Sufism 101 Lesson 12

Sufism 101

Lesson 12

Practice as a path, requires slips, falls and missed targets (sin).

We are the chess pieces in the game thinking we are someone. But, we can never, of ourselves, know the larger game plan. Grace is an integral flow of inner light, from the perspective of the whole game. We call it, intuition.

The goal is perfection; the path is correction by learning from our mistakes

Follow your intuition for a week.

Leave Comments. Blessings,
Shamsuddin

Sufism 101 Lesson 11

Sufism 101

Lesson 11

Perfect Practice Makes for Clear Improvement

Sufism is a path of Perfection Practices The Truth will set you free. Truth is simple, truth is breath ...this breath ... now! Take a deep breath in through your nose. Imagine healing life energy from the earth entering your feet and rising to your TanTi'en. It continues up your spine to your crown. Now breathe out through your nose while the energy falls to your TanTi'en. It summersaults and continues on down and out your soles taking with it all impurities where Earth turns your waste into composted fertilizer. Repeat this breathing five times. Make Comments Please.....

Sufism 101 Lesson 10

Sufism 101

Lesson 10

Practice Makes Perfect

Sufism is a path of Practices Think of all the many many things we have already practiced and mastered. Holding our head up, rolling over,crawling, speaking, walking, writing, reading, math, and more ... How we practiced! Now think of something you would still like to learn. How much practice do you think it will take? Will it be worth it? And here is the kicker: What makes you have any perspective to even know the answers to these questions? Imagine you are a chess piece, Queen, King ,Pawn or Knight, Bishop or Rook. How are you to know your next best move, in the perspective of the whole game? Trust the higher mind who created, is playing, and ever shall be recreating and replaying this match.

Sufism 101 Lesson 9

Sufism 101 - Lesson 9

What is about this Initiation Stuff? - Continued

There are various stages of initiation, for example those taken with the help of inner guidance, or by the helpful hand of a person in whom one has put all of one's trust, or even by inspiration. These first stages could perhaps be understood as the stage of friendship toward the guide. Although one might come in contact with false gurus, one should always be aware that there is a teacher within; that teacher is one's own sincere self. Therefore one shall without doubt sooner or later find true teaching, because in the end, the real shall vanquish the false for the simple reason that truth is more real than falsehood. As there is water in the depths of the earth, in the same way there is truth in the depths of all things, false and true. In some places, one has to dig deeper than in other places, but just as there is no place where there is no water under the earth, there is always truth to be found in the depth of the heart. If one believes in right guidance from above, one shall always be guided aright.

The next steps on the path of initiation consist of successfully passing the tests of life, some of which are experienced unconsciously, and others consciously. One faces tests of all natures, where one must display such qualities as faith, sincerity, truthfulness, patience, endurance and humility, even if such qualities appear at times unreasonable, odd, meaningless, unkind and even perhaps unjust. Further initiations awaken the urge to meditate upon all that one has discovered in one's relationship with others, assimilating the results with insight, gratitude and understanding. Still further initiations are the result of one's ideal, and the greater one's ideal, the greater the power of initiation received. Such an initiation is a phenomenon in itself because the initiate then radiates the luminosity of the ideal. When one really sees the Divine in all things and in all beings, one need not say that one sees; that sight is evident.

Alhumdulillah, Praise God for the paths of Initiation! May your guide within have room to be heard.

© 2007 Noosphere Communications

Sufism 101 Lesson 8

Sufism 101

Lesson 8 - What is about this Initiation Stuff?

First, remember that the soul goal of your initiator is to get you to take full responsibility for yourself and your experience.

The Opportunity of Initiation

As we know, the word "initiation" is interpreted by different people in different ways. By some it is considered to be a commitment to a secret order; to others it is understood to be a promotion to a higher grade; these and many other such explanations make up a catalog of misunderstanding as to what the word initiation really means.

When one begins to feel that there is something behind the veil, and that one wishes to make every possible effort to discover that mystery, one then takes the first step. "Initiation" could be understood in many ways, according to the disposition that one has when confronted by that experience, but among the many possible definitions of that term, one could be associated with the concept "initiative". Initiatives can be of a material, cultural, religious or spiritual nature, among numerous other possibilities, and are taken out of free will. Nevertheless, reasoning often holds one back from taking an initiative which could have been successful; although it is the reasoning power which helps one to accomplish one's purpose, it is often just that same reasoning power which holds one back from taking an initiative. Every initiative taken by great creative souls has been as powerful as it was only because the power of that initiative was not handicapped by lack of conviction as to its value, or by doubt as to its outcome.

As to initiatives taken without any logical explanation, these are the result of influences received, which can regrettably be negative ones, but can also be of a very positive nature, as for example when inspired by knowledge received or through the influence of an inspiring person. An initiative can also be brought about through spiritual understanding, which is bestowed upon one inasmuch as the heart is open to the silent call or as the result of one's attunement to personalities whom one respects, and whose example one wishes to follow, having been won by their charm. There is also such a thing as trust, confidence and admiration.
But contrary to the confusion brought about by so much abuse of the word initiation, in reality initiation means to take a step forward, a step taken with hope and courage, a step taken with conviction — and this of course implies absolute honesty and truthfulness on the part of the person bearing the responsibility of an initiative taken.

These words of Pir O Murshid Hazrat Inayat Kahn. The man who brought Sufism to American in the early 1900's.

© 2007 Noosphere Communications

Sufism 101 Lesson 7

Sufism 101
Lesson 7

What is the goal of a Sufi?

There are many definitions of a Sufi. I like this one: 'A Sufi is one who has three days left to live and two of them are gone!'

I have said before that Sufism is not a religion. What is it, then?

I like to think of Sufism as an honest attempt to befriend Divine Presence.

As a Sufi, I would be tempted to say, “Don't tell me about God, introduce me!” Of course, I would never say that, because I would want to hear your definitions of God. Sufis know that words will never be able to describe the GodReality, so we do not engage in religious debates about Who is The One God. We know that each one is at their own level of understanding and evolution.

Perhaps a Sufi is one who has decided to live harmoniously for the sake of ALL.
What do you think?

© 2007 Noosphere Communications

Sufism 101 Lesson 6

Sufism 101
Lesson 6
Toning: Elixir of the Soul – Continued

One of the best practices for experiencing inner peace and joy is a toning CD done by Andrew Weil. You can purchase it HERE!

According to one who has made it a daily practice, this CD has holographic Theta frequencies embedded behind the music which naturally entrain the brain to this deep theta meditation state. This allows one to experience deep meditation effortlessly through grace and technology.
Anyone own the CD?

© 2007 Noosphere Communications

Sufism 101 Lesson 5

Sufism 101
Lesson 5
Toning: Elixir of the Soul

Here is one result of my Google search on toning. To give credit where it is due, here is the website: http://www.toning.org/toning.html

Vocal Toning
It is the natural voice of the human body. You use it every day. You use it when you groan, sigh, cry, moan, laugh, say, “AHHH”, or yell, “ouch”, etc. These are all spontaneous sounds produced without your conscious direction. Sounds produced by us through the body remove tension and pain. Almost from birth we begin the process of repressing these natural sounds and thus begins our journey of learning to be vehicles of storage rather than what we are naturally meant to be, which are vehicles of expression. Toning helps to shift us into expressing again by using these natural sounds to release pent-up or blocked energy and re-establish a natural flow of energy, which leaves the physical body feeling peaceful and cleansed.
Because sound is inner dimensional it is a perfect vehicle to lift consciousness. Sound shifts the awareness from the mind to the feeling self, from the analytical to the intuitive faculty where it woos our feeling nature and our desires into alignment, bringing new hope and insight, and a feeling of peace and oneness. It will greatly increase the quality of your meditation if used prior to it.
Toning energizes us and gives us a balanced, confident feeling. It also helps raise consciousness above the reactionary level to the heart flow level where Divine inspiration is clear and direct. Toning can be done anywhere; while showering, driving or resting. It does not require development of a talent or a special gift that only a few have. It is built within us all. And, it is available for us to use at any time.
In one-on-one sessions, you will be guided by inspired instruction to use the sound of your own voice to explore and create new awareness, stimulate spiritual growth and creativity, and enhance your psychological and physical well being. The sounds are often accompanied by movement to increase the awareness of the effect of the sound vibrations in the body. You can expect a freeing up and releasing of stored and stagnant energy from your body, and the energy fields surrounding it. The result will be greater freedom, reduced stress and a new connection with your inner feeling Self. These experiential sessions are for those who wish to break free from old programming and embrace a full and enthusiastic adventure toward wholeness using the tool of vocal sound.
Toning can also be utilized in a group as a workshop or class, and/or combined with Yoga.

The Hindu practice of intoning Aum (Om) is a powerful practice for actually discovering what real peace feels like on the inside. Try five minutes of toning OM (pronounced Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhooooooommmmmmmm).

Leave a comment describing your experience.

© 2007 Noosphere Communications

Sufism 101 Lesson 4

Sufism 101
Lesson 4
Breath Continued – The Breath a doorway of the Heart

Stop, Look, Listen ......Breathe........
Just One Question .........................................
Can you or can you Not
Slow Down???

Will you?
(Breathe)
Willyounot??

Want to stop the treadmill
Long enough to abide
With me?
Long enough
To Feel The Longing?

Want to go for more
... more to keep track of ?...
.... more worries ?....
..... more obligations? .....
...... more of anything to cover-up ......
The Broken Heart Fractures
Through which the Light must pour.

Shams dares say no more
I have already been a break,
An interruption
To your already harried day.

Come back
When you have nothing
To say.
Then we will rest in each other's arms
And the arms of All Is Well.
And truly,
It IS.
© 2007 Shamsi

Divine peace is the center of your being and is closer than your jugular vein. The breath is the key to its discovery. Don't ask me how I know this; but I have ultimate faith that, awareness on the breath will bring results.

Do a Google search on 'toning' and return tomorrow as we share the results of our explorations together.



© 2007 Noosphere Communications

Lesson 3

Sufism 101

Lesson 3

Breath Continued – The Breath is here, now.

On the Breath, Flys Freedom

On each breath, flys freedom’s joy.
The Choice Floats on silent currents of Divine Light.
Love or fear; deeds hidden in the dark
Or deeds of light and fine report?

On each breath
Surrender
To the Guiding Light Within the Heart;
The Truth writ large
In stillness’ silence;
The Unity which gently binds Us
In Unlikely Oneness born of Love.

Jesus made the sacrifice
Just so none need bleed for feed.
Salvation’s done, Glory’s arrived,
So Dance for your Dinner;
Sing for our pride.
You’ve three days to finish
And two days are gone.
Oh, Gentle Sufi
Surrender,
To Silence.

Ó 2007 Shamsujim


The breath is the doorway to now and here. Be the one typing these words and breathing in and breathing out. I, reread ..., and still you are behind. Breathe your own breath and be conscious of it. This is all ... and all brand new.

There are many things to do with the breath, but they all involve the basic process of watching it, feeling it, experiencing its full effect. So take two minutes and watch/feel your breath.

© 2007 Noosphere Communications

Lesson 2

Sufism 101
Lesson 2
Breath Is Central to Sufi Practices

In Just One Breath

In just one breath
I fell in Love all over
Again.

I rose to meet
Your Pure Light.
In that rising,
I became as meaningless
As You.

Alas, the moment passes.
The next breath,
Your Light: a faded Memory.

It’s all OK,
Move with the flow
Of even next breath’s blow.

Be not afraid
We’ve all been saved
From the moment we were born.

© 2007 Noosphere Communications


You have probably heard that breath is life. This is literally true. There is more to breath than we first can know. It is the breath that influences every attitude, though, or feeling we ever have. All of creation breathes. The breath of a rock is very long, perhaps tens of thousands of years.

Mastery of the breath, therefore, is mastery of life.

© 2007 Noosphere Communications

Lesson 1

Lesson 1

Sufism is not a religion.

But like all true paths, some of its followers will always misunderstand and try to make a religion out of it.

Sufism is an initiating path in which the initiator provides a link to the Masters who have passed before. The initiate, called a mureed begins a set of disciplines or practices assigned by his or her initiator.

We pause now for questions.

© 2007 Noosphere Communications