.

of strong chemicals in dry cleaner's or a printing shop, the sound the harsh noise of heavy construction, the blare of loudspeakers,

the constant ringing of the phone, the loud bell of an alarm clock have

become

part of our daily lives. People

who work

in

environments with these

137

and similar

stressors often say, "Oh,

become used

to

and ignore

all

I

don't even notice

it

anymore."

We

kinds of stressors in addition to the ones

mentioned; a disappointing job, or a relationship, or continual physical pain.

The

following exercise will help us

become more aware

of what

is

going on around - and within - us. Stress Awareness

•

Write down the answers to the following questions on a sheet of paper.

•

Write down as many sources of stress as possible that you experience each day, rating the frequency and the intensity of each one on a scale

•

Write down some of the physiological effects of

•

What

of 1 to

5.

are

some

stress

on your body.

of your physical problems?

•

Could they also be

•

Put your pen down for a while and look over your sources of

•

Close your eyes.

stress related? stress.

•

What

•

Think of the three major

•

Evaluate the degree to which your reactions or behavior due to stress have helped you attain what you want.

•

Determine whether you can eliminate your source of

•

What

•

Do

•

Do

•

Where

•

Turn the page now and look over the list of stressors and the related mental and physical indicators on the following pages. See if there is anything on these lists that you have left out and would like to add to

need

is it

are

exactly that

you want out of life? stressors in your

some behavioral changes

life.

Write these down.

stress.

or alternative plans of action you

to develop to experience less stress?

you find that you are becoming tense and feel physical discomfort as you are thinking about stressors? Do you feel some muscles tightening up as you are remembering them? you feel a particular group of muscles attention to that particular area of your body. exactly

becoming tense?

Pay

is it?

your

list.

•

Add

the

•

Take a deep breath and

new item

or items to your

list.

try to relax

now.

138

Some Sources

•

Unclear purpose in

•

Choices

•

Social acceptance

•

Separation/Divorce

Marriage

•

Financial concerns/payments/debts

•

Deadlines/Exams

•

Rush jobs

•

Health concerns

•

Overcrowded

•

Noise

•

Relocating

•

Neighbors/Neighborhood

•

Responsibilities

•

Expectations/Demands (home,

•

Recent death Relationships

•

Traffic

Frequency

Intensity

12345

12345

life

•

•

of Stress

living conditions

in the family

•

Current events

•

Phobias

•

Competition

•

Self-demand

•

Promotion

•

Lay-off

•

Physical appearance

•

Loneliness

•

Boredom

•

Habits

•

Weight problem

•

Illness

social)

Smoking Alcohol

Drugs Sex

Some Mental and

Increased

Psychological Indicators

irritability

Lack of patience Nervous mannerisms Forgetfulness

Depression

Disappointment Anxiety for no apparent reason

Lack of concentration Frustration / Anger

Lowered Mental Nightmares Helplessness

Low

self-esteem

Negativity

Mood swings

Activity

Frequency

Intensity

12345

12345

140

Some

Physiological Indicators

•

Muscular pain

•

Digestive difficulties

•

Skin eruptions/pimples

•

Stomach pain

•

Heartburn

•

Chest pains

•

Grinding of teeth

•

Headaches

•

Back pain

•

Constant fatigue

•

Excessive sweating

•

Shortness of breath

•

High blood pressure

•

Hyperactivity

•

Irregularity of menstrual period

•

Nausea

•

Insomnia

•

Eating disorders

•

Constipation

•

Exhaustion

However, also

be

positive.

it is

Frequency

Intensity

12345

12345

not just negative situations that cause stress; stress can

A wedding is an example

of a positive stress; another might

be moving to a new home or even going on a

trip

or vacation, something you

have been planning and waiting for for a long time. These and other similar events can cause the

between "negative

same

stress"

stress reactions.

and

demands on the body and mind and distinguish

between an

the energy level.

existing source of stress or the

times, after a stressful situation has passed,

reactions

known

The body does not

as "stress

distinguish

"positive stress" but considers all stressors as

one seems

momentum." These

It

does not even

memory to hold

of one.

on

Many

to the stress

stress "ghost-like" reactions

141

serve no purpose except to add

more wear and

tear

on our bodies and waste

our energy. In order to

make

the body

more

stress-resistant,

communicate with your body and become aware of the

you must learn

stress signals

it

to

sends.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN STRESS AND ALTERNATIVE COPING STRATEGIES Alan is not disturbed by events but the view he takes of them. Epictetus

Life

is

never free from

stress,

but often each individual feels that he or

However, our next-door

a bigger share than everyone else!

she has

neighbors also get stressed, but

may have

it

may be caused by Or

varied reactions to stress.

it

learned some technique to help them cope with

cope with stress? And, It is

if

so,

what

different things or they

could even be that they have it.

Is

there a

way we can

is it?

definitely true that stress has less negative effects

because of their outlook on and philosophy of

life.

on some people

They have learned

that by

maintaining their health and strength and by adjusting the way they think, they can view

life's

stresses as challenges

and opportunities

to learn

and grow

from. Such people do not meet every stressful situation or unexpected event with sudden outbursts of anger, disappointment, or despair. This

damage

overall,

and

stressful situation.

less

Therefore,

if

there

reduce the amount of stress in our

about changing our reactions to

As that

I

earlier, I

stress.

remember

is

lives,

absolutely nothing

perhaps

We have

part of the Personal-Growth

mentioned

means

less

time and effort for the body to recover from a

we

we can do

to

should start thinking

a choice!

program of the meditation

classes

giving to a class an exercise that called

144

for finding

new

astonished.

could resolve

my

However,

acupuncture.

as difficult as

different perspective,

dealing with their problems and

who had made

some were even

make an

who was

having a problem with a co-worker

complained the person would go out of her way

and wanted

and upset her

to aggravate

tried looking at the

problem

differently

particular person.

One day

she

how

to create

first

time she

and changing her reaction toward the to class very

thought to myself perhaps she just needed

And

had nothing against me.

problems for her

no reason. For the

for

happy and

told the class

co-worker and about her new approach.

she had dealt with the

said, "I

came

however, but another

patience and desire, one can seek

little

to old problems."

new answers

The young man

successful.

effort

and find new

of the students

would have

looking at old problems from a

it is

student reported later, "Yes, with a

One

I

in his late twenties, a student of

most people looked for alternative ways of

the remark did not

solutions,

the students were

first

problem, don't you think

done so by now?" said a confident young man

new and

At

solutions to old problems.

"If I

this

was

my

She

attention and that she

definitely the right answer.

pay more attention and be nice to her and now the problem

is

I

tried to

over,

we

are

even friends now!" Therefore, in different

we can

ways.

We

start to

control over our lives so that

running

make new

choices and approach problems

can become more positive and

we

start to

more

start gaining

run the show instead of the show

us.

I

remember another

student,

a young

He

complained about being very negative.

me

being negative.

can

I

It

seems

change myself? With

I

said,

man

in

his

thirties,

who

"Everyone complains about

How am even

look for the negative side of everything.

this attitude

I

cannot achieve anything.

I

tired of hearing myself nag!"

After

was able

when new

I

reviewed

his case history

to trace the source of his

several mishaps had occurred.

practiced negativity

for a

few sessions,

I

to a particular stage in his life

After that he had started developing a

outlook, a negative one, which had

As he had

and we talked

problem

become worse throughout

the years.

more and more he became very good

at

it!

145

helped him broaden

I

his perspective as

we worked

perspectives,

He

angle.

and not

tried to

situations, to

be

to continue to look at everything

be more

less critical

less

judgmental.

It

old

problem

is

far

more

difficult

was not easy

is

sure worth

As

it

was too

late.

Having

life

for

him

to

had taken

to deal with

an

than trying to solve matters as they happen.

more courage and

strength,

once, after suffering the loss of a

member

This, however, takes a bit of practice

but

it

his

from the exact same

unlearn and change, but he knew that he hated the turn his

and that he must do something before

widen

and to accept certain

flexible in his opinions

and

During

together.

the course of the meditation classes, he gradually learned to

and a

little

in the long run.

a wise uncle said to

me

of his family,

We

have two kinds of problems. The do something about, and the second

one that we can one that we can do

first is is

We

absolutely nothing about, as in the case of my recent loss. try to distinguish between the two in order to save our energy for coping with the problems we can do something must try to lower our expectation of others to the about. very minimum, the less the better, and the less one gets hurt.

must

We

It

become guilt,

does not matter

how

hurt, betrayed, or feel

and

anxiety,

These become

want out of

if

in

we

are however,

limit or

eventually

as fear, anger,

even paralyze us in some extreme cases.

built-in excuses that literally stop us

life

we might

some way. Feelings such

not dealt with in the proper manner, will create inner

They could

obstacles for us.

wise

bad

and they

interfere with our success in

from getting what we life.

We

start getting

caught up and entangled in our feelings which usually evolve in a vicious circle

:

I

am

I

react

I I I

deny

I I

angry

I

react

I

feel guilty

feel guilty

I

make

make

I

deny

excuses

am confused am exhausted

I

I I

excuses

am confused am exhausted am depressed

146

This

is

why

temporary

that although a relaxation exercise can

Our

problems.

relief to the real

be very

helpful,

it

is

a

and the problems we

lives

encounter might be compared to the example of a runner; imagine a runner, running through the path of

down

step

He

life.

starts

out light and energetic, but every

the road he picks up an extra load here and there, and as he

proceeds he becomes heavier and heavier. to take a rest but

it

give

he put down the load he

It is

him only temporary is

good and necessary it

for

him

be better

if

him?

carrying with

The power of memories and expectations

much more

the past and the future are

Wouldn't

relief.

is

such that for most of us

The present

real than the present.

cannot be lived happily unless the past has been "cleared up" and the future is

The

bright with promise.

loads that

expectations of the future could

The self-made inner

become

We

to go.

from the past and our

carry

obstacles inhibit the relaxed natural state of a

person functioning with optimum energy.

want

we

inner obstacles.

It

stops us from going to

where we

have to stop fighting with ourselves and realize that there

enormous human

potential in us, a

develop and grow once

we

raised in a society in which

stop

We

everything as good and bad.

we

gift

in

limiting

is

every one of us that needs to

and

restricting

and labeling

are too judgmental of ourselves.

We

are

are taught early that events that happen to us

do so because we are either "good" or

In this

"bad."

way we are

constantly

looking to label ourselves, analyzing situations in this way.

The

we must

Sufi master

learn from in order to is

Hazrat Salaheddin Ali Nader Angha teaches us that

not look at events as "bad" but rather as experiences that

become more mature. The importance

what we have learned from

loss

is

it

to utilize for a better future.

we can

of a past event Actually, our

not because of what happened but rather at spending the precious

time that

we

Life

instead of

have, the present, to feel sorry for what

in the past.

grow from,

condemning ourselves and taking every event so

personally.

full

of such experiences that

Feelings are feelings, accept

depressed.

happened

we can

learn and

is

it,

it is

natural -don't be depressed about being

Don't be angry about being angry.

feelings, experience

them, and continue.

Don't fear

fear.

These are

147

It is

forces that

as

if

these feelings are the driving forces behind a boat.

you thought were against you are

as a force to

What you

an experience for you; use

depends on how you interpret

it

Two

it.

event, such as a loss of a business. failure while the other will say,

do

All the

and winds; use them

push forward as the wind and the water helps the boat move

toward the designated goal. "failure" is

like current

label as a "bad event," a "loss," a

and grow because of

However, one might consider

"It's

it.

In fact

it

people might experience the same it

a personal

too bad," and go on to what he wants to

next.

"Man

is

says Epictetus.

look at

it

not disturbed by events, but by the view he takes of them,"

Give

differently.

it

a

try, try

a

Try to look

new

interpretation, take a

at the positive side of

it.

new picture, and

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN RELAXATION: EXISTENCE BETWEEN THOUGHTS Relaxation is the ability to go beyond thought, time, space, reaching a moment of inner peace and quiet; in fact, reaching a moment between two thoughts.

What do

is

relaxation?

in order to relax.

"Have a

Take a moment and think about the

Was your

things

you

answer, "Watch TV," or "Go to the movies," or

even "Go to the beach," or "Read a book"?

drink," or

However, relaxation

is

not an occupation such as reading a book,

watching TV, or drinking alcohol but quieting the body and the mind. Relaxation

is

total stillness.

space, reaching a

moment

moment between two

It is

the ability to go

At

fact,

reaching a

thoughts.

Relaxation can only take place

when

beyond thought, time, and

of inner peace and quiet; in

when

the

mind and the body are

still,

the brain rhythm changes from an alert beta to a relaxed alpha rhythm.

this

time a chemical associated with anxiety decrease and blood flow to

the muscles declines; instead, blood flows to the brain and skin, producing a feeling of warmth

Relaxation

and calm. is

known

to decrease high

blood pressure and otherwise

counteract the debilitating, health-draining effects of chronic stress -the

frequent "fight or is

flight"

response, the opposite-of-relaxation response, which

activated in the face of threat.

It

starts

when

the brain receives and

150

interprets environmental signals that indicate danger.

The nervous system

responds by secreting hormones to mobilize the body's muscles and organs

The messenger hormones

for defense.

carry this "red alert" signal throughout

the body, triggering specific reactions including increased heartbeats, higher

blood pressure, and faster pulse

from available proteins if

The blood sugar

rates.

Calcium and other minerals are drawn from the bones

required.

move

stimulate muscles in case the body has to are not absolutely necessary to

meet

dehydration. All this happens in a its

quickly.

Body

(such as digestion) tend to

this crisis

attacker or flee.

The body

second.

split

Of course, most

of the time, there

simply the everyday worries and pressures of

to

functions that

Sodium content and thus water retention increase

slow down.

face

increases (drawn

and then from storage) to provide instant energy

first,

modern

life.

is

to prevent

now primed

is

to

no attacker but

Nevertheless, the

body does not distinguish between a physical threat or an emotional or mental one;

it

reacts exactly the

same way.

After the attack of stress and the alarm reaction, then the next stage

Hans

resistance, as defined by

This

is

when

the "threat"

Selye,

mentioned

removed and the alarm

is

the stage of resistance, during which

continues

its

in chapter

various functions.

it

is

over; the

starts to repair

Protein, once

it

two of

this

is

book.

body goes

into

any damage and

has been broken

down

to

provide sugar for energy, cannot be used again as protein; the lost minerals

and other vitamins have

to

be replaced; nutrition must also be replaced.

Both the mind and the body need

to relax.

LEARN TO RELAX How many

times have you regretted a reaction you showed in a

stressful incident, realizing afterward that

was not so serious or important? Does change when once under

stress, as if

you had overreacted and that

this

show

it

that our thinking patterns

our mind reverts to a more primitive,

reactive state, judging only in terms of survival?

A stressed easily aggravated.

When

person feels constantly anxious and exhausted, and His vision becomes narrow and becomes

he dreams he has nightmares; he may have

is

very

less effective.

difficulty falling asleep or

waking up and usually gets out of bed feeling

tired

and unrefreshed.

151

Insomnia and fatigue are consistently associated with

stress,

and nearly

all

As much

as

mental patients' problems are complicated by sleep disorders.

physicians try to help the patient sleep, the prescribed sleeping pills are a

mixed

and apart from the

blessing;

the ability to dream, a necessary

Learning to relax

is

the

being addictive they interfere with

fact of

component of successful

first

positive step

rest.

away from overreacting

to

Relaxation does not happen spontaneously, but must be

stressful situations.

has been clinically proven that the effects of relaxation are vastly

learned.

It

different

from those of

tranquilizers, alcohol,

and other drugs. Patients with

problems ranging from cardiovascular disorders to ulcers and

allergies are

constantly advised by their physician to relax, but are seldom instructed

how

to relax.

GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK

A temporary halt soon as mental

of mental activity

is

the best kind of relaxation.

activity begins, relaxation ends.

things crowding your mental household that the

anxious because

it

cannot

make

As

Sometimes there are so many

mind becomes confused and

the right decisions and

it

becomes

"blocked."

Try drawing back from everything now for a few minutes, and give yourself a break! After these few minutes of mental relaxation, everything will

much

clearer.

creative,

Your mind

and you

will

be able

will

become more

alert,

refreshed,

your problem with

to tackle

become

and even

much more

energy.

A Natural Break •

Locate a quiet place where you won't be interrupted.

•

Wash your sprinkle a

face, and hands with lukewarm water, or water on your face.

feet,

little

and get yourself

at least

as comfortable as possible.

•

Sit cross-legged

•

Hands should

•

The

•

Start breathing

•

Concentrate on the sound of your breath as you breathe in and breathe out smoothly and evenly.

rest

comfortably on your lap.

eyes must be closed and remain closed during this time.

deeper and

fuller.

152

your

Try to feel them and then relax them.

•

Pay attention

to

•

Pay attention

to your legs

•

How does your stomach feel?

•

Now relax your chest

•

Feel your shoulders, arms, and hands and relax them.

•

Feel your neck and relax

it.

•

Feel your head and relax

it.

•

Pay attention

•

Pay special attention

to

feet.

now and

consciously relax them.

Try to relax

it

completely.

and once again pay attention

your face

now and

try to relax

to the tiny muscles

to

your breathing.

it.

around the eyes and

try to

relax them. • •

Relax the area around the temples.

Make

sure your teeth are not clenched and relax the muscles of your

jaw. •

Where

•

Relax the whole body (although take care not to slouch and keep the back straight).

else

do you

feel tension?

Relax

it.

This will only take a few minutes, maybe as long as a coffee break, but the effects will be very different from sipping a cup of coffee, or smoking a cigarette, or drinking alcohol, or snacking

enemies of a

stress-resistant diet.

"happy hour" after work.

more permanent

It

Try

on a candy bar because these are

this natural

will refresh

break!

Also

try

a natural

and energize you and have a much

as well as positive effect.

CHAPTER NINETEEN THE HIDDEN AND INNER SOURCE OF STRESS We know

life

only by

symptoms.

its

Albert Szent-Gyorgyi (discoverer of vitamin C)

Beyond the

external stressors that play such a big part in stress, there

an inner source of

stress that

an obvious cause of

stress,

is

often completely overlooked.

When

such as a having a deadline to meet,

there

it is

is is

very

apparent and easy to spot. However, when one feels stressed for no apparent reason, then what

is

the reason?

At the beginning of my

career,

I

became acquainted with a young

graduate student, a very hard-working and exceptionally bright individual

who was

teaching at the university and completing her studies at the same

She was under a

time.

physical

problems, loss of weight,

appearance (as

At stress"

of stress and talked to

lot

first

if

glance,

it

this

to

little

better, other

was not a case of severe

deficiency.

and a generally unhealthy

lack of appetite,

seemed

and overwork; with a

know her

mostly about the

she were suffering from malnutrition).

me

to

be a

typical case of "the achiever's

relaxation, all

her to join a stress-management class got to

me

These included severe digestion

symptoms she was having.

I

symptoms fatigue

would be

well. I

encouraged

was teaching. She signed up and started to surface,

making

and overwork but an inner

She complained, "Although

I

me

as

I

realize

stress

and

have been blessed with everything

154

that a person might

problems - 1

want

feel as if

to achieve in life

am

I

- a good education and no major

choking from within." She described her feelings

of helplessness and frustration about not finding answers to her most basic

She could not understand and accept the

questions.

knowing "why" she had life.

She understood that

regulations, but

what

to follow the

I

am

to live in society

where was

What

doing?

norm and a

life

the end?

is

one had

my

Should

Is this all

some

to follow

going in general? "What

have children and a stable job?

fact that without

certain pre-set pattern in

is

rules

and

the point of doing

goal be to get married and

I'm good

for,

and why should

What

these things because everyone else does them?

I

do

the purpose of

is

being?" she would ask with an unimaginable expression of pain in her voice. Later,

I

heard other students voice the same confusions and the

purpose of

frustrations about not understanding the

own

therefore not being able to value their

lives.

and

in general

life

This lack of self-value

might have much to do with the many problems that plague modern youths,

Could

including a high suicide rate and drug and alcohol abuse.

they might be asking the

"We know meaning

life

same questions

only by

life

its

as

my graduate

symptoms," 1 says Albert Szent-Gyorgyi,

"What

has not yet been defined.

is

there a higher purpose that

I

is life,

"Was

physical death put an end to our existence?"

or

be that

it

student?

could attain in

I

what

life?"

death?"

is

born just

to live

"Who am

"Will

and

die,

These

I?"

are questions that preoccupy the minds of youth; perhaps because they can

not find these answers is

is

the reason they

the purpose of their lives?

fly

into fury, rage,

What should

and

they stand for?

revolt.

What

What

is

their

value? principle? function?

The novel Nausea, by Jean Paul

Sartre,

the 20th-century French

philosopher, describes the feeling of nausea that Sartre feels that everything stands for

Even a doorknob

some reason and

when he

sees

function, everything but himself.

creates feelings of nausea for him, because even the

doorknob serves a function.

Many

feel a similar inner stress but

therefore sometimes

harm themselves

only the effects of stress

is

cannot voice their confusion and

or others.

to look at the

Therefore, to try and treat

problem very

the cause of the problem has to be taken care

of.

superficially,

because

155

Physicians are dedicated to the treatment of the body; psychiatrists and psychologists are concerned with healing the third group, the clergy, attends the soul

of inner stress, a healing process

is

and

mind and emotions, while a

spiritual healing.

For the causes

required that involves the whole person,

not just a part.

The

traditional Eastern healing practice thinks of the

functioning as an integrated unit; health exists illness results

when

stress

and

when

conflict disrupt this

mind and body

they are in

harmony and

harmony. These healing

approaches are essentially humanistic and re-establish an emphasis on the person and

his or

her healing potential, rather than on medical technology.

Dr. Robert O. Becker notes that since the discovery of penicillin in 1929, medicine changed face drastically.

an

he

art,"

"Before then, medicine had been

says.

The masterpiece - a cure - resulted from

the

patient's

will

combined with the physician's intuition and skill in using remedies culled from millennia of observant trial and error. In the last two centuries medicine has come more and more to be a science, or more accurately, the application of one science, namely biochemistry. Medical techniques have come to be tested as much against current concepts in biochemistry as against their empirical results. Techniques that don't fit such

chemical concepts - even

if they seem to work -have been abandoned as pseudoscientific or downright fraudulent. At the same time and as part of the same process, life itself came to be defined as a purely chemical phenomenon.

Attempts set living

to find a soul, a vital spark, a subtle something that 2 matter apart from the non-living, had failed. in

DNA

this

about

Erwin Chargaff, the biochemist who discovered base pairing and thus opened the way biology: define."

for understanding

"No other science deals

in

its

very

gene structure, said

name

it

cannot

will

look at

with a subject that

3

What

is life

and

some answers from

its

purpose? In Part Three of this book, we

the school of Islamic Sufism, since Sufism

is

concerned

with such humanistic questions concerning values, purpose, self-identity,

knowledge, and God-awareness.

self-

156

CHAPTER NINETEEN ENDNOTES 1.

Robert O'Becker, M.D. and Gary Selden, The Body

Madison Ave., NY, NY, 2.

Ibid., p. 18.

3.

Ibid., p. 21.

1985, p. 20.

Electric, Quill,

105

PART THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY ISLAMIC SUFISM Keep watch over thy heart. Hazrat Oveyss Gharani

Although the term Islamic Sufism or Sufism, has been mentioned throughout the separated,

However,

text,

it

has not been defined yet. Sufism and Islam cannot be

which various this

that every Sufi

does not is

dictionary

mean

of

definitions

that every

Muslim

is

the

terms

a Sufi, but

it

confirm.

does

mean

a Muslim. This will be explained in later chapters.

Let us consider some dictionary definitions of Sufism.

Root: from Arabic -suf, meaning wool

The Word Book Dictionary: Sufi:

A

sect of

Muslim mystics and

today Iran, that originated

ascetics, largely in Persia,

in Islam.

Sufism: Mystical system of the Sufi, using a symbolism popular with Muslim poets.

Encyclopedia International:

A

phase of Muslim

religious experience.

spiritual

life,

Sufism

is

centered on mystical

160

•

The Dictionary of Religions:

The

Sufis (wearers of wool, the Mystics of Islam.

•

i.e.,

the coarse garments of the ascetic) are

The Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Sufi is applied to Muslim mystics who, as a means of achieving union with Allah, adopted ascetic practices, including the wearing of garments made of coarse wool (suf).

•

The Random House Dictionary of English Language: Sufi

•

1)

A member of an ascetic mystical Muslim sect.

2)

Of or

pertaining to Sufis or Sufism.

Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics:

The terms

"Sufi" and "Sufism" are to be understood in their ordinary as equivalent to Muhammadan mystic and Mohammadan mysticism. Ancient Sufism had strong ascetic tendencies, while the mystical element might be insignificant; and there have always been Sufis of an ascetic and devotional type whom we should hesitate to describe as mystics in the proper meaning of the word.

sense,

161

THE HISTORY OF THE HOLY CLOAK "The habit of wearing wool next to the skin dates back to the Saints

and Imams of Islamic Sufism.

They believed

comfort would encourage spiritual lethargy; that the should be in

command

at all times,

Imams

of Islam once

questioned by a student as to why he

comfort was dressed in

wear

silk.

for your sake, but,"

he

was wearing underneath the

spirit,

not the body,

and that the body should therefore be

kept in a state of submission and obedience to the of the Saints or

spirit."

wore a

1

It is

said that

garment.

silk

who renounces

said, pointing to a very

next to his skin,

one

He was

the world and

His Eminence replied "This garment of

silk

first

that physical bodily

its

silk, I

coarse wool garment he

"this, I

wear

for the sake of

myself."

The

many have

Sufi

famous, however, for wearing a wool cloak.

is

Mohammad Angha,

Ghotbeddin

School of Sufism,

says,

wears wool or suf is a

the 40th spiritual guide or pir of the Oveyssi

"While every Sufi wears wool, not every person

is

symbolic of the spiritual knowledge

handed down from one pir

to another throughout the ages.

one who receives the holy cloak, as a knowledge,

is

who

Sufi."

This cloak of wool instruction

Although

imitated this outer appearance of the Sufi, the cloak, Hazrat Mir

the one

possible that a learned

who

result attaining a high

degree of

receives permission to teach and guide.

man may

and

The

It is

have had several masters, but acquires

permission to guide from only one, and receives the cloak from that particular master

and teacher. However, some masters possessed such a high

degree of spiritual knowledge that each of the Sufi grand masters, not just one, granted

them permission

to guide the people.

In this case, a particular

master or pir received the cloak from the hand of each and every one of the saints

and masters.

When

this

happens different existing

sects of Sufism join

together under one name.

This has been repeated several times in the

history of Islamic Sufism,

and thus the school takes the name of that

particular master.

162

Wfiy the Oveyssi School of Sufism?

The holy cloak

is

known

originally

Abraham

generations from the prophet

to the

to

have

prophet

been passed

Mohammad,

for

then to

Oveyss Gharani and other learned and enlightened teachers thereafter.

Hence

the Oveyssi school of Sufism

named

after

Jalaledin

Rumi

Oveyssi's school

Valad,

who was

on

different sects;

his father's

side

Bahaedin

a disciple of the famous Sufi Najmedin Kobra, and his

beloved master Shams Tabrizi,

was the

who

himself was a disciple of Baba-Kamal

disciple of Sheikh

Najmedin Kobra Oveyssi.

famous book of poetry, Massnav'x, by Jalaledin Rumi, we

In the

Mohammad Mohammad says,

by the prophet

The Prophet

is

Molavi, the famous Iranian Sufi poet, also joins

from two

Jondi, who, in turn

this

Maktab Tarighat Oveyssi [MTO]

Oveyss Gharani.

find

about Oveyss Gharani:

The breeze brings O'men! The divine perfume from Yemen. The The

scent of Ramin comes from Veyss, fragrance of God from Oveyss.

Oveyss's heavenly perfume from God, Overjoyed the heart of the prophet of God.

Forsaking his mortal being willingly 2 ( Oveyss ) become heavenly.

That earthly

Shams-din Hafiz

another well-known Iranian Sufi poet with a

Shirazi,

worldwide reputation who has inspired great philosophers and poets the world and

who

Goethe, also was a Sheikh

Mahmoud

The

much admired,

member

much

especially by the

of the Oveyssi sect.

Attar Shirazi,

who was

story of Oveyss Gharani's

the subject of

The

is

life

German

He was

all

over

philosopher

the disciple of

the disciple of pir Golrang.

and

his absolute

adoration for

God

is

poetry and commentary by the great masters of Sufism.

instructions of the Oveyssi School of Sufism,

Maktab Tarighat

Oveyssi, are based on inward enlightenment and pure knowledge, indicating that to get to the truth, there

Gharani

says,

is

but one gateway: through the heart. Oveyss

"Keep watch over thy

"Guard thy heart from thoughts of

heart," in Arabic, alayka bi-ghalbika,

other."

This saying has two meanings:

i.e.,

1)

163

Make

thy heart obedient to

God

Make

by renunciation, and 2)

thyself

obedient to thy heart.

While Oveyss Gharani never actually teacher Hazrat

who had

Mohammad

with

lived

instructions

"seeing

Mohammad, he knew him

from him

and hearing."

and

seen,

in the traditional oral

how Oveyss

his spiritual

even more than those

and

conversed,

the kind of

is

between the seeker and the teacher

explains such a relationship in his

narrated that a seeker of God,

Harim

b.

received

manner, conventionally called

This inner and spiritual relationship

relationship that should exist

Let us hear

on

visited or set eyes

in his heart,

own

Hayyan, went to

in Sufism.

words.

It is

Oveyss and

visit

before he had time to introduce himself, Oveyss said, "Peace be with thee,

Harim

ibn.

Harim

Hayyan!"

Oveyss answered. "My

The

spirit

knew

heart thus has the

sense, strange as

it

"How

cried,

thy

did you

spirit."

know

to the

am Harim?"

in

an unlimited

3

means of hearing and perceiving

may sound

O

I

that

new-comer

to the Sufi path.

Such

is

the

Oveyssi way, tarighat Oveyssi.

God

will reveal his

messenger

that obedient servant of

through his heart.

God and

to

repeatedly encounter verses that say

In the

is

able to

it is

know

Old Testament, Solomon

Keep your of

New

In the Old and

through the heart that one

heart with

all

whom

he wishes in

this

the seeker of truth will

manner, and

know him

only

Testaments and the Koran we

by the grace of the Almighty and the truth.

says:

vigilance; for

from

it

flow the springs

life.

(Proverbs 4:23)

But even yet the Lord hasn't given you hearts that understand, or eyes that see, or ears that hear.

(Deuteronomy 29:10)

We read in the Bible: All things have been committed to me by my father. No one knows who the son is except the father, and no one knows who the father is except the son and to those to whom the son chooses to reveal him. (Luke 10:22)

Such a revelation does not take place anywhere but pure.

in the heart of the

164

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.

(Matthew

The Koran

5:8)

says:

We have sent on to you a Messenger from you, Who will

read to you

Our

Revelations.

And will teach you the Knowledge of The 'Book,' and Wisdom. And will teach you that of which you have no knowledge. (2:151)

Yet those who do not witness the truth are described "Thus

having sealed hearts:

God

seals the hearts of those

Koran

in the

as

who understand

not."

(30:59)

When

the truth has to be witnessed from within, there can be no false

prophets. "The heart doubts not what also

warns us against

it

sees," says the

"And many

false prophets.

false

Koran, and the Bible prophets will appear

and deceive many people."

(Matthew 24:11) Oveyss Gharani merited Abraham's holy cloak from the prophet

Mohammad

for his

method

Oveyss Gharani passed

of discovering and witnessing "the Inner Truth."

his cloak

on

to

Salman

prophet was very fond of him, "Salmam

Mohammad

praising him.

From

is

Farsi,

one of

who was

Persian.

us," said the

The

prophet

that time until the present over a period of

1400 years, the cloak has been

in

the possession of forty-two Sufis in

unbroken succession.

The present cloak-bearer and teacher of

school and principles

is

the

same

Hazrat Salaheddin Ali Nader Shah Angha Pir

Tarighat Oveyssi. It is

message

these great

to

men who have had a mission to fulfill and a great who have been the shapers of human dignity, the

convey and

physicians of the soul, and the loudspeakers of truth. These great souls are in total

harmony with the essence of

nature.

ceaseless prayers, and continual service to to the grace of

Heaven, made

Divine guidance, self-discipline,

mankind have opened

their hearts the source of

life,

their souls

and

their

tongues the instruments through which the "Angelic Voice" of truth speaks.

The pure and enlightened

souls,

transformed by the Great All-Knowing and

Wise Alchemist, are however, but guides. They can but

call

upon men and

165

convey the "Message of Truth," but may not guide against man's

God

will, for

only

can guide.

God

thus spoke to

Mohammad,

his

messenger, as recorded in the

Koran,

You may not I shall

guide

guide whom you wish; whom I wish to guide.

Surah 28:56

Each heart must experience and hear the "Angelic Voice" and messenger within the innermost part of his being, the heart.

find his

166

Genealogy of the School of Islamic Sufism

Maktab

Tarighat

Oveyssi

Shah Maghsoudi

PROPHET MOHAMMAD IMAM ALI 1.

Hazrat Oveyss Gharani

2.

Hazrat Salman Farsi

3.

Hazrat

4.

Hazrat Soltan Ebrahim

5.

Hazrat

6.

Hazrat Sheikh

7.

Hazrat Sheikh Abi

Amr

8.

Hazrat

Abu

Hazza

Abu Abu

Salim Habib-ibn Moussa Zeyd Rai

Adham

Ali Shaghigh Balkhi

Abu Torab Nakhshabi

Ja'far

Estakhri

Abu Abdollah Mohammad-ibn

9.

Hazrat Sheikh Kabir

10.

Hazrat Sheikh Hossein Akkar

11.

Hazrat Sheikh Morshed Abu-Eshagh Shahriar Kazerouni

12.

Hazrat Khatib Abolfath Abolghassem Abdolkarim

13.

Hazrat Ali-ibn Hassan Salebeh Bassri

14.

Hazrat Serajeddin Abolfath Beyzavi

Khafif Shirazi

Mahmoud-ibn Mahmoudi Sabouni

Abu Abdollah Rouzbehan

15.

Hazrat Sheikh

16.

Hazrat Sheikh Najmeddin Tamat-al Kobra Khivaghi

17.

Hazrat Sheikh Ali Lala Ghaznavi

Baghali Shirazi

Ahmad Zaker Jowzeghani

18.

Hazrat Sheikh

19.

Hazrat Noureddin Abdolrahman Esfarayeni

20.

Hazrat Sheikh Rokneddin Alaodowleh Semnani

21.

Hazrat

22.

Hazrat Amir Seyyed Ali Hamedani

Mahmoud Mazdaghani

Ahmad Khatlani Mohammad Abdollah

23.

Hazrat Sheikh

24.

Hazrat Seyyed

25.

Hazrat Shah Ghassem Feyzbakhsh

26.

Hazrat Hossein Abarghoui Janbakhsh

27.

Hazrat Darvish Malek Ali Joveyni

28.

Hazrat Darvish Ali Sodeyri

Ghatifi-al Hassavi

Nourbakhsh

167

Hazrat Darvish Kamaleddin Sodeyri

29.

32.

Mohammad Mozaheb Karandehi Mohammad Moemen Sodeyri Sabzevari Hazrat Mir Mohammad Taghi Shahi Sabzevari Hazrat Darvish

30.

Hazrat Mir

31.

33.

Hazrat Mir Mozafar Ali Shahi

34.

Hazrat Mir

35.

Hazrat Seyyed Shamseddin

36.

Hazrat Seyyed Abdolvahab Naini

37.

Hazrat Haj

38.

Hazrat Agha Abdolghader Jahromi

39.

Hazrat Jalaleddin Ali Mir Abolfazl Angha

40.

Hazrat Mir Ghotbeddin

41.

Hazrat Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha

42.

Hazrat Salaheddin Ali Nader Shah Angha

The Oveyssi

Mohammad Ali

Mohammad Hassan Kouzekanani

Mohammad Angha

school of Sufism that dates from 7th century A. D., the

advent of Islam, has centers

at the present

throughout the world.

sometimes several place and disciplines,

The

Mohammad

in

one

city,

time 300,000 students and hundreds of

New

centers

are

center of attendance for the purpose

and awareness

is

continually

called "The

They

The

of receiving practical

Khaneghah" House of God.

centers range from small study groups that

classes to entire communities.

forming,

to serve the different needs of pupils.

meet

for

weekly

offer a variety of classes, gatherings,

and

seminars, which cover a wide range of different physical and metaphysical sciences from philosophy, literature, from poetry and learning

how

to read

holy scriptures to telepathy, healing and magnetic therapy, spiritualism, science of Letters and crucial

Numbers and alchemy.

Meditation classes are a

and important part of Oveyssi training and these practical

classes are

offered at each center.

Dr. Yoshimichi Maeda, a Japanese biologist

who

visited with the

Spiritual teacher of the school in 1976, in the original center, at Sufi-Abad, in

Karaj, 40 kilometers from Teheran, writes about the structure of the school

of Sufism:

168

organizational structure is most interesting and unique: It is a highly professional group that operates like an independent society and sets a perfect example for those larger organizations that have been less successful in accomplishing such a solid infrastructure and self-sufficiency. Within the Its

school are experts in design and construction as well as research groups in sciences, literature, and such fine arts as painting, sculpture and calligraphy.

Today Sufism has changed

modern world that,

at

Mohammad

self-discipline

had

to

to

all:

to

In earlier times,

all.

was endured by the few who attained

prove they were worthy students

To

all,

was welcome

the gates of the

founded

in Iran

who was

he

not,

a true seeker, he

and the Truth. elite

group,

is

Especially today, Sufism,

being presented to the 20th

gatherings are no longer scarce but are frequent

Sufism, which has been centered for centuries where is

who

Khaneghah were opened and any newcomer

to hear the secrets

all.

they

Hazrat Shah

The meetings and

and open to

this reality, for

before receiving any instruction

first,

became open

once dedicated to a very small and century.

its

mortification

in 1950, the dwellings of

he who deserved, he who did

not.

much

the 41st Pir of the school of Oveyssi,

However, beginning

Pir.

Maghsoud Sadegh Angha,

was

Angha, Sufism was an esoteric science and

were not available

and

from the

not in essence to deal with the

if

In the past and not very distant past at

time of the 40th Pir of the Oveyssi school, Hazrat Mir

the

Ghotbeddin instructions

form

in

of science and stress.

no longer limited

to the east,

now

was

it

the whole world can

profit.

Knowledge

is

the priceless heritage of man. Sufism

love and affection of the imperfect self

meet

is

the point where

that of the superior soul.

love will shelter and revitalize the entire world.

It will

draw man

to

This

God, the

origin of love.

The famous of the Sufi revelations

life

Sufi poet, Mohy-al-din-Arabi,

titled

"Fatouhat",

meaning

epoch, divine will has created a will bring life to this

banner of

this

received the grandeur

triumph and

"victories".

This

victory

his, is

all

science and philosophy.

In our

new plan

for a stagnating world.

Now,

understanding the most complex areas of

Sufism

who

through divine inspiration, has written a book about

world of advanced science and technology. The spiritual

conquest of the world

is

carried by the

169

school of Islamic Sufism,

MTO

Shah Maghsoudi, under the direction and

Nader

leadership of the present Pir of the school Hazrat Salaheddin Ali

The present headquarters

Angha.

of the school

is

located in San Rafael,

Northern California.

As

I

mentioned

earlier

and contrary

to general beliefs, Sufism

and resignation from daily

self-mortification

knowledge of existence, including and covering an inferior level of metaphysics, since

it is

know

is

also clear.

the whole.

Garden of

As

Secrets,

Whereas,

if

we

rather

all sciences.

it

is

Physics

is

not

the total is

merely

metaphysics and the eternal law

that have given birth to the physical world. partial

life,

Once we know

the whole, the

start studying the partial

we

shall not

Mahmoud Shabistari wrote in The became man and man the universe." We

the famous Sufi poet

"The universe

shall explore this in the next chapter

which

Through Philosophy, Theology and Science.

is

called,

The Search

for Truth

170

CHAPTER TWENTY ENDNOTES Dr. Ronald Grisel, 1. Berkeley, Calif., 9470, p. 45.

Sufism,

Ross Books,

Jalaledin Rumi, Massnavi Manavi, Publication, p. 716, line 1826. 2.

Ali Bin Uthman Al-Hujwiri, Foundation 249-N Samanabad, p. 84.

3.

P.O.

Persian edition,

Kashf Al-Mahjub,

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, Dawn, Maeda, p. 2.

4.

1983,

Intro,

Box 4340,

1925,

Islamic

Sepehr

Book

by Dr. Yoshimichi

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH

THROUGH PHILOSOPHY, THEOLOGY AND SCIENCE Imaginary philosophies do not provide positive

and logical answers

the contemporary

to the

needs of

man.

Hazrat Shah Maghsoud Sadegh

In this chapter

I

am

Angha

going to consider the approach of philosophy,

theology and science toward the search for Truth.

Philosophy

The means

root of the

"love,"

word "philosophy" comes from the Greek philos which

and sophia which means "wisdom."

Learning Dictionary

and meaning of

says,

"Philosophy

is

The Oxford Advanced

the search for knowledge, the nature

things."

Theology

The

root of the

word

"theology,"

is

from the Greek theos meaning

"God," and logos which means "discourse."

Theology according

to Encyclopedia International

of man, and the world in relation to God."

is

"the study of

God,

172

The Oxford Advanced Learning

Dictionary defines theology as "The

God and

formation of a series of theories about the nature of

of the

foundations of religious belief."

Science

According to the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, science

is

"knowledge obtained by observation and the testing of facts."

The Random

House Dictionary

defines

science

systematic

as

knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation. Webster's

Third

New

International Dictionary

gives

the

following

definitions for science.

-Knowledge obtained and tested through use of the scientific method; accumulated and accepted knowledge that has been systemized and formulated with reference to the discovery of general truths or the operation of general laws;

-Knowledge

classified

and made available

in

work,

life,

or the

search of truth;

-Knowledge obtained and

tested through use of scientific method.

Such knowledge concerned with the physical world and

its

phenomena

(natural sciences).

Philosophy, distinct from theology, began in Greece in the 5th century

B.C. Philosophy, defined at that time as love and the pursuit of all

knowledge

as

its

instinctive curiosity

province.

The quest

for

about the world around him.

undertook to describe and

to explain the

wisdom took

knowledge was born by man's

The

early philosophers

world around them, and also

concerned themselves with matters of social and personal conduct, human values and principles,

all

of which had to be solved by contemplation and

informal observation.

By the time

of Plato (427-347) and Aristotle (384-322), philosophers

were concerned with

logic,

mathematics, natural sciences, ethics, political

/ As

173

and

Rome

fell,

philosophy

the 11th to the 14th century, philosophy in the

West was

theory, as well as aesthetics.

Christianity rose

was submerged by theology.

From

dominated by the Catholic Church. nature of

life until

Philosophers continued to explain the

the 15th century

when

science started to unravel the

mysteries and developed different methods of investigation. split

One

result

was a

from philosophy, and both became separate branches of learning. Today, philosophy has become

itself

a "philosophical question."

"There are no established methods, principles, or standards universally agreed upon by

philosophers.

all

the essence of philosophy

is

By and

large however,

systematic reflection

it

can be said that

upon experience

to the

end

of obtaining a rational and comprehensive view of the universe and of man's

place in

it."

1

In defining philosophy, theology, and science, Bertrand Russell, the

20th-century philosopher claims,

Philosophy is something intermediate between theology and science. Like theology, it consists of speculation of matters of has, so far, been unascertainable; but like science, it appeals to human reason rather than authority. All definite knowledge belongs to science; all dogma, as to what surpasses definite knowledge, belongs to theology. But between theology and science there is a No Man's Land, exposed to attack from both sides; this No Man's Land is

which definite knowledge

philosophy. Almost all the questions of most interest to speculative minds are such as science cannot answer, and the confident answers of the theologians no longer seem so convincing as they did in former centuries. The studying of these questions, if not the answering of them, is the business of 2 philosophy.

One wonders, "How?"

It is

tools that philosophy offers except

not obvious yet?

What

human reason and

are the

means and

speculation? Bertrand

Russell answers, to our greatest surprise, by saying:

"Philosophy aims at teaching us how to live with uncertainty and without being paralyzed by hesitation." 3

Early philosophers would not agree. that

beneath

this

Philosophy started in the faith

apparent chaos there was a hidden permanence and unity.

As a modern writer on philosophical methods has put There seems to

seek

to

be a deep rooted tendency

...something

that

persists

it,

in the

human mind

through

change.

174

Consequently the desire for explanation seems to be satisfied only by discovery that what appears to be new and different was there all the time. Hence the search for an underlying identity, a persistent stuff, a substance that is conserved in spite of qualitative changes and in terms of which these changes can

be explained. 4

The search has

not been given up.

unifying force," a force that (i.e.,

gravity, electromagnetic force, the

"Experiments

nature.

Scientists are

the unification of

is

have

now

weak

force,

verified

now

looking for "a

the fundamental forces

all

and the strong force) of

weak and

the

that

electromagnetic forces are really one and the same at high energies. this

new unified

force the electroweak force." 5

In spite the different terminology, this search

eventual goal of science 6

The searching

not dissimilar to that of the 5th century,

searching for a persistent and everlasting substance that would

prove to be the basis of the world and

universe,"

is

Greek philosophers

of the early Milesians, the natural

who were

the

We call

is

things in

all

says the 20th-century physicist Stephen

unified theory

for,

it.

And

today, "The

to provide a single theory that describes the

is

whole

W. Hawking.

what Einstein spent most of

his later years

although he was unsuccessful.

discovery of a complete unified theory may not aid the survival of our species," says Hawking, "it may not even affect our lifestyle. But ever since the dawn of civilization, people

The

have not been content to see events as unconnected and inexplicable. They have craved an understanding of the underlying order in the world. Today, we still yearn to know why we are here and where we came from. Humanity's deepest desire for knowledge is justification enough for our continuing quest. And our goal is nothing less than a complete description of the universe

we

live in.

7

However, science has a much better chance everlasting quest, since to philosophy, scientist

analyzes

is

which

one who

by

it

uses a practical

relies purely is

free

observation,

on human reason and

from any aided

by

selfish

achieving

experimental

the

Science does not rely on theory alone and

it

as

this

opposed

intellect.

The

motives or interest and thus

instruments, and other equipment needed to prove

objective evidence and verification.

at

method of investigation

tools,

measuring

and produce

claims nothing until

it

facts.

can offer

175

Philosophy, on the other hand, that offers itself to truth,

and

be accepted or

not even reliable since

is

is

like

rejected, it

an opinion or a

state of

mind

and promises no evidence or

trusts its

personal impressions and

is

capable of error.

Bertrand Russell notes

Almost

that:

the questions of most interest to speculative minds are such as science cannot answer: Is the world divided into mind and matter, and if so, what is mind and what is matter? Is mind subject to matter, or is it possessed of independent powers? Has the universe any unity or purpose? Is it evolving toward some goal? Are there really laws of nature, or do we believe in them only because of our innate love of order? Is man what he seems to the astronomer, a tiny lump of impure carbon and water or is he what he appears to Hamlet? To such questions no answers can be found in the laboratory. The studying of these questions, if not the answering of them, is the business of philosophy. 8 all

"Imaginary philosophies," declares the Sufi Master, Hazrat Shah Maghsoud, "do

not

provide

and

positive

answers

logical

to

the

needs

of

the

contemporary man".9 Therefore, although

many minds have endeavored

answers to the universal questions of

life,

to achieve the

use of speculation, imagination,

and reasoning has been unsuccessful and there remain too many questions with no answers.

human

Philosophers have presented theories of the universe, the

nature, the truth; each

ended up explaining himself.

Individual

philosophies are somewhat like self-portraits; in trying to define the universe

each philosopher describes himself.

No more

than

this

could be achieved by

the help of the limited tool, the brain.

The

philosophical

and even the

scientific

approach to essential

questions are based on theories that might be proven or disproven at any time.

My

since any

goal

is

not to undermine the endeavors of science or philosophy,

human being who wonders and

questions his true nature and sees

himself faced with fundamental questions and earnestly searches for the

answers

is

worthy of much praise and respect.

approach has

its

Hawking, one of greatest

Any

Yet even the

scientific

limitations in understanding our existence as the Absolute. physicists of our time, points out that:

physical theory is always provisional, in the sense that it is only a hypothesis: you can never prove it. No matter how

176

times the results of experiments agree with some theory, that the next time the result will not contradict the theory. On the other hand, you can disprove a theory by finding even a single observation that disagrees with the predictions of the theory. It turns out to be very difficult to describe the universe Instead we break the problem into bits and all in one go. Each of these partial invent a number of partial theories. theories describes and predicts a certain limited class of observations, neglecting the effects of other quantities or representing them by simple sets of numbers. It may be that If everything in the this approach is completely wrong. universe depends on everything else in a fundamental way, it might be impossible to get close to a full solution by 10 investigating parts of the problem in isolation.

many

you can never be sure

However, the mind, being

as limited as

it is,

does not have any other

choice but to investigate the truth in this partial and limited way. consider

mind and the process of

the

investigations, so that

Wfiat

is

we

will

thinking,

based

on

Let us

scientific

understand the mind's limitations.

thinking

The nature

of thinking

makes up a

large part of the disciplines of

philosophy, psychology, and education.

We will mind

is

totally

start

by tracing the growth of thought from infancy

blank and follow

In infancy, thinking

how

to respond to

reflexes.

it.

At

is

its

when

the

development to adolescence.

associated with learning about the world and

birth, the child

is

only limited to uncoordinated

These reflexes gradually coordinate with each other.

The

child

looks in the direction of sounds, grasps what he sees, and brings before his

The

eyes that which he grasps.

highest point of development, which signals

the beginning of true thought, occurs

experiments." stick,

when

the child can perform "mental

For example, the child brings an interesting

object, such as a

within his reach; he has foreseen the entire action in his mind before

actually grasping the object.

He

is

manipulating objects with his mind

first

instead of with his hands.

Gradually, the world moves into the "mind" and consequently thought

becomes

less

child

represent objects

to

Eventually,

dependent on the world.

his

thoughts

as

This begins with the ability of the

images and thus give them permanence.

become independent of

direct

perception and

177

progress from the concrete to the abstract. This process increases as mental

growth takes place.

More

Therefore, the earliest mental activities deal with images.

complex mental

occur

activities

when

the child can envision the use of a stick

an object farther away.

to reach for

Significant progress appears

when

symbols replace mental images and thoughts are increasingly abstract.

Thought occurs Thinking

brain.

is

as a result of chemical actions

and reactions

the mental manipulation of symbols, that

is,

in the

a visual

image, memory, feeling, thought, event, or representation of something in the

The human tendency

mind. These are called sensual perceptions.

problems computer,

usually based

is it

relies

has in storage. its

It

on and

on prior experience. The brain is

limited to the data

to solve

very similar to a

receives or that

it

already

cannot provide new information. Another problem

Upon

storage undergoes constant change.

new

it

is

addition or any change in

its

contents,

new

receiving

new and

is

that

information, a

different responses

develop, provisional responses are thus unreliable and subject to

may

much

change.

Like a computer that has to be kept function and respond accurately, the

many

factors.

at

mind can

The mind does not always

a moderate temperature to also

be

function at

easily influenced

its

by

preoccupied

best; a

mind, for example, can become confused and cluttered by numerous images.

Even the best-working mind, however, continually acquires

is

new information and

prone to constant change as

it

experiences.

Sensual observation and experiences happen repeatedly. The is collecting information all the time. Not only is there a continual change in the brain storage, but the cells of the brain and the nervous system also change. Their renewal may be so slow as to fool us into believing that they may be eternal, or at least stable enough for a lifetime of recording and rearranging

mind

of memories.

11

Can we be guided toward principles of existence

changeable

tool, the

is

limited in the

the discovery of that which

reality,

by the power of

mind? The answer

amount of information find a solution to a

and

it

is,

"no."

A computer

receives and reacts accordingly.

problem

same way.

it

this

has no information about.

It

is

stable, the

unstable and

is

will

limited in the

be unable to

The mind

acts

and

178

Since the mind

unlimited?

limited, don't

is

And what

is

we need another

unlimited absolute knowledge, the truth?

we can measure The

What

scientific

approach for finding the truth

of finding the truth at

with this

is

is

that every

is

the measure with which

the truth? Let us ponder this question while

throughout history. The thrust of

scientists

source, one which

that unlimited source that can well lead us to the

we read

on.

the collective efforts of

this collective effort is the

some unknown time

human

is

in the future, but the

being wants to

know

hope

problem

the truth of his

own

existence during his lifetime.

Theology, on the other hand, makes no possible endeavor to know anything and moves everything out of our reach; there must be a creator and therefore

we must

blindly believe

him

since he

is

God and

the

knower of

all;

everything remains as unsupported theory.

The philosopher which

is

tries to find

a definition of the truth by reasoning,

subject to individual interpretation and unreliable for leading us to

the absolute truth. If the scientist, the

philosopher, or the theologian of our time cannot

lead us towards the absolute truth,

TRUTH?

who

has the answer?

And what

is

179

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE ENDNOTES Encyclopedia International. Grolier

1.

Bertrand Russell,

2.

1945,

New York,

A History of Western Philosophy,

New York, New York, p. Ibid., p.

3.

Inc.,

1974, p. 286.

Simon

&

Schuster,

XIII of introduction.

XIII of introduction.

L. S. Stebbing, 1933), p. 404.

4.

A

Modern

Introduction to Logic, (Methuen,

2nd

ed.

Leon M. Lederman, and D. N. Schramm, From Quarks to the Cosmos, American Library, 1989, New York, N.Y., 10010, p. 127.

5.

Scientific

Stephen W. Hawking, 6. York, N.Y., p. 10.

Brief History of Time, Bantam, 1988,

New

Ibid., p. 13.

7.

A History of Western Philosophy, XIII of Introduction.

Bertrand Russell,

8.

1945, 9.

A

New York, p.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, The Light of Lanham, MD, 20706, p. 79.

Simon

&

Schuster,

Salvation, University

Press of America,

10 11.

Inc.

Hawking, A Brief History of Time, pp. 10-1 1.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, Dawn. University Press of America, Lanham, MD, 20706, p. 25.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO SUFISM-THE REALITY OF RELIGION The Sufi knows, while

the philosopher

wants

to

know.

Hazrat Slaheddin Ali Nader Angha

If

the truth and absolute knowledge cannot be a product of our minds,

despite imagination, reason or logic, and

we want

powers of the brain, then what do we do?

How can we learn about the truth?

to

go beyond the limited

Let us address our question to the science of Sufism and hear what a Sufi believes,

one who has discovered and knows the Truth.

The "knowledge

of reality, which is the true meaning of within the domain of practical Sufism, Erfan. The teachings of Sufism Erfan, encompass and transcend science and other theoretical and speculative learning." 1 religion,

We Maghsoud

is

must understand the "Knowledge of Reality" that Hazrat Shah refers to

is

not hard

dogma and

the blind acceptance of the Holy

Scriptures represented by the theologians, nor

is

it

knowledge one can

acquire from books and by

much

the conventional way, but

Absolute Knowledge, acquired differently.

While the

is

scientists

hope

the puzzle in the future, the Sufi

This knowledge

is

postponed to the Sufi. Sufi is the

learning.

not knowledge acquired in

to find the answers is

not partial and

far future, but

It is

is

and the missing parts of

one who knows the Truth it

is

in his lifetime.

not received through the senses or

Absolute and

one who knows the Truth and

is

is

in the possession of the

the most knowledgeable one

182

of his time and

is

Man

defined as the

of his Time by His Eminence Hazrat

AM.

The

Nader Angha,

Sufi of our time, Hazrat Salaheddin Ali

in

The

Wealth of Solouk (about the stages of purification and awareness that the seeker of the Truth undergoes for the attainment of Absolute Cognition) says,

"The Sufi knows, while the philosopher wants to know." 2 If,

according to Sufism and the words of the Sufi Master, "that which

constant and unchangeable

is

the Truth," then

we have

to find a constant

We

unchangeable measure by which we can know the Truth.

measure

infinity

we attempt

with a yardstick, nor can

is

and

cannot

understand the

to

mysteries of humanity with the changeable storage of the mind.

The prophet

of Islam says,

"Knowledge is not in the heaven, to descend upon you, nor does it grow on earth, but it is with you." 3

The Absolute Knowledge cannot be known through books, nor

how

inner revelations, and then wrote

them down

will

not reveal the truth to

each must discover the truth for himself. How, one may ask?

discover the truth the

"You may be where

I

this

and holy books.

as scriptures

But reading these revelations over and over again us, for

is

They themselves found the Truth through

the prophets instructed us.

way the prophets am," and Hazrat

did.

We

can

Recall that Jesus Christ said,

Mohammad

also said,

"I

am

a man,

I

hear the Angelic Voice."

The

truth

must be grasped

intuitively

through mystical experience

rather than philosophical reflection and reasoning. process; in the us,

we have

same way

that

we do

to experience religion

As a philosophy student started to learn about the early

confused.

Which was

true?

which philosopher should different opinions criterion with

wrong one.

I

I

I

I

is

an individual

and Truth for ourselves.

remember how

fascinated

I

was when

Greek philosophers, but soon wondered.

believe?

Among

The more

I

and ideas the more confused

which to distinguish and choose the

was looking

It

not rely on others to eat and breathe for

I

the different ideologies,

read and learned about I

became.

I

needed a

right philosophy

to find the truth of myself

I first

became very

among

all

from the

those different

183

There were ones that appealed

opinions.

could

how

my

I trust

could

I

really

When make

personal judgment?

I

became a student

I

had

the Truth to me;

me more

I

found

all

to search for

my mind was

wrong, truth or falsehood.

of Islamic Sufism, everything started to

incapable of differentiating between right and

My

mind depended

for

its

source of information effects

and gathered through the limited senses.

And even physical

And

my answers. I learned that it was not in my my answers, that my senses could not reveal

on mere physical comparisons, action-reaction and other natural collected

How

than others.

the measure of truth?

know?

sense and soon

thoughts that

to

What was

though the sciences provide solutions to the problems of

they too are limited in their research and

life,

spirituality in

make no

reference to

order to enhance their search for the discovery of Truth.

The true scientists generally consider past science merely as an introductory chapter; And reckon that the truly new spur Of knowledge springs from one's own true nature. The fountainhead of the knowledge's spring Is none but one's own essence, one's inner being. What scientists miraculously unearth through time Is barely a trifle introductory page To the book of supreme knowledge, the truth sublime, For the seeker venturing his inner self to envisage. 4

The

184

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO ENDNOTES 1.

Inc.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, Dawn, University Press of America, Lanham, MD 20706, p. 25.

Salaheddin Nader Pir Oveyssi Angha, The Wealth Solouk, Maghsoudi Publication 1984, p. 26.

2.

Mohammad,

Hazrat

4.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, Manifestation of Thought, 9.

Shah

the prophet of Islam.

3.

Press of America, 1988, p.

MTO

University

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE THE MEASURE OF TRUTH IS TRUTH ITSELF That which

is

constant

unchangeable

is

and

the Truth

Hazrat Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha

In a world where everything

we

find something stable?

is

undergoing constant change, how can

Everything seems so transient.

The seasons

Clouds move, water flows,

constantly change the appearance of nature:

Feelings such as love and deeply rooted

leaves scatter, flowers wither.

affection in our hearts can change so abruptly to feelings of hatred

enmity.

The

physical

vigor -begins to age.

body,

young

and

beautiful

Bountiful nature takes back

senses dim, strength diminishes, organs

fail,

- full

its gifts,

skin dries and cracks.

the whim's palace don't depend. Serve wine, for lire will soon end.

Is entirely

free

from

who under all

the blue sky, possessions, all ties.

last night when I was drunk and gay, heard the angels good tidings say:

At the tavern I

'O, ambitious falcon, don't fly so high,

Your

nest

is

the abode of sorrow and sigh.'

From Heaven's

turret was announced this call: 'This carnal snare doesn't fit you at all.'

Remember my son! Never worry

over sorrow,

For passing troubles of today and tomorrow.

and even life

and

one by one; the

Come, on

I'm the slave of him,

of

186

'Clear

up your frowns,

Be happy with your

lot:

says the inner voice, there's no other choice.'

Don't seek much loyalty from Time and Tide; many grooms this world-hag was the wedded bride.

For

to

There's no loyalty in the rose's smile. your cry lasts but a while.

O heartless nightingale!

Don't be envious of Hafiz's fluent verse. 1 a gift of the founder of the universe. Hafiz

It's

Among discipline,

a

however, according to Sufi

apparent changes,

these

all

lies

divine

and

being

everlasting

that

is

constant

and

unchangeable. "That which

is

constant and unchangeable

the Truth," says the Sufi

is

Master Hazrat Shah Maghsoud, who believes that which does not undergo change in two different times In spite of

is

genuine and immortal.

many changes my genuine

identity

and stable innate

being have not changed. I am the same person I used to be. I therefore have no reason to believe that this genuine identity did not exist before birth and will not continue to exist after death. Only that which does not change in two different times 2 is genuine and immortal.

The

real identity

is

what each person

identity that does not change,

to death;

it is

Man

and because

it

and

it is

effect.

the

"I".

This it is

is

the true

not subject

an unchangeable essence, stable and eternal.

body and

consists of

soul.

"Soul

material essence," says Vive Kananda, in his

because

calls

does not change

not matter,

So

it is

it

is

an incorporeal and non-

book The Way of Cognition, "and

therefore does not follow the principles of cause

eternal and has neither beginning nor ending."

This true identity existed long before our body or our personality

came

into existence;

it

does not owe

anything physical. Quite simply,

it is

its

existence to our physical

the presence of

body or

God within us.

Therefore the cognition of religion

is not step by step, but is the realization and the cognition of God and nothing else, which also means the cognition of that is constant and unchangeable. The is that divine inspiration of God's spirit

T

T

2

breathed into

Adam giving him life.

The measure

of the Truth can only be Truth

All the

of a seed; its adaptability, growth agents, and the perfect coordination of its

natural

capability,

its

characteristics

itself.

187

concentrated and preserved in that particular of which is based upon its essential and constant one paid careful attention to the trunk, branches, leaves, fruit of a tree, and could see the dominating force and power that guided the form and design and all the hidden characteristics of that beautiful tree, one could discover the genuine identity, in the seed itself. Of course, such observations do not belong to the level of physical and sensual living parts, are

seed,

all

identity.

If

discoveries.

man is in And Jesus Christ says, "The Kingdom of that man took and planted in his field. It is

Sohrawardi, the famous Persian philosopher, says that possession of a "Divine Seed."

Heaven

is

like a

the smallest of

mustard seed

all

when

seeds, yet

grows,

it

the largest of garden plants

it is

and becomes a tree so that the birds of the

come and perch on

air

its

branches" (Matthew 13:31-32).

we

Like the apple seed,

knowledge" within

us.

We

too possess the potential of the "seed of

have therefore to

our most noble nature; otherwise abilities

and powers.

weakened and

will

live

up

Consequently our

Man

of our inborn

energy centers

not function as they were designed

tree that remains barren.

element of

to the finest

we have made no use

to,

will

become

similar to a fruit

therefore possesses great potential to love, to

grow, and to create.

To look

within

where the prophets have

is

spring of knowledge. Every creative act and this

all

told us to look.

creative thinking

It is

the

comes from

inner source of knowledge.

Stan

Gryskiewicz,

the

of

director

and

innovation

creativity

applications at the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, North

Carolina, says, "Creativity

is

a part of the

popping up." The works of great spiritual inspirations that

artists,

human

spirit,

and

come from within. The

creativity that

apparent in their work so touches the depth of our being, as suggests that

it

might be from a part of

been the source of inner

inspiration.

it

keeps

just

musicians, writers and poets are but

us.

It is

is

if its

that creativity

right

away

familiarity

which has long

This inspiration comes from another

world, not the world of senses, and immediately the certain beauty strikes

you as different and even produced masterpieces of

angelic.

art

It

is

that innate

and music, so sweet

as to

knowledge that has sound

divine.

These

188

are not the products of the physical body and the physical brain, nor the

outcome of chemical actions and

reactions.

"Michelangelo claimed that he could see his figures locked inside their

marble prison and 4

This

pirces."

is

all

he did was to

set

them

free by knocking

away the

from a different source, the

heart.

"The most beautiful thing we can experience," wrote Einstein, mysterious.

It is

the source of

impenetrable to us

really,

all

manifesting

most radiant beauty that our

and

true art

literature;

verses of the

dull faculties

that

is

Was

angel Gabriel.

it

upon

is

beautiful and poetic

who

in a totally different literary category.

it

the

at the center of religiousness."

not understandable by just a native.

inner revelations inscribed

"is

what

can comprehend only in their most

rhythmic verses are so well organized that those

its

is

know

the highest wisdom, and the

Koran are examples of the most

familiar with Arabic place

language

science.. .to

itself as

primitive form. This knowledge, this feeling

The

extra

not a product of imagination but an inspiration that comes

Can

are It's

these be anything but

Mohammad by the hands of the Mohammad the prophet of Islam could

the heart of

not true that

not read or write? If

the

mind becomes pure and

attachments of the physical plane,

knowledge, the heart, and flow through

it.

It

all

becomes

it

clear of all outer attractions

intuition

and knowledge

as clear as a mirror

heart will reflect and manifest

its

and

can become inspired by the source of will

then be able to

on which the Truth of the

knowledge beyond the body, beyond the

mental symbols and limitations. The computer or the mind

will

now

receive

programs and information from an unlimited source of knowledge, the heart, as

opposed to the senses.

Only with the help of true identity within,

is it

this criterion

possible to

know

and measure of Truth, the

the Truth, because

Sufism, or Erfan as explained by the Masters of Sufism, religion

and the cognition of the Truth.

philosophical Erfan, which

is

On

is

it is

the heart and the conscience; the result of mental processes. Thus, if Knowledge is based on the inward conscience, it is called practical Sufism. But if knowledge is a result of mental is

the

the reality of

the other hand, there

the theory of Sufism.

Sufism is realized through philosophy, on the contrary,

I,

the Truth.

is

also

189

activity,

called philosophical Sufism.

is

it

Sufism, in reality,

Whenever pure Sufism words and phrases, it should be known cannot be defined.

converted into

is

philosophical

as

Sufism.

Religion in words and theory

no purpose whatsoever.

serves

Shah Maghsoud we repeatedly

meaningless and even absurd, and

is

Again and again

Words can not convey meaning, Nominal veils that hide the Truth.

Let us make

in the

sermons of Hazrat

hear, definitions are but

6

between theory and practice even clearer

this distinction

by considering the following example:

Imagine that someone you know

wants to become a practical physician..

The student

some

theory of medicine during graduation, the student

is

Only

has to study the

Upon

not yet qualified to open a medical office; he must

be able to pass an experimental period

During

first

eight years in medical school.

in a hospital to gain experience.

student tries to combine theory with practice.

this trial period, the

after this experimental period

is

the student able to practice medicine

competently, putting in practical use what he has learned as theory, reaping the fruits of those long years of theoretical learning, and finally qualified to treat

and cure the

As much worthless.

sick.

as

the

theory of Sufism

many

Unfortunately, for

is

important, theory alone

people, practicing religion today

is

is

too

often a matter of repeating verbal prayers or going to church every Sunday or

attending

some ceremonies

mourning, especially celebration, as

difference

if

Muslim

mostly true in the case of Christianity.

his or her birth;

know any

Take Christmas

is

occasion for

makes no

It

is

Christ.

no more than a nor can

tradition.

We

if

do not

we remember our cause

for

passed.

for instance.

of the holy birth of Christ, as

remembrance of

it

saint or prophet,

celebration once the event

year

may be

tradition; others

you mourn for the death of a particular Saint or prophet or

you celebrate really

is

few times a year. Some are for

that take place a

in the

its

However,

when some people need

It

must have started as the celebration

name it

has

applies, a time of

become a very

to prepare for

tradition of giving presents to friends

and

months

family.

in

union with and

costly period of the

advance to

fulfill

the

Perhaps the birth of Christ,

190

the reason for Christmas, in

and out of shops

is

the last thing on our minds as

few hours, wondering

in those last

we dash

ever be finished, absolutely preoccupied with finding suitable

wondering about those we

unclear reasons in the Muslim tradition,

who am

other religions,

it is

I

gifts

will

and

will receive!

In the case of mourning, which has

ask oneself,

through,

shopping

if this

become a same

the

it is

strong tradition for

situation.

Do I know him or her?

mourning?

In

most

One might cases, as in

a cause of social gathering.

Obviously, the actual reasons for performing particular ceremonies

have

They are repeated year

but disappeared.

all

someone, Why? What does they will say,

"I

after year, but if

you ask

ceremony mean? What do you gain from

we have

don't know;

always done

so,

ever since

I

it?

remember."

asked a Jewish friend once what he did for Hanukkah and what the

I

ceremony stood days.

this

"How

for.

He

interesting,"

know why; he merely undoubtedly pass

he

said

I

a candle every day for nine successive

lit

asked, very curious to find out why. But he did not

did so because his parents had done so, and he will

become even

times goes by, the reasons

many

along with

this tradition

others to his family.

And

important; what remains

less

is

as

the

joy of giving and receiving presents and perhaps the holiday involved that

Or

allows one to rest or to travel.

accomplish some unfinished work.

Christmas

me

not,

in

I

was not familiar with

"religious" but not "traditional."

are no

most

extra time to

the birth of Christ or holy

cases,

are a very traditional family," said a Jewish

once.

different

mean

can simply

with him as the word mass implies.

"We to

definitely

is

communion

it

But the cause of the celebration of

way of

putting

it,

the

When

same

more than performing

repeating words

this I

woman

terminology.

I

thought about

thing.

quite proudly

had heard of being

it I

realized

it

was a

Both are the same however, and

certain acts at certain times of the year,

and repeating meaningless actions with very limited

understanding.

The

Sufi of our time,

similar traditions

and

of an empty plate; the food the Easter

Molana Salaheddin

rituals in these terms: is

missing."

Where

Bunny and chocolate eggs have

Ali

Nader Angna, describes

"It is like

to

is

pretending to eat out

the actual food?

What do

do with the resurrection of

191

No wonder

Christ?

people have turned away from

this

kind of religion.

People can not find Truth in those ceremonies, the same way we cannot find food on an empty plate. This kind of religion does not attract the searching

minds that are

that

one

seems

is

like

What

after the Truth.

religious?]

I

doubt

this

said to is

not

And

If this is religion

know

'I

am

the

God

of the dead, but of the

were astonished

of

then

it

"You are power

neither the scriptures nor the

you not read what was

as for the resurrection of the dead, have

you by God,

God

achieve from doing so, a feeling

can be religion.

a dead religion with dead prophets and messengers.

wrong", says Jesus, "Because you of God.

the point of repeating historical

is

What does one

events over and over again?

Abraham, and the God of Jacob'? He

living."

And when

the crowd heard

it,

they

at his teaching.

(Matthew In the Holy

Koran we

22:29, 31-34)

read:

Those who boasted that we killed Christ, Jesus the Son of Mary, The Messenger of God, they killed him not, nor

And those who it appeared to them. doubted him, they had no knowledge of him and did not follow but their thoughts and for surely they did not kill him. Nay, God elevated him unto himself, God is exalted in power and wise. crucified him, but so

(Surah 4:157 and 158) This to the

the purpose of religion: Self-awareness, from the physical level

most exalted

of Islam; is

is

stage, as introduced by

"He whoever knows himself

completely forgotten and

when

is

truly

Hazrat

knows

attending religious ceremonies. Perhaps

and buried them

all!

Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, the hands of the prophet."

The

it is

about

it?

notion

The

that "The

Commandment

of

is,

living

We

have

says Hazrat

Shah

to the Truth.

God

still

remains in

8

difference between religion and theology

To have

religion

No. But talk of food

the food because only

this

because we have no

way

sad story of religion

gained through experience. Theology of food, on a menu.

the prophet

God." 7 But

perhaps the furthest thing from one's mind

prophets, no Savior, no Messiah, to show us the killed

Mohammad,

his

when you

is

true knowledge

is

is

a very good example of a description

is

to

not food

have that food. itself;

eat and drink

it is

Is

crucial

it

wrong

and

to talk

vital to eat

do you stop being hungry and

192

thirsty.

Although the food for the

spirit is

of a different kind, nourishment

is

provided by the actual act of consummation. Just as a beautifully presented

menu, even one with gold spiritual talk

cannot

inscriptions, will not satisfy the

satisfy the

hungry

soul.

So

it is

hungry body,

best to start this quest

and pilgrimage within oneself and experience. Theology says that Philosophy

says,

God

we should know

exists

and that we should believe

in

Him.

the relationship between the individual, the

universe, and the creator. Religion, in the form of practical Sufism, provides

a direct vision of

God

in the

temple of the body.

193

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE ENDNOTES Mazda

Hafiz Odes, Translation from the Persian by Abbas Aryampur,

1.

Publishers, 1984, Lexington,

Shah

2.

Maghsoud

USA.,

p. 36.

Sadegh Angha, Hidden Pomona, Ca., 1975, p. 55.

Angles

of

Life,

Multidisciplinary Publications, 3.

Inc.

Shah Maghsoud, Sadegh Angha, Dawn, University Press of America, Lanham, MD, p. 26. Robert Coughlan, The World of Michelangelo, Time-Life Books,

4.

Inc.

1966, p. 96. 5.

Inc.,

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, Dawn, University Press of America Lanham, MD, p. 22.

6.

Ibid., p. 21.

7.

Hazrat

Mohammad, The

prophet of Islam, Holy Hadith,

MTO

Publications, 1985, p. 70. 8.

p. 117.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, The Epic of Existence, Persian

edition,

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR THEORY OF UNITY

SUFISM: THE

He whoever knows

himself,

knows

his God.

Hazrat

"Existence, of which unity hierarchy," according to

The is

the general law,

is

an entirety based on

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha. 1

doctrine of unity

the general law.

is

Mohammad

is

the essence of Islamic Sufism.

Unity, tauhid,

Physics and metaphysics are in union rather than total

separation. Nature reflects the spiritual world; the supernatural reveals itself

and gives of

itself

through nature,

the universe like blood within the

The

its

graces running through the arteries of

human

body.

Sufi seeks oneness with the Divine.

Through the ecstasy of

love,

the barrier between God, Allah, and his creatures must gradually break

down, resulting

when he

in this divine unity {tauhid).

loses his individual consciousness

The

Sufi finds his true self only

and through

this

oneness he

is

able to discover the Truth.

The

Sufi

poet

Attar,

in

a

richly

allegorical

poem

called

The

Conference of the Birds, describes the mystical pilgrimage as a quest that begins with the stripping-off of

all

earthly desires, then continues with the

progress through love, knowledge, and a sense of amazement, and ultimately to annihilation,

which

is

uniting with

God.

In the The Light of Salvation,

196

Maghsoud

these seven stages are referred to by Hazrat Shah

Pir Tarighat

Oveyssi in the following poem. In the

Kingdom

of heart, seven stages there are:

That the seeker of Truth must

The With

go, through

them

all.

to seek and yearn, hardship and pain, he may earn. first

stage

is

Faith is the heart's second stage, essence is eternal knowledge.

Its

The

third stage

is

that of love,

Mirror aglow with the

light of love.

One

with existence the seeker becomes, In this stage, a witness of Truth he becomes.

The

fifth

stage

The

is

sixth stage

Full of

The seventh

God

Wonder stage will

that of

UNITY,

sun the particle

brilliant as the

is

will be.

that of ecstasy the seeker will be. is

annihilation and poverty,

manifest in

all to ye.

In eternal peace thy heart shall live, When the seventh stage, thy home is reached. 2

Islam introduces the unity and the

last stage,

where there

is

no longer

a son and a father but where, the drop having reached the ocean, unity

through love

is

attained.

with that from which

The

it

is

soul,

being divine in

its

essence, longs for union

separated by the illusion of individuality and

selfhood and to rise on the wings of ecstasy, the only means by which return to

its

Love

original is

it

can

home.

the alchemy of the

human

soul;

it

is

that purifying fire that

transmutes the alloy into pure and genuine gold. Love transcends the duality of reason and logic. is

Love

is

the force that unifies the whole existence.

God

eternal love, as perceived by the Sufis. Hafiz says,

The

May

fire that

never dies burns in our hearts,

the world never miss the plaint of lovers, Exquisite Psalm, the breeze of joy.

The

Odes, Hafiz

While the doctrines of Brahmanism are monistic based on the concept of "Oneness," Zoroaster proposes duality,

God and

the devil, and Christianity

proposes a Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

Islamic Sufism

197

The

takes us to the "Original oneness" and unity.

ocean and becomes one with

To Allah

Him all

it,

because

individual drop reaches the

of the

it is

same essence, water.

belongs the kingdom of heavens and the earth.

To

things return.

(Koran 24:43)

When similarly,

attains

the wind ceases to blow, the waves

when

his

merge with the ocean;

one's sense of duality, born of ignorance,

is

destroyed, one

nature; the river merges with the ocean.

original

Unity

is

experienced.

Religion has only one goal and that

God, one's true

is

must be found through

self

more a man knows God,

more he

the

is

In order to

know

ecstatic self-abandonment.

The

to

know God.

lost in

Him.

"He whoever knows

himself knows his God," says the prophet of Islam.

The

following

Hazrat Salaheddin

poem

is

a description of self-abandonment (fana) by

Ali:

Hear from Salaheddin secretly, Annihilate thyself in love totally. Trapped within four dimensions, to boundaries and limitations.

The body bound

Sipping from the cup of desires, thou be,

Never

trying to

overcome

thyself willingly,

In nature's wheels captured are thee, Though its ruler thou should be. If a devout and seeker thou be, In love you will find thy true identity,

open

Life will

Humbly

its

arms

the sun will

to

embrace

bow unto

thee, thee,

I and we will no longer be, thy only sovereign will be.

Talk of

God

Any

polished heart will be,

A mirror reflecting the Vali. Empty thy heart so may enter He, Of his wine, the cup filled be. 3 As we have noted Islamic Sufism.

In

before, the heart

much

is

the holy place of revelation in

of Sufi poetry and prose, such writers as Rumi,

Hafiz, and Attar, speak of the heart as the "winery,"

where "wine"

refers not

198

to a liquid but metaphorically to the essence of one's being.

"wine-bearer" (saghi)

is

often a reference to God,

wine into man's heart, and thus gives him

Your Creator

will give

life.

who

And

the

The Holy Koran

says,

you pure wine. (Surah:76:21)

And

Hafiz echoes the thought:

Oh

Pour the wine from the Divine Cup Into the cup of your heart. God, all other men are drunk with wine,

Their drunkenness

lasts

but a single night,

While mine abides forever. Elsewhere, Hafiz seeks unity with the Friend -God:

From the world's garden I desire one rose, the greenery the shadow of the cypress, to repose.

Of all

God

forbid

if

the

company of hypocrites

Of all good

things of

life,

I should join and admire, only the wine I desire.

Paradise is promised for one's good deed, For us libertines, tavern will do indeed.

brook and watch the passing of time, Tis enough this sign of transiency of life.

Sit at the

Watch

the joys and the sorrows of the world. it, but for me suffice this gain and loss.

You may want

When

the friend

is

His company makes

with

me

me

nothing do

strong,

though

O'Lord! to Hafiz paradise do not

Your Sanctuary

to all existence

I

I

I

word

symbolically pours

seek,

am weak.

offer,

prefer.

Odes

199

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR ENDNOTES 1.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, The Manifestation of Thought,

2.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, The Light of Salvation,

3.

Salaheddin Ali Nader Angha, Massnavi Ravayeh, Publication United

Press of

America

Inc., 1990, p. 3.

p. 21.

p. 110.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE THE LAW, THE WAY, THE TRUTH Upon witness and that

I declare

there

is

God is one God but God.

that

no

Mohammad

Hazrat

In Chapter One,

claim there

is

we

explained there can be only one religion

only one God.

Of

course,

we have

discussed

how

be based on true

experimental in the sense that it

it is

we

unknown

should not consist of mere traditional ceremonies and vague and theories but should

if

religion

This means that religion

belief.

only true for the one

who

is

has experienced

and found the truth by following the exact instruction of the prophets. The

prophets came with the good news, that there

is

a

God and

each individual

may know him. Each prophet symbolizes a only one religion, although different religions

three parts:

(shari'at); 2)

There

divided the one religion into

and branches of the same

The Law

1)

particular stage of this cognition.

man had

The

religions.

Way

is

many

This one religion has

(tarighat);

and

3)

The Truth

is

the Truth.

(hagighat).

No one The

part alone can lead one to the final stage, which

first stage,

written on

the Law,

stone,

is

Judaism.

Moses received the Law, which was

and brought the Ten Commandments down from a

mountain top to mankind.

202

Next came Christ who introduced the Way, the second not that

I

have come to abolish the

Law and

"Think

stage.

the prophets," he said.

have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not a dot will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven. I

Matthew 5:17-21 Although we know Christ was a Jew himself, by the commandment of the Almighty he was appointed to extend the law to the next stage

Way - and

he was opposed and found

guilty of

and the elderly who could not accept

priests

-The

blasphemy by the high Jewish be

that there could ever

anything but the Jewish religion. Christ was crucified and the that

Law became empty ceremonial

were handed down from generation

to generation.

traditions

The opening of

the

Truth, the freedom from captivity, the Holy promise, and the relationship

with

God

did not flourish;

itself called

The Way,

hardened into dogma and became a religion

in

or the principles of the doctrine of Christianity, failed also

hardened

to lead to truth but

Christianity today

was not

it

Judaism.

is,

to die, but to

the resurrection."

to

dogma, and the only thing that remains of

"Jesus died for us."

show the way

The Way

to

Surely, the great mission of Christ

life,

for

he

am

I

am

was the essence of

his

says, "I

to the holy rebirth

the

Way,

teachings.

The Way should have stage

is

called Islam, which

That

led to the final stage, the Truth.

means surrender

(tasl'im).

Only

final

in this total

God can one reach the Truth and witness God. The Holy Mohammad, symbolizes the very last stage of religion. He Message that God must be seen and witnessed, and that God must

surrender to

prophet of Islam, brings the

be known. His doctrine

same transformation today

is

as

is

one of

unity.

Judaism and

Islam, however, has

Christianity.

The

undergone the

practice in Islam

not only empty ceremonies and meaningless messages but

is

far

away

from the Truth.

The

Sufi revolts against this partial view of religions

and the forms

they have taken, largely a result of individual interpretations of those

203

The

doctrines.

Sufi believes that there

a large distinction between

is

One

asceticism (zuhd) and gnosis (ma'rifat).

is

blind faith and the other

true faith, acquired by personal experience, witness,

we have

seen, this

"There

is

exactly

is

how

no compulsion

and revelation, and

is

as

the prophets discovered the Truth.

in religion," says the

Koran

2:256. Hazrat Ali

declares, I do not worship you my God in the hope of paradise, nor because of fear of hell, but I worship you because indeed you are worthy of praise and worship.

The

mystical

life,

Knowledge and the Truth, (shari'at),

the

way

but includes

whose purpose

as a facet or

it

For those entering

He

is

is

this

mystical path,

for.

He

is,

instructed

He

is

(pir)

the Savior that everyone

is

to them.

Such a

God

spiritual guide

himself.

The

savior

is

who need guidance

however, always present for the souls

and appointed by

(tarighat).

a spiritual guide

called the "Mashiach" by the Jewish or "Messiah" by the

and he presents himself

Way

Law

an aspect of a whole. The next stage

and "Mehdi," by the Muslims.

Christians,

is

the pursuit of the Absolute

that leads to the Truth.

indispensable.

waiting

is

not only compatible with observance of the

is

is

not self-trained but

is

one who knows the

God and

This path should be the one that leads to

that

God

has appointed, not a path that suits individual interests and likings.

There are

different stages

(maghamat) the seeker of Truth

goes through with the help of the Savior, Pir Tarighat. pilgrimage.

The

stage

first

is

repentance (tauba), which means turning

toward God. The voyage continues is

reached.

This final stage

is

(salek)

called the holy

It is

until the experience of

oneness with

the last stage of religion:

God

Islam, the total

surrender, the lover finally uniting with the beloved.

In

Sufism,

the

Law

it

The water symbolizes

the

ocean

if

(shari'at)

is

considered

remains on land until

symbolizes the means;

Way

(tarighat).

you do not have a destination

it is

set

"the

on

final stage of religion, the total surrender, is

which

way, the water.

is

a boat and the

But of what use

to reach

boat,"

its

and a purpose

to fulfill?

The

reaching the plane of Truth and

acquiring the pearl from the depth of the ocean. That pearl

is

the real Truth.

204

Hafiz warns seekers about the dangers of the ocean,

dark nights,

all

of which symbolize the difficulty of the

Way

its

storms, and

that leads to the

Truth:

The

sea-dive seems easy with the hope of gain; But the pearl is it worth the storm and pain!

Those secure on the shore with peace of mind, Don't know our storm, the waves, and the dark night!

Odes Islam represents total surrender and witness and finally unity with the

one witnessed. Hafiz this life is given to you by the Friend, Surrender -when you meet Him -in the end.

Odes Without witnessing the Truth, cognition

is

not complete.

The chemical

actions and reactions of the brain can not reveal the Truth to us.

Anis

la -elaha-el- Allah;

upon witness

no God but God," says Hazrat

The

I

declare that

Mohammad

heart in no

way

That which

it

God

is

"Ashado-

one and that there

the prophet of Islam. falsified

saw.

(Koran 53:11)

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX ZEKR SUFI PRACTICE Zekr

is

the reality of the seeker's journey from the outer

world

to

the world within.

Hazrat Shah Maghsoud Sadagh

Zekr, incorrectly translated as "chanting"

word such

as a mantra, but the

no

God

mind

in perfect

name

(the

of

harmony

but Allah" (la-elaha-el-Allah).

the zaker's

not the repetition of a

is

remembrance of God.

In Islamic Sufism, calling the the heart, and the

Angha

God joins

This

the body, the tongue,

make one

to

is

statement, "There

one saying the zekr) whole being.

remembrance and the utterance of Allah,

the

is

an affirmation that involves

name

By continuous

of the beloved, one loses

oneself in Allah. "Zekr," according to Hazrat

Shah Maghsoud,

"is

the constancy of the

Light of Knowledge in the presence of the Heart and in the discovery of

Truth in the hidden realms.

It is

the reality of the seeker's journey from the

1 outer world to the world within."

In contrast to the chanting performed in Transcendental Meditation

(which was concerned with the effect of the rhythm of the mantra on the body), the Sufi zekr, remembrance of God, takes one the farthest away from the body, in fact, from everything but God. repetition of a word, even

if it is

the

name

As we have

discussed, verbal

of God, cannot bring about

206

Zekr has

awareness, knowledge, and union with God. is

true

one proves

it

not only verbally by saying

also in actions, feelings,

"I

and expressions of

left

not

know what

is,

right

"I

was given a

who had attended is

special

like

chanting classes.

from

away we discard

word

in love

affection.

with an action that has no meaning because

outwardly.

that

religion

is

you" over and over again but

love

However, we borrow and take what we

we do

to take place in the

communion with God. For example, when one

heart; zekr

we

religion it.

and because

are therefore

are just imitating an act

to repeat," said

You may

We

my

one of

students

chant and repeat a word, but

not zekr.

The zekr

that,

no

God

"Say there

is

according to the prophet of Islam, must save you, but Allah (God), and you will be saved" or Ghulu In order to experience the "oneness" of

elaha-el-Allah toflehou.

whole being must join

God and

make

that statement of unity for there

nothing but God. As long as there

and Islam introduces join, the

to

Then

unity.

there

body follows the unified action

is

me and God,

is

is

la-

God, one's

is

only to be

there

is

duality

no discord, the mind and heart .

in a beautiful

motion;

all is

a state of

harmony.

The numerous

verses

in

the

Koran

(monafegh) refer to the disharmony that

that

condemn

exists in religious

hypocrites

performances.

This makes a prayer only verbal and without true harmony and heartfelt belief.

Omar Khayyam

tells

a story of a religious man, a Sheikh,

who

lived

next door to a prostitute.

A pretentious Sheikh, to a prostitute called out, "Woman, You are drunk," he criticized! "And in the act of sin caught up!" "Yes!" she replied, "whatever you say, I am! But are you truly who you say you are?!"

The pretentious.

with God.

religion

of a Sufi involves

He who wants

his

whole being and

everybody to think he

is

it

is

not

pious has no relationship

207

"Beware of practicing your piety before

men

be seen by

in order to

them," says Jesus Christ, "for then you will have no reward from your Father in

Heaven" (Matthew

"When you

6:1).

pray,

you must not be

like hypocrites; for they love to

may be

stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they

when you

seen by men. But

pray to your Father

who

reward you" (Matthew

is

pray, go into your

in secret;

"And when you

fast,

and your Father who sees

fast

do not look dismal,

but your Father

who

reward you" (Matthew

The

in secret will

like hypocrites, for they

may be seen by men. But when you

anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting

men

will

shut the door and

6:5-6).

disfigure their faces that their fasting

by

room and

is

in secret;

may

not be seen

and your Father who sees

in secret

7:17).

religious acts of a Sufi are real

and true because they aim

capture of the pearl from the depth of the sea.

Not only are these

at the

acts not

pretentious but they are the only reward the Sufi aims for: the union with the

beloved upon witnessing

Him within.

In the Holy tradition Hazrat Ali asked, "Prophet of Allah, guide

me

through the shortest and the quickest way to God, and the easiest way for the servants of said, "Ali,

God, and the way of the chosen of God." The Prophet of Allah in the constant

it is

"Prophet of Allah, show

me

"Close your eyes and Listen.

and

solitary zekr of

God."

Then he

asked;

then the way of Zekr." Then the Prophet said,

Then

three times he said la-elaha-el-Allah and

2 Hazrat Ali heard and said three times; he listened and heard."

This

is

not mere repetition of words but an experience of true union.

Yet from the point of view of someone who might be unfamiliar with

zekr,

may

In fact

just

seem

to

be an outward action and simple repetition

when zekr becomes a performance to the union, which

The renown.

is

not real and will not lead

become an outward performance

students frequently ask

There are even

it is

me

if I

have Sufi dances

classes that teach the Sufi dance!

Sufi

dance

Iranian folk dance or the Arabian belly dance or rock and spiritual state.

it

goal of zekr.

"Sufi dance" has also

New

of this kind,

only.

roll

is

of

my

in

some

classes.

not like the

dances.

It is

a

208

The

first

who danced was

Sufi

in blissful

God. Upon witnessing and grasping the Truth heart overflowing with joy and love. the Sufi

it

To one

communion with

observing,

was the expression of a true revelation from

his

beloved

began dancing,

within, he

his

was a dance, but

it

to

within.

Last night at dawn I was relieved of grief, the water of life I was granted in brief. In ecstasy God's Manifestation I could see, The transformation cup was given to me.

What

a blessed sight, what a glorious night!

A unique experience and a wonderous sight. my face did shine, To me were unfolded many secrets divine.

In mirror of God's beauty

No wonder For

that in spirit

I

feel sublime,

needed blessings - they came

I

in time.

"Good news! Great

Upon

fortune," a mysterious voice said. hearing the good news I could withstand all the pain.

honey that drips from my tongue,

All the Is

my reward

for suffering so long.

Odes It

is

involuntarily,

the

absolute

and

that

the

Sufi

move

a dance, and not vice versa.

We

cannot

ecstasy

seems

like

within

that

imitate a Sufi by trying to dance as he dances.

the Sufi dance, one has to

first

of Hafiz

become

makes

In order to really experience

a Sufi and dance as one discovers the

Truth and not every Sufi dances! Salat

The word

meaning prayer,

salat,

literally

means

must be with the acceptance of God, which means that

The

true

one's

and complete prayer

own

and one's

self

A God For

nullifies the

to call

and

to desire

and desires as inconsequential

self as

ephemeral and

prayer; hence man's

great.

is

who

this

own is

will

God

The

"call." it

must be

God, and

at

true call

His

will.

to recognize

in the presence of the Lord,

as eternal.

This

is

the

meaning of

true

has no part in the reality of prayer.

worshipped for the sake of worldly fulfillment

is

reason any intention other than seeking closeness to

meaning of prayer. Sheikh Safieddin Ardebili has

the most important element in salat."

The Zekr of God

said,

not

God

"Zekr

is

brings inner

209

and prevents the heart from transgression.

purification said,

and

"Zekr

is

Ali-ibn-Tostari has

leaving the sphere of neglect to the realm of cognition in

awe

intensity."

Salat

is

the most important practice of Islam and

pillar of religion.

The

that are confirmed in the

Meditation

is

the

works of the

means

Sufis."

considered the

4

to true salat prayer.

prayer will be verbal and physical; with God.

is

inner reality of prayer, however, consists of mysteries

its

aim

is

not true

Without meditation the

communion and oneness

210

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX ENDNOTES 1.

Sadegh Angha, The Light of Salvation,

2.

Ibid.,

3.

Shirazi Hafiz, Odes,

4.

Sadegh Angha,

The Light of Salvation,

Mazda

p. 96.

p. 101.

Publication, Lexington,

Al-Salat, pp. 31-2.

KY,

1984, p. 132.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN MEDITATION: PRACTICAL SUFISM Of what

own existence one is and it certainly should not bother the What does a fish know about the water

significant in one's

is

hardly aware, other fellow.

in which he swims all his life? Albert Einstein

Meditation

is

practical

discussed the theory of unity.

May Mohs once

In is its

Chapter practice

Twenty-three,

we

and experience. As

said in a 1987 issue of Discover Magazine, "Roses don't smell

as sweet as they used to

-where has

the practice of religion with religion

Sufism.

Meditation

its

whose words and theory are

By now we have

all

reality

Meditation

is

intact, in contrast to

a

the fragrance gone?"

and fragrance

like a rose

without fragrance.

realized that absolutely nothing can be revealed

transferred through words. Every verse and

word of the sacred and holy

and texts

hide the true meaning and are no more than symbols for hidden treasures.

Meanings can only be revealed by God -these meanings inward eye

in

moments

flash

upon the

of meditation.

They know

not, nor do they discern; for the Lord has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see, and their minds, so that they

cannot understand. (Isaiah 44:18)

212

But even yet the Lord hasn't given you hearts that understand, or eyes that see or ears that hear.

(Deuteronomy 29:4) For the Lord has poured out upon you a spirit of deep sleep. (Isaiah 19:10)

Bring forth, the people

Who

who

are blind, yet have eyes, are deaf, yet have ears! (Isaiah 43:8)

The Lord sets the prisoners free; The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down. (Psalms 146:8) In the

New Testament we also read: Why do you not understand what I say? Is

it

because you cannot bear to hear

my word? (John 8:43)

He who The

God

hears the words of God; reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God. is

of

(John 8:47)

But blessed are your eyes, For they see, and your ears, for they hear. Many a Prophet and godly man has longed to see what you have seen, And to hear what you have heard but could not. (Matthew 13:14-17)

The Koran

also

makes mention of

the fact that

if

hearts were unsealed, the

Truth would be manifested.

And we have

put coverings over their hearts, Lest they should understand the Koran, And deafness to their ears. (Surah: 17 Verse:46)

God hath set a seal on their hearts, And upon their hearing, and on their eyes, is

a

veil.

(Surah:2 Verse:7)

It is

for this reason that the

MTO school

interpretations of the Koran, interpretations

divergent and even contradictory beliefs.

even today we see such

false interpretations

of Islamic Sufism rejects any

mean an

endless variety of

During the history of Islam and

made by

fanatics.

These people

213

The

can be divided into two groups:

first

The second group

who

are those

who want

are the people

and

religion for other means, such as politics,

are ignorant about their religion and are

thereby misled and exploited by the

group.

first

So, ignorance, greed,

And

fanaticism are represented as Islam in most places today. poverty, ignorance, misery, and darkness, whereas Islam

knowledge,

God

and

light, love,

to use

for the exploitation of others.

The

unity.

through a most passionate love,

a spiritual love

is

the religion of

is

true goal of religion

like

and

the result

to unite with

is

affair.

My life candle is by God's love aglow, My whole life at God's threshold I throw. In

memory

Thus

O! Zephyr,

To

of friend's eyes, myself destroy, my old convenant to my joy.

fulfill

my bleeding

heart, like the rose,

ransom

friend's fragrance as

Hafiz, hatred and

The

libertine

sham remove,

- love

I

choose to be

I

expose.

the peace of heart,

my part. 1

In the Sufi path of love, the spiritual teachings of Rumi, the Persian Sufi, constantly refers to

two kinds of knowledge and Hazrat

to the teachings of the prophet

categories:

"One

that discerns only form,

form and discerns the meaning." The bodies" (llm-il abdan) to distinguish

adyan ). The former embraces "science"

all

first it

that

vision, which, according

Mohammad, he and another

he sometimes

classifies into

that passes calls the

from the "Science of

we

two

beyond

"Science of

religion" (llm-il

customarily understand by the term

and "knowledge," including such

disciplines

as

theology

and

metaphysics, for these are learned by study. Until they rise from the heart as the result of a direct vision of the inward meaning, or of

are but shadows, not

meaning, knowledge

is

God

Without a direct and vibrantly

light.

only form.

Certainly

may have

it

himself, they

living vision of

the potential of

being transmuted into true knowledge, but only after a long spiritual journey.

Rumi

says:

"A knowledge

every branch leads to

its

is

needed whose root

roots."

man," says Rumi, "look at the form.

The holy

is

What does

it

scriptures are understood not by those

but only by the Sufi therefore knows.

As

who

upon the other

"The painting on the wall lack?"

is

side, since

the likeness of a

2

who read

or speak Arabic

has experienced the meaning in his heart and

the Prophet of Islam says:

214

is not acquired through much learning, but it is the shone upon the heart by the Lord. Thus, the heart of is illuminated by the Light of Wisdom.

Knowledge light

whom He will This

understanding

from a supreme

derives

experience

God-given knowledge, and belongs only

intellectual,

The meaning

with their hearts.

genuine seeker salek

Koran

of the

is

infinite

who

God

see

and reveals

in proportion to the spiritual capacity with

super-

a

as

to those

to each

which he

is

endowed.

The Koran

is

made up

of

1

14 Surah, the

within his heart. This knowledge

read his

available,

is

own book. Hazrat Shah Maghsoud

Away from "Sufism, Erfan,

Sufi

is

human

values."

is

one who watches over

every care

is

guards from

dismissed he

is

worships

God alone because Him because he loves

idea, or a

phantom

in his

mind.

his thoughts are collected

communion

and

with God, his heart he

all else.

Sufi meditation

is

not the aimless wondering and drifting of the mind

into a void, or emptiness, but

means

ready for

most

for the sake of

When

his heart.

the

It is

his

4

one who worships God

Him. He does not worship an image or an

He

nor a denomination.

religion,

God and knows Him. He

he has witnessed

starts to

if one stayed he remained!

way through which each Prophet discovers

exalted spiritual state and

The

new

not a

is

by God's grace, as one

says,

one's reality

An unopened Book

reality of religion the

knowledge of which each

book made up of 114 Surah

individual has in himself, since he also has a

communion

of a holy

on the contrary with the

God

it

has a definite goal and

that lives within,

and

is

a

to witness

Him.

Each orbits to

a cycle, but one that turns within the millions of other

life is

which

nucleus but to

it

belongs.

all

A

single proton

other atoms nearby in

is

its

related not only to

its

molecule they form, and by their behavior toward every other atom

same way there

universe.

In the

existence.

Mankind yearns toward

is

own

neighborhood, and to the

a relationship between

man and

the truth as plants turn to the sun.

in the all

of

215

"Of what it

is

significant in one's

own

existence one

certainly should not bother the other fellow.

the water in which he swims

all his life?"

5

is

What does

hardly aware, and a fish

Meditation helps each individual to harmonize with to find the ultimate

know about

says Albert Einstein.

Wisdom, the reason

all

existence and

Meditation

for one's being.

is

the

link with the Divine.

Meditation

human

potential.

is

not mere concentrated thought, but a spectrum of

The

goal of meditation

is

hightened experience, perfected

awareness, growth, and inner evolution, in order to be able to function

according to one's

full potential.

"Fragmented natural energies go

to waste,

and

result in the loss of

sensual subtilty, like a machine whose parts work individually and separately, it

6 too becomes unusable," according to Hazrat Shah Maghsoud. Meditation

helps us gather our scattered energies into a healthy whole.

Meditation processes, a

is

an exact science.

method comparable

to

It is

modern

an experimental study of inner sciences,

which studies primarily

external events.

"The immaterial can only be discovered through the source of Life the heart and traveling through the

The

prophets' teachings are based on. as

an intruder on the

Kingdom

spiritual orders

of Heaven.

This

centrality of the brain has

and the solitude of the

heart, then

it

in

in

what the

been known

heart."

In the message of the soul, the Sufi Master claims that

comes under the influence of the heart and functions

is

7

if

the brain

harmony with the

too would function from the limitless source of intelligence,

instead of from

the usual mental sources that

are dependant

on the

changeable and unstable storage and data processing of the brain. Enlighten the channel that extends from your heart to your brain and do not allow the heart and the brain to live apart, like two unfriendly neighbors unaware of each other.

When we within, is

able to touch

within.

practice meditation, the

and becomes more its

own

quiet.

source,

The Holy Koran

mind goes deeper and deeper

When it becomes

becoming a mirror

free of thoughts the

to the light

confirms:

Lo! therein verity is a reminder For him who hath a heart,

mind

and knowledge

216

or giveth ear,

With

full intelligence,

And he

is

witness.

(Surah: 50 Verse: 37)

"Guidance," explains the Sufi Master Hazrat Shah Maghsoud,

comes through the union of thoughts, senses, nature, and the heart; going astray is disarray and confusion among these four elements. To become eternal, dissipate any desire that tends to grow in your heart through the union of the heart and brain. When all the combined energies reach the heart and have no tendency to leave, you will find yourself. And because you will be nourished from the source of life in your heart, you will see your enlightened soul. Every bird flies back

to

its

nest at nightfall

and there finds

So you, too, gather all the strength that is and body, in your heart at night and manifest your luminous figure. If you receive life from the source of life in your heart, you will no longer be subject to

comfort. spread in your senses

death.

For a man continuously creates illusions that are shattered later; he creates these illusions but is not created by them. The essence of the existence is eternal, however, and will not vanish. Only the unstable will constantly gather and fall apart, while nothing is added or taken away from existence. The source of life is the creating angel of God; hence the birth of things is not for the purpose of increasing or decreasing the existence. This infinite diffusion, from the partial to the whole, from the atom to the universe, brings forth constant births that sink into dispersion and gathering, and yet the truth and the essence of life are eternal and immortal. There are 101 channels, starting from the source of life in the heart, that, through 71,000 lines irrigate the 10 billion brain cells, so that the creation of God in this diffusion and gathering is brought to perfection. The source of life resides on the border between the heavens and the earth, and serves the will of God. At the point where the consciousness of life and the sleep of death confront each other, the first longs for eternity and the latter is attracted toward transience. Search for Truth in your heavenly double, in the heart, the point of union of the two worlds, one delicate and one harsh, between sleep and wakefulness. The source of life in the heart is the light of knowledge and certainty and the very

knowledge

itself.

In reality there divine, or physics intelligible,

one, only

but

is

no

distinction

and metaphysics

we

we need

9

in

or, as

and separation between nature and defined by Plato, the visible and the

our shortcomings, separate these things. The reality

to acquire full vision.

is

217

All great teachers urge us to realize the "divine" in this purity, self-control,

and the recognition of "His presence" within

through

life

us.

This

is

the purpose of meditation.

Religion

is

the fulfillment of

aspect of being

is

raised to

however,

is

its

life; it is

highest state.

an experience in which every

What

is

needed

to attain this,

not dogma, but rebirth, an inner revolution.

Except a

man be born

again he cannot see the

Kingdom

of

God. (John 3:3) This rebirth can take place only through higher knowledge and meditation, not through external

acts, living habits, or

vocal prayers alone. Meditation

the greatest and the most elevated experience of love.

That which imagination never conceived,

Reason and understanding never perceived, Has entered my soul from you. Therefore to you alone

turn to worship. Jalal-al-din Rumi

I

is

218

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN ENDNOTES 1.

Hafiz, Odes, p. 86.

2.

Chittick, pp. 25,

3.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha.

& 27. The Epic of Existence, Behjat

Publication, 1974, p. 95. 4.

Salaheddin Nader Angha, Peace,

Albert Einstein, Out of 5 1990, p. 5.

My

p. 59.

Later Years, Bonanza Books,

New York

6.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, The Manifestation of Thought,

7.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, The Hidden Angles of Life,

8.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, The Message from the Soul,

9.

Ibid., p. 42.

p. 14.

p. 74. p. 41.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT SPIRITUAL GUIDE Each man, through personal experience and inward discovery, is able to cognize and establish the Truth of his

own

being.

Hazrat Slaheddin Ali Nadder Angha

Around

the 5th century B.C., while the philosophers were pondering

the mysteries of

life,

trying desperately to find the truth,

knowledgeable Socrates appeared and

By the second interest in studying

left his

mark on

history

half of the 5th century, philosophers

human

life.

Greece was

a

the wise and

and humanity.

had begun

to

center of great thinkers, allowed most citizens to participate in their affairs.

It

became necessary

for

men

to

show

democracy, and Athens, the city's

understand the nature of the real

world in which they lived and the everyday problems they had to deal with. This was also reaction against the physical speculation of the philosophers, "a revolt of

common

the world

as

sense against the remoteness and incomprehensibility of

the physicists presented

Philosophers. Therefore, purpose of

aspects

became

with the rise of a

The profession.

of concern.

new

class,

it,"

human

says

life

and

Guthrie, its

This reaction towards

The Greek

in

religious

humanism

and is

political

associated

the Sophists.

Sophists were not a particular philosophical school, but rather a

They were

itinerant teachers

hunger for guidance in practical

affairs.

who made

a living out of the

new

Although the word sophistes stands

220

for "practitioner of wisdom," they are best

known

for their skepticism for they

denied any possibility of absolute knowledge. Socrates, in complete disagreement with the Sophists, contributed a

and reaction against skepticism and the

lifetime of struggle

philosophical interest to

ignorance as the

first

human

virtue

stage toward knowledge

most meaningful doctrines. "Know thyself he believed that knowledge totally

is

of

was perhaps one of Socrates'

also attributed to Socrates, for

is

one has become

attainable, but only after

aware of one's ignorance,

shifting

and man's excellence. Realizing one's

he knows he

for as long as he thinks

will

never learn.

There have always existed great sages who, guided by God's power to explore their mysteries of

life

own

like Socrates

true nature

and

have been

to discover the

and the universe. After the acquisition of inner knowledge

through divine revelation, the great sages taught what they had discovered to those eager disciples

God's

"By

Ghotbeddin

who came

grace

to them.

who

he

Mohammad Angha

searches

Pir Oveyssi.

findeth,"

In his

Hazrat

says

Mir

book From Fetus

to

Paradise, he wrote,

The

subtle path, although very close, seems far and is impossible to traverse alone. Supposing one does traverse the path alone, without the help of a special guide of path, that which he acquires are still heavenly gifts form the distinguished. But, because he has not taken the main route, he is immature and incomplete among his peers. flower not raised by the hands of a wise and experienced gardener, is wild and self-grown, even though it may rise up from the sun. 1

A

The

Italian poet

Dante

To

says, in his

book, Canto,

the Primal Light sends down Its ray all the universe God's ray Enters all things according to their merit, And nothing has the power to block its way. all,

Throughout

The commandments inspiration

of saints

and prophets are the carriers of

and revelation, and although they are meant for every man, only

the harmonious and uniform have accepted them, while to the majority their

sweet and meaningful messages have seemed

bitter!

Therefore,

seekers hear the aid and guidance of a spiritual teacher.

let

the eager

Without such

221

direction

and wisdom, one's

without such knowledge of

be rooted out and

individuality will never

the darkness of one's ignorance can never

light,

be destroyed.

Darkness

nothing new;

is

it is

been wandering from temple

and ancient. Equally ancient

familiar

our search for light and knowledge. In

this

to temple,

journey toward

mosque

walks in darkness never seen

it?

to go;

how can he look

Shouldn't one seek the help of one

has experienced

how can we

know where

And

it?

teacher

appointed by God. In

is

is

spirit

who knows

who

when he has

the

light,

who

existing

ones?

not a personal choice, like a piano teacher, but

he

in essence; the only difference

who was Mohammad. They are one

the Messenger of Truth, the one

is

once called Buddha, Moses, Jesus Christ, Hazrat

light

does a person

for light

the significance of the teacher and

one out of so many

find the right

A spiritual

what

then,

mosque, ashram to

to

How

ashram, church to church, and course to course.

is

some have

light,

the outer appearance.

is

They are but one

emanating through different lamps.

We have sent on to you a messenger, from you, Who will

read to you, our revelations, purify you of sin, Who will instruct you 'The Book,' and Wisdom, And teach you that which you have no knowledge. (Surah 2: Verse 151)

And will

And

in the Bible,

we

read:

Behold,

my messenger

send

before thy face, prepare thy way; of the Lord, Prepare the way I

Who

shall

Make

his paths straight.

(Mark

The Messengers had received

it.

of

God

brought the Message of Truth to

The Message

of Truth

is

a seed

like

Therefore the Messengers symbolize the cultivation of

"The kingdom of Heaven," says Jesus

man who sowed good for a seed to

the seed

seed in his

grow a gardener

grow

is

field"

Christ,

(Matthew

necessary,

at all times;

he

is

who

this seed.

13:24).

who needs

the one

is

as they

of knowledge.

"may be compared

into a full-grown plant -and bear fruit.

needs to be present

man

1:2)

to

However,

to a

in order

be present to help

This

is

a teacher

within each seed.

who

He

is

222

The Muslims

Ali, or, as Jesus Christ calls him, "Eli."

Hojat,

means mirror and

Ali

is

My

"Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eli, Eli,

Hojat-Allah.

call Ali,

On

the cross,

my God, why

hast thou

the mirror that reflects

God,

God.

forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). Hazrat, which

is

placed before the

Mossa (Moses), Hazrat Eyssa from Hazer, which means dead; the

spirit is alive

The Muslims can

(Jesus),

eternal.

stop mourning!

He

is

of the prophets, as in Hazrat

Mohammad, Hazrat Ali, comes The Messenger

be present."

"to

and

name

Hazrat

"Do not weep

yourselves," says Jesus Christ, before his crucifixion.

For behold, the days are coming when they and the wombs will say to the

that never bore,

mountains,

God

is

not

for me but weep for Weep for your children.

will say, "Blessed are the barren,

and breasts that never gave suck! Then they

on

'Fall

of

always present within each heart.

us'

and

to the hills 'Cover us'"

(Luke 23:29-

31).

This spiritual guide and teacher must be revealed unto each soul. the true seeker, the spiritual guide and Messenger

utmost secret sanctuary of

his soul.

When

he

is

is

To

revealed within in the

seen and witnessed within,

then there remains no doubt.

"God hath

And upon Upon

the removal of the veil that

manifested.

Only the

on their hearts, and on their eyes, is a veil." (Surah 127, Verse 7)

set a seal

their hearing,

is

drawn over the

have to go away.

veils

hearts, the truth

Only by God's

will

is

this

is

possible.

Going back visited

to

Oveyss Gharani, we

recall that

he had never actually

and met with the prophet, but was guided and instructed by him and

knew him even

better than those

This Messenger within

and the Muslims are waiting

is

who had

lived with him.

the one that the Buddhists, Jews, Christians,

for!

They

call

him by

different

Maitreya, the Masiach, or the Messiah, or the

Imam

hearts are blind, the Savior will never come.

The Savior

soul

has

must be witnessed and found

come

within.

The Savior

for the souls that long for liberation.

should look for him. For

we

shall only recognize

names:

He

is

Mehdi. For those whose

It is

is

that

must save

their

always present and

not in nature that

we

him when we have seen and

-

223

witnessed him within.

Otherwise,

choice of teacher in nature,

who

is

appointed by God,

it

will

we cannot know

him, and

be our choice, but

who must

teach us

it

if

will not

we make

a

be the one

Wisdom and read our Book

to

us.

This

is

the

way of Truth and

Sufism; the guidance is

that "each

to cognize

is

from

within.

true liberation according to Islamic

Thus the essence of the

Sufi's

message

man, through personal experience and inward discovery,

and establish the Truth of

his

own

being,"

2

is

able

according to Hazrat

Salaheddin Ali Nader Angha, the present teacher and the forty-second teacher of the school of Sufism.

Splendid happy bird that has found a dwelling in love! How should any but the 'Angha' find place and lodging in 'Mount Ghaf ? Love, whose trade is joy, sweet speech and sweet thought, snatch now the veil from the face of that veiled King. Wherever you go, you are with me still,

You who are my sight, transport me to annihilation if you will O, Lovers, Lovers, the time of union and encounter has come! You who came with torch and at dawn ravished my heart, dispatch my soul after my heart, do not seize my heart alone. Do not in rage and envy make my soul a stranger to my heart, Do not leave the former here, and do not summon the latter alone. Send a royal Message, issue a general invitation, How long, Sultan, shall the one be with you and the other alone? You are my soul, and without my soul I know not how to live. You are my eyes, and without you, I cannot see! Prostrating myself, I said; 'Convey this prostration to that sun who by his burning glow, converts hard rock to gold. After all, how long will you keep in exile this vagrant heart? My body is like the moon, melting away out of love, My heart is lie Venus' harp may its strings be snapped! Watch the moon melting, Venus' broken estate; Behold rather the sweetness of his sorrow may increase a thousand fold!

O

Jalaleddinm

Rumi

(Molavi)

224

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT ENDNOTES 1.

Mir Ghotbeddin

Mohammad

Offset Publication, Teheran, 1965 p.

Angha, From Fetus

to Paradise,

Marvi

3.

Salaheddin Ali Nader Angha, Mystery of Humanity. United Press of America, 1986, introduction, p. 3. 2.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE THE FLIGHT BACK HOME /

have created you free. Holy Koran

Totally dependent

possess free

will,

and

an opinion and a

it is

right to

upon the law and an error

own body and mind?"

Now

Can we

Given

all

start

one looks

with our

birth (or

closely,

name and

even before

including what

we

religion,

birth).

Our

up,

conform

to the laws of society

decided for

us, first

we

think

we

we

talking about?

are exercising

is

is

preplanned for

actually

us.

Let's

which are decided on and chosen for us roles

we become

which gives birth to love and

is

country, and then entire

city,

one sees everything

should think and

As we grow

but the

decide not to breathe or not to eat or drink or sleep?

the contrary, the freedom

captivity. If

will,

extend the question to one's

these limitations, what kind of free will are

On

does not

"How much power does one have

let's

household and family members, then to one's existence!

man

think that having

existence.

Let us be honest and ask ourselves: over one's

One might

deny or accept the truth means free

Law govern man's very

Truth and the

forces of nature,

to think so.

and goals are dictated by

society,

at

even

say.

disconnected from the true spring of

creativity.

We

what we should

life,

become trapped and must

say,

even what we should wear

by one's parents, then teachers and then society and

226

We

media.

become

a

mere puppet, a mechanical

the economic structure and social standards.

figure led by the wheels of

Each person becomes a carbon

copy of the next. "Children are very creative," says Roger

Van Oech,

on the Side of the Head. "Watch a baby and what you

we

get older,

underlines

most of us

this,"

lose a

good deal of

author of Wliack

will see

is

amazing. As

that innate creativity." "Research

adds Robert McGarvey,

who

writes about

methods of

achieving success. "In one test of creativity 84 percent of five-year-olds rank high.

By second

reasons behind

system that If

grade, however, just 10 percent are creative".

this

insists

dramatic drop,

there

you believe there

is

you come up with your

is

just

one

Von Oech

says there are

right answer,

when

As

many

for the

a school

often there are many.

only one right answer, you'll stop looking as soon as first

answer.

"Other factors come into play as well," says Eugene Raudsepp, president of Princeton Creative Research in

cause of loss of creativity. 'not

"Conformity

New

Jersey, pointing to another

kills creativity,

and the pressures to

rock the boat' are frequently strong in school, the family, the

to

workplace.

We

don't want to be different, but that

In the Principles of Faghr

is

what

creativity

and Sufism, Hazrat Shah Maghsoud

1

is."

says:

The contamination

of our thoughts starts from birth as a result to and adapt ourselves to our environment. The child, in order to adapt himself to his environment, becomes contemplative, enchanted, and pensive and falls out of his true inner being. The acquisition that the child gains during this hurricane of events results in the loss of all chances to return to his true source of innate knowledge and the ability of pure reflection. This is because the child accepts and obeys the imposed world as the inherent agent of of attempting

to

conform

an unchangeable destiny. Thus, his life remains static and meaningless as he blindly starts building his folklore, religious beliefs, his goals and finally, his death. He becomes enchanted with the appearance of things, and blindly obeys the commands of the senses and emotions and replaces actions and reactions for the truth and reality. Because he is ignorant of the knowledge within himself, he has become short-sighted and erroneous. He wrongly uses Truth as a means of satisfying his sensual desires and is like a glutton who finally passes away at his

own

Many their senses

table.

talk

2

about freedom.

command

is

sheer

The freedom

slavery*.

to

be able

Today, what

is

to

do whatever

meant by freedom

227

seems

be the

to

becoming

liberty of

like

everyone

else.

This

is

not called

freedom. Being yourself and being allowed to grow according to the best of

your potential and qualities

much

within himself and so

is

"Each human being

To

prophet of Islam.

much

freedom. Each individual has so

to find

to give to society as a result. is

a mine.. .gold, silver or jewel," 3 says the

like

excavate one's inner wealth

is

what the prophets have

to say to us.

To know and

accordingly

freedom. The Sufi Master Hazrat Shah Maghsoud was asked,

is

"What should

I

He

do?"

discover the source of

replied, "Be

who you

are

life in

is all

still

another kind of freedom which

as inward freedom," says Einstein.

and

social prejudices as well as

objective for the individual."

man

it is

It is

activities of the spirit

may be

characterized

freedom of the

spirit

which

restrictions of authoritarian

is

an infrequent

gift

in

of nature and a worthy

4

humiliating to have to compete with machinery and to

spend a whole lifetime reaching toward a goal that material.

grow

from unphilosophical routinizing and habit

This inward freedom

For

this

independence of thought from the

consists in the

general.

"It is

to

you should do!"

"The development of science and of the creative in general requires

you and

is

purely economic and

true that man's physical needs should be considered, but to

devote a lifetime to satisfying desires and physical needs, never wondering

who he eyes,

is

who

underneath the loves,

who

never asking

skin,

feels,

who

cries.

He

is

who

it is

that looks through his

always striving, never satisfied,

never proud, his hungry soul longing for spiritual nourishment.

To away

deprives

separate

man from

freedom and

his it

of

taste liberty?

the freedom

its

birthright

Do we we

his divine origin

is

to chain

his birthright, just as trapping

and the freedom to

fly.

Do we

him and

to take

and caging a bird not deserve also to

not deserve to regain and enjoy the celestial beauty and

enjoyed before falling into the prison of our senses?

says,

Within the egg of the body you are a marvelous Since you are inside the egg, You cannot fly. If

the body's shell should break, flap your wings and win the spirit.

You will

bird,

Rumi

228

Oh man! The The

This body keeps you in torment

bird of your spirit is imprisoned with a bird of another kind.

a falcon, but bodily dispositions are crows, falcon has received many wounds from

spirit is

The

crows and owls.

When will the

bird of

my spirit fly from

the cage,

toward the garden?

The

Freedom, bondage:

the

khalaghnakom

in the School of Islamic Sufism,

to

is

God

"I

have

MTO,

is

liberation

created

you

from

all

(Enna

free"

says in the Koran.

be freed of desires and attachments.

down and make our

chains that hold us

Maghsoud

back home.

flight

horra),

Freedom

only thing that will keep a caged bird from trying to fly is ignorance.

flight

home

These are the

impossible. Hazrat Shah

explains,

Desires are endless, and people are not satisfied with what they have, no matter what they have. Desires are like sandy deserts; No their invisible extremes are extended to deep oceans. matter how much water is poured they still remain dry and thirsty. Whose thoughts can saturate and irrigate these endless sands? Only a fool's. A man who is infatuated and deceived by his dreams and wishes will not enjoy the present moment and always worries about a vague future.

The

strongest

bond

that

makes man

interested in this

Knowledge and world and its attachments is ignorance. ignorance are two different states that extend toward different extremes. A man who chooses knowledge will not get lost in sensual joys and attachments, but the other will find nothing but wandering. A learned man, who has found himself, will not get lost in joy or sadness. He is free, more or less, from good and bad, the present and future. 6 "Are you the

victor, the self-conqueror, the ruler of

Lord of your virtues?" asks Nietzsche.

from your desire? Or isolation? Or disharmony If

The

man

is

bound

ideal for

man, only

man

7

he

will

never find satisfaction.

sex,

and security

for animals.

otherwise, between the needs of to deprive

in yourself."

needs such as food,

to his lowest nature,

satisfaction of primary

your senses, the

"Or do animal and necessity speak

There

is

man and

a difference, although

animals.

To

of his birthright and his true identity.

live like

Man

is

not the

many

claim

an animal

is

has other needs

229

and much inner potential has enriching

life.

For

man

gave birth to him; animals fullest potential,

and

Man needs and

to set his

society imposes

may

not.

He may know

Animals are

be

standards.

on him?

personality."

A

useless,

is

know

Instead of trying to adapt constantly to the

man

and worthless

personal

lifestyle,

should tend to his deeper needs.

is

is

not meant for inner peace

knowledge that enhances not the

we

life.

life.

human

this involves

will help

Only

needs.

Only through such

life.

self-

strong, balanced, able to withstand the increasing

When man

re-establishes his connection with the source of

knowledge within himself, he then becomes the architect of and

These

achieve the growth, harmony, and

whose attainment are the purpose of

knowledge can we become

and

contemplation,

introspection,

ourselves and truly understand our most

through such self-knowledge can

pressures of

is,

8

healthy

tranquility

to their

good about the person he

meditation are necessary and will enrich the quality of us

up

instincts.

should he have to obey the standards

needs to know himself. "Any thought that

and tranquility

and

the spirit that

in fact living

and

creative, to feel

Why

standards that society places upon him,

Man

in order to live a fulfilled

their natural requirements

to grow, to

own

be discovered

to

greater than animal.

is

his

environment

a very broad spectrum, beginning within and extending to

the society and the environment around him.

But

if

his

existence, his

thoughts and actions depend and are based on environmental influences, an unstable source outside of him, he will shape his standards.

on sand which

As

a consequence, he will be like a

that has

no firm

will surface in his

basis; his investment, his fortune

has built his house is lost,

evidence of

environment within and without.

Through meditation

this

connection takes place.

want, but only the meditator will experience it

according to those

life

man who

it.

We

can say

Until meditation

remains a myth or a word, the meaning of which

is

is

the image

many people have

of meditation:

You

sit

we

not clear and might

arouse different feelings, ideas, and presumptions in different people. is

all

practiced,

"This

in a full lotus posture

and pretend you're a Buddha," laments Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., director of the University of Massachusetts Medical Center's relaxation program.

9

230

we cannot

Feelings, ideas, and presumptions are so changeable that really

depend on them.

theoretical

We

must experience the

knowledge cannot serve

Even the

truth.

as a basis for judgment, for that

best

which

it

the real thing. Theoretical knowledge alone

as a rose without the scent.

Islam

is

is

the call for freedom, not for

will

men

or

women, black or

but for mankind, for souls imprisoned in the cage of attachments. final stage of self-knowledge;

and

its

it is

discovery within oneself.

is

be but a pale symbol of

described remains to be discovered; until then

white,

It is

the

the surrender to the ultimate truth, God,

It is this

submission to

God

makes one

that

a Muslim, not certain outward actions reflecting traditions, politics, or social behaviors.

The

first

Muslim according

to the

Koran

is

the prophet

Abraham.

God marks the stage of Islam. He is the one who built the Ka'ba, the house of God in Mecca, that the pilgrims go to visit. This house was an outer sign of the one he had first built for God within his heart. The return to that home within to join the long lost Father, as did Abraham His total surrender to

under the guidance of the wise

The

return of the soul to

its

destruction of the mortal body

architect, the

eternal is

Messenger within,

abode where

it

can

live

is

our goal.

on

after the

the goal.

Molavi, the Sufi poet, says:

The great scholars of the age split hairs in all the sciences. They have gained total knowledge and complete mastery of things that have nothing to do with them. But that which is important and closer to him than anything else, namely his own self, this your great scholar does not know.

Wretched humanity! Not knowing his own self, man has a high estate and fallen into lowliness! He has sold himself cheaply; he was satin, yet he has sewn himself onto a tattered cloak. If you could only see your own beauty - for you are greater than the sun! Why are you withered and shriveled in this prison of dust? Why not become fresh from the

come from

gentleness of the heart's spring? Why not spread perfume? 10

Why

not laugh like a rose?

.

231

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE ENDNOTES Robert McGarvey

1.

,

"Creative Thinking,"

US Air Magazine, June

1990,

p. 34.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, The

2.

MTO Publication, Verdugo City, Ca., Hazrat

4.

Albert Einstein

York 6.

and Sufism,

Mohammad, Nahjol - Fessaheh

3.

5.

Principles of Faghr 1987, p. 50.

,

Out of My Later

Years, 1990,

New York, p.

13.

William C. Chittick, The Sufi Path of Love, State University of Press, Albany, 1983, p. 25.

New

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, The Manifestation of Thought, ETRI San Rafael, Ca. 1980.

Publication, 7.

NY,

Frederick Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Penguin Books Ltd., 1982, p. 95.

Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, Psalm of Gods, from the collection The Mystery of Humanity, University Press of America, Inc., Lanham, MD, 8.

1986, p. 51. 9.

Washington Post, "Meditation Goes Mainstream," October 1987.

10.

Chittick, p. 149.

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Earnest, Concentration, An Approach to Meditation, Theosophical Publishing House, Wheaton, Illinois, 1949.

The Encyclopedia Britannica, Grolier

Inc.,

New York,

Encyclopedia International. Groliker

Inc.,

New York

1974. 1974.

Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Macmillan Publishing.

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Language.

Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, edited by James Hastings, Charles Scribner's Sons Publication.

Word Book Dictionary. Hinnels, John R., ed., The Dictionary of Religions (from Abraham to Zoroaster), Penguin Books Ltd., Middlesex, England, 1984.

236

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Abdullah Yusufi,

transl.,

The Holy Koran,

Amana

Corp., Maryland,

USA

1983.

The

New

Oxford Annotated Bible (revised edition), Oxford University Press, 1962.

Oxford Universal Dictionary on Historical Principles, Oxford University Press, Amen House, London, England, 1955.

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Press,

1961.

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1990.

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Discover Magazine, April 1986, page 22. Discover Magazine, February 1987, page 51.

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17, 1987,

Washington Post, October 1987.

page

8.

Amen

House, London, England,

f

For more information about the worldwide centers and locations of

classes,

MTO Shah Maghsoudi, School of Islamic Sufism, please write

to:

MTO Shah Maghsoudi Department of Meditation and Healing P.O. Box 26866 San Diego, California 92196

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Messenger Within is a complete survey of the origins, theories Sufi poetry

This

and

and

practice of meditation, enriched

by

history.

book illustrates how we can eliminate the sources of our lives by discovering the natural resources

stress in

within that connect us to the

ISBN 0-7734-9882-6

infinite.