Self Knowledge Corner

The universe is composed of infinite varieties of diverse and heterogeneous components. Solids, liquids, gases, living, inanimate, seen and unseen energies, colors, galaxies, relative time and apparent infinite space. The one unique power, however, is the source of all powers which enables these existential realities to connect, relate and interact with each other; that is the Divine essence, Allah the Glorious. The ultimate unifier and source of all relative powers, the ONE unique, all pervading, Creator and Sustainer of time and space. The light behind all lights and shadows.

What we all seek is the knowledge of this absolute truth whether consciously or otherwise. God’s attributes; the everlasting, the merciful, the all knowing, the all powerful, the all hearing, the all seeing etc. are the doors which lead to the Divine Country. These attributes are what rule the universe. Knowledge of God is the key to all that is desirable in this life. It is the only reliable source of happiness and contentment. Access to this knowledge comes only through self knowledge (negating the Nafs whilst upholding the Ruh) and reading the true meaning and message behind experiences and events. You start by rational understanding and reasoning which emanates from the intellect. Later you see the hidden meaning and attributes behind the experience. When the Ruh illuminates the self then you can begin to see the Divine attribute and light behind all existential happenings. This state is the source of true contentment and security.

The true purpose of life is to adore, glorify and worship God. Yet how can you be consistent in your commitment, love and submission to God unless you experience the Divine presence all the time? How can you be illuminated, awakened and enlightened if you are wrapped in the cocoon of the Nafs and hardened by your mental perceptions and expectations?

The seeker must act upon what the heart transmits and thus is transformed. Constant faithful submission, inner humbleness and high expectations of God will open up channels of insight and spiritual drive leading to a reliable, steady inner awareness which becomes the source of true joy.

The following seven chapters are key factors in progressing along the path. They are highly condensed and meant for the advanced seeker who has already read much and progressed along the path.

Source: Ripples of Light by F. Haeri

Each and every experience in life has it’s opposite. For each experience to be fully appreciated the opposite must be grasped.

• To appreciate sound experience silence.
• To appreciate the thrill of speed experience utter stillness.
• To appreciate flight experience the firmness of earth.
• To appreciate total alertnessbe dead still.

Source: Ripples of Light by F. Haeri

The human self (Nafs) resembles a hologram, which can reflect and reproduce ever-changing states and attributes. The range covers the lowest qualities to the highest Divine attributes. The Nafs can behave in the meanest and in contrast the most generous of ways. Fearful or courageous, patient or impulsive, stupid or wise, agitated or peaceful, ignorant or illuminated.

Mind is the faculty of rationality and reasoning. It is the foundation for civilized and cultural reliability and tradition. The limitations of the mind and intellect are the source of it’s power, universal utility and human inter-relationships. Mind is vital to start with until the illuminated heart supercedes.

Spirit (Ruh) is a Divine spark, which energizes and gives life to the self and it’s physical body; it is the ultimate constant reflection point for the Nafs. The actions and experiences of the Nafs are only possible because of the Ruh. Sleep and dreaming is when the Nafs wanders off and the Ruh is present, whilst death is when both depart and the body is cast off back to it’s earthly origin.

Heart and it’s facets of monitoring, reflecting, witnessing and recording are the link between the Nafs and the Ruh. When the heart is clear of defects (hatred, suspicion, lust etc.) then it will reflect to the Nafs the higher guiding source – the Ruh and Divine light. Good intentions and appropriate actions are needed to cleanse the heart, purify it and enable it to reflect the higher truth. It is said that he who knows himself will know his heart. He who knows the lower tendencies of the self will understand the higher attributes of God. By being aware of one’s meanness one can visualize Allah’s generosity. Unreliability of the self can lead to recognition of the reliability of God. The self is a disappointment whereas God is the source of appointment. The self is impatient, God is patience. The self is insecure and dependant, God is totally secure and independent. The self can be weak and sick, God is the source of strength, all powers and healing.

Source: Ripples of Light by F.Haeri

• To be generous, see the overwhelming and unconditional generosity of the ONE.
• To give freely, recognize the ONE giver.
• To enjoy your struggle and sacrifice, realize the purpose and outcome of your effort.
  To dissolve in the source.

Human beings are conditioned to:

• Be healthy and well.
• Seek and enjoy good food.
• Seek comfort and ease.
• Seek a clear and healthy mind.
• To know what is needed and not to be kept in ignorance.
• Have good relationships.
• Give and receive love.
• To be secure emotionally and materially.
• To be content with the moment.
• To be balanced between the opposites of:
  • Action and rest.
  • Challenge and idleness.
  • Giving and taking.
  • Outer action and inner peace.
• Once the mapping of the self, heart and Ruh is read,
  then a self imposed discipline will come about.
  The seeker wants the Ruh to illuminate his actions,
  this desire is the ultimate root of moral and ethical character.

Source: Ripples of Light by F. Haeri