Sufism and Islamic sprituality by professor Sayyed Hosain Nasr. (Post 154)

A link to a talk on Islamic spirituality and Sufism by professor Sayyed Hosain Nasr of George Washington University. He is regarded as an authority on Islam and Sufism. His under graduate degree is in physics and mathematics from MIT. Masters from Harvard in earth sciences and a PhD in history of science and philosophy also from Harvard in 1958. He has published about 50 books and several hundred articles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB5-l299Ikc&t=298s

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Masnavi of Rumi. We and our existance...(Post 105)

We and our existences are non-existent; Thou art the Absolute appearing in the guise of mortality. That which moves us is Thy Gift; Our whole being is Thy creation, Thou didst show the beauty of Being unto not-being, after Thou hadst caused not being to fall in love with Thee. Take not away the delight of Thy beauty; take not away Thy dessert and wine and wine cup! But if Thou take it away, who will question thee? Does the picture quarrel with the painter? Look not on us, look on Thine Own loving-kindness and Generosity! We were not; there was no demand on our part; yet Thy Grace heard our silent prayer and called us into existence. In the Divine court of audience all are helpless as tapestry before the needle. Now He makes the portrait of the Devil, now of Adam; now He depicts joy, now sorrow. None can raise a hand in defence; none dare utter a word concerning injury or benefit.

Masnavi of Rumi. Tear not...(Post 74)

Tear not thy plumage off, it can not be replaced; Disfigure not thy face in wantonness, O fair one! That face which is bright as the forenoon sun--- To disfigure it were a grievous sin. 'Twere paganism to mar such a face as thine! The moon itself would weep to lose sight of it! Knowest thou not the beauty of thine own face? Quit this temper that leads thee to war with thyself! It is the claws of thine own foolish thoughts That in spite wound the face of thy quiet soul. Know such thoughts to be claws fraught with poison. Which score deep wounds on the face of thy soul.

Masnavi of Rumi. Since wisdom is. (Post 107).

Since Wisdom is the true believers stray camel, he knows with certainty, From whomsover he may have heard it. And when he finds himself face to face with it, How should there be doubt? How can he make mistake? If you tell a thirsty man—“Here is a cup of water; drink!”— Will he reply?-“This is mere assertion: let me alone, O liar go away.” Or suppose a mother cries to her babe, ”Come, I am mother; hark my child!” Will it say? Prove this to me, so that I may take comfort in thy milk.” When in the heart of people there is a spiritual perception, the face and voice of the prophet (SAWS) are as an evidentiary miracle. When the prophet (SAWS) utters a cry from without, the soul of people falls to worship within. Because never in the world will soul’s ear have heard a cry of the same kind as his. That wondrous voice is heard by the soul in exile-the voice of God calling , “lo, I am nigh.” ...

Islam and Sufism an introduction

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