Afterwind Sufi: 2009

December 03, 2009

Dealing with human sufferings

by Tariq Rasheed

Since the very beginning of his stay on the earth, the life of the human has always been fraught with many sufferings, torments, difficulties and pains. Which psychological, behavioral or other approaches were available to him in order to deal with it, and what consoled his existence to make his life peaceful and calm.

i. Escape from illusion;

ii. balance rules;

iii. meditation of totality;

iv. face, fight and theory of tempest

Escape

Life is a suffering (or in Indian language, dukha) and the best solution is the complete escape from it. The suffering causes anguish. And what exactly is anguish? Anguish is birth, suffering, pain, sorrow, sickness, disease, old age, decay, death, grief, despair, poverty, evil, lamentations, woe, tribulations, misfortune, war, insanity, hunger, unfulfilled wants, unfulfilled basic needs, association with the unwanted, disassociation from the wanted, and is what is unstable and uncontrollable.

PATH OF ESCAPE is a solution to get rid of anguish. How to escape? Does this mean escape from your own existence? no.. it means the escape from the dream, from the illusion, from the impermanent, which cause the suffering. This is a typical conclusion reached by many masters and teachers. The philosophy, religion or thought, arising from India, gave the solution of escape, which was further propagated by Buddha in the form of Buddhi dharmaha. Buddha also taught the path of escape for those seeking the permanent end here and now of all anguish.

That what has been created is impermanent; and that whatever is impermanent is inherently ILL. It is a dream. And chasing of dreams makes sufferings. No permanent bliss or happiness is to be found in what is impermanent, only pain and peril.

"Buddha said that all is illusory. Eating, dressing, every thing is illusory. Become more aware. see the illusoriness and dreaminess of the world, all is maya [illusion]. become more aware, and dont try to find how to get out of it, because how the one can get out of a dream. one simple becomes aware and one is out .. Have you seen any body getting out of dream? Dream is unreal! how you can get out of it! The miracle is how you enter in it. Because it is not there and you entered. And now you are creating more trouble for yourself asking how to get out of it. The same way you entered get out of it! How you entered into a dream by believing that that is real. That the way how one listen to it by believing that this is real. So simple, drop the dream and see that this is not real, and you are out of the dream. There is no step to get out of a dream, no step to get out, no methods. Buddha would have said, that look that whole life is dream and you are out of it."

- adopted from Guru Osho's work

RIGHT MINDFULNESS

The Buddha says that the Dhamma, the ultimate truth of things, is directly visible, timeless, calling out to be approached and seen. He says further that it is always available to us, and that the place where it is to be realized is within oneself.[1]

Mindfulness (Pali: sati; Sanskrit: smṛti स्मृति) calm awareness of one's body functions, feelings, content of consciousness, or consciousness itself.[2] Right mindfulness is knowing which unintentionally follows actions, allowing events to happen naturally first, then aware of them. This leads to realising the nature of things as they truly are. Mental suffering occurs only when one is unmindful. Mindfulness plays a central role in the teaching of the Buddha where it is affirmed that "correct" or "right" mindfulness (Pali:sammā-sati; Sanskrit samyak-smṛti) is the critical factor in the path to liberation and subsequent enlightenment. This is the path for the purification of being, for the overcoming of sorrow & lamentation, for the disappearance of pain & distress, & for the realization of Unbinding.

It is to contemplate the world as illusion, impermanent, ill and a dream. To grow dispassion, total detachment, calm, tranquility, seeing that everything is not Self. Putting aside greed & distress with reference to the world. To remain focused on feelings in & of themselves. And the mind in & of itself. And mental qualities in & of themselves.

Notes:

http://phramick.wordpress.com/the-final-con/samma-sati-right-mindfulness/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindfulness/

October 16, 2009

Power of Love (Ishq)

Difficult Nature

There is a famous Sufi fable (Story 5, Golestan of Saadi) of Shaikh Saadi. In this story,

Instead of punishing with capital punishment, the caliph released a young innocent-looking dacoit on a kind minister's request and put him on probation under supervision of that minister. That boy exhibited good results under the cultured environment, but soon he returned to his old nature, and started sitting in the bad company. He fled after killing the kind minister, and returned to the same abode of robbers where he used to reside previously.

Shaikh Saadi has discussed the fact that it is useless to make efforts on changing someone's nature, because he will easily return to his old traits.

Restraint

"Haya" (or shame) plays an important role in survival. It is a contant of faith, as an Islamic tradition pronounce 'the shame is a part from faith' (Al-hayau minal Eiman). It creates a reluctance in the beginner, and responsibility in the penitent.

Punjabi language has an idiom: "the reveal is fallen" (Jhaka Lath Jana). If first time is done, then second time will be easy, and without reluctance. It is very easy for a previously habitual to revert to his old activities. He must have a strong faith and will power!

Education for change and the role of family

Ataul Haq Qasimi is a famous linguist of Urdu language. He also has put some light on this subject in his Urdu column. The psychiatrist are of the opinion that the evolutions in the man's basic personally is completed until 7 years old. After this, the changes of little nature can normally be expected, but it is least possible for any basic change to occur. So, sometimes the childhood sense of deprivations and bad company spread into the whole personality like a cancer. And if this disease is of inherited nature (family habit) then there is no way of survival. The venal herds placed within our all strata could not receive the education from their family, which could teach them to differentiate between the livelihood well-earned by fair means (Rizq-i-Halah) and the black money (Rizq-i-Haram/forbidden by Allah).

Ishq (Love/Eros): The Revolutionary Power of Crisis can Bring Change

It is very difficult to change a man's nature. But with a crisis. The power of crisis can put a human into the personal revolution. For example, you may meet a rogue person today. And then he disappears from the scene for months. And then you happen to come across the same person in future, and you would get surprised to find him totally changed. A kind, and well-mannered person. This means, some changed happened on him. Some crisis might have come in his life. Maybe the love.. or some other.

The best of crises is that of love and the pain of it. It may bring a change in human nature.

Love is the ark appointed for the righteous,
Which annuls the danger and provides a way of escape.
Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment.
Cleverness is mere opinion, bewilderment intuition.
~ Rumi

Iqbal and the Theory of Tempest

The great Indian poet and dreamer of Pakistan, Hazrat Allama Iqbal, also taught the same passion in his Urdu and Persian poems, and how to acquire this revolution:

Khuda tujhe kissi toofan say aashna kar day
Keh tere behr ki mojon main izterab naheen.
Tujhe kitab say mumkin nahin faragh keh too
Kitab khawan hay magar sahib-e-kitab nahin.
~ Iqbal

May God set you in propinquity to some tempest,
for the currents of your sea are devoid of agitation.
The book (Quran) cannot be your salvation,
for, you are only its (mere) recitalist; not a man-of-book (or, never followed or acted on it).

Ta kuja tawaf-e-charagh-e-mehfale
Zeaatish-e-khud soz agar dari dilay
~ Iqbal

How long this circling round the assembly’s fire? Then burn yourself in your own fire,
Have you a heart?

Aye Amine as amanat bekhabar
Gham makhur under zameerey khud niger
~ Iqbal

you the trustee is oblivious of the great treasure that has been bestowed upon you, Don’t despair, look inward, to see what lies within you.

Invitation to Change: The Sufi Principle of Acceptance, love and generosity:

Acceptance (of every human) is an Islamic idea. Untouchability or hatred is not allowed. The Sufi teachers (Shaikh) are the one who adopted this teaching of Islam, and opened their doors for everyone despite from any religion or caste or colour. They never got disappointed from the human nature. They believed that one day the stone will bear vegetation. They worked hard on the hearts of the people and turned them into gold with the power of love. They never outcasted or degraded any person on the basis of any fault or defect , which was not his own chosen, or out of his knowledge.

It was famous saying that no one go back empty-handed from the generous threshold of a Shaikh. A thief once broke into a Sufi Shaikh 's home. The Shaikh caught him red handed. The generous Shaikh did not wanted him go empty-hand, but his home had nothing as valuables. Only a thing he could give was 'the status of the Qutb' (the highest-ranking saint, the focal point of all spiritual energy). He made a thief the Qutb of time.

They never refuse anyone. They invite the people to Allah. They love everyone and impart to anyone, who asks for the freshness of wisdom, spiritual peace and cordial satisfaction.

Come, come, whoever you are.
Wonderer, worshipper, lover of leaving.
It doesn't matter.
Ours is not a caravan of despair.
Come, even if you have broken your vow
a thousand times
Come, yet again, come, come.
~ Rumi

October 03, 2009

Half a bit of true love

Once while passing upon a garden, a pious friend of God saw a young man who was watering the plants. The youth requested him to bestow on him a bit from the love (Ishq/Eros) for Allah. He replied that it was too big to carry. Then the young man asked for half of a bit. He accepted his request and prayed for him. And Allah accepted his prayer. Then the God's friend left the place and carried on his walk.

Time passed, and once again he passed upon the same garden, but that young man was absent. He prayed from Allah to meet that man. The boy came, with eyes gazing at the sky. He remained silent, neither he replied the his Salam (farewell words), nor talked any word with him, but remained silent. A sound seemed coming from the heavens and declaring the actual reason for his silence.

The same reason, as the beautiful words sing:

How can he listen to others,
he who knows Me for a while!
whose heart is carrying My love
- even half a bit of it.

he will never feel any pain,
if you cut him into two,
.. absorbed in My love!

...

Previous relevant posts:
- A commentary on the Rumi's wine of love
- Both Right
- Same
- Lost but faithful
- Broken Heart.. a disease?
- Once in a blue moon (he became a loser for the love)

September 14, 2009

Meditation on Divine love

----------------------------------
"Out beyond the ideas of
wrongdoing andright doing, there is a
field. I will meet you
there"

-----------------------------------
Rumi~

"O my Lord, Sustainer of all that lives, Your real face is covered by Your dazzling effulgence. Kindly remove that covering and exhibit Yourself to Your pure devotee"

- Isha Upanishad

mediation on Divine Love:

I used to do the following meditation, and I remember, these became the most memorable and joyous moments of my life. In the last few hours of night, before breaking up of the early morning. It is the time when the blessings and mercies of Allah can be felt showering on the world at a close distance.. and very fresh feeling can be caught on by the normal senses (even though if the mind was tired and sleepless whole night). The place feels to be filled with freshness and cool light (or Nur) peaceful to heart, which can be seen with the open eyes of heart. The freshness of such night-time multiplies in the sacred month of Ramadan.

Such silent hours are replete with resplendent moments of timeless ecstasy and full of the pleasures of the Divine intimacy. These proactive moments can be made great by offering prayer (Salat Tahajjud) to Allah. As prayer is a devotional meditation, in which the man is in meeting with Allah and he can whisper share his secrets and intimacies with the Allah. Reading the holy scripture Quran, or Sufi writings is also enlightening. Sufi or slow instrumental - like whirling dervish's flute, or sitar music may also be used to elicit the spiritual feelings, contemplation on the true love of Allah, and meditation on the Divine manifestation.

Rise early at dawn, when our storytelling begins.
In the dead of the night, when all other doors are locked,
the door for the Lovers to enter opens.
Be wide awake in the dark when Lovers
begin fluttering around the Beloved's window,
like homing pigeons arriving with flaming bodies.

~Abu-Said Ibn Abil-Kheir

August 06, 2009

Afterwind's story: Happiness laughed in my ear

Sorrow looted this heart,

and Your Love threw it to the winds.

This is how the secret which saints and seers were denied

was whispered to me.

- Abu Said Abil Kheir

~ + ~

Love came and emptied me of self,

every vein and every pore,

made into a container to be filled by the Beloved.

Of me, only a name is left,

the rest is You my Friend, my Beloved.

- Abu Said Abil Kheir

July 29, 2009

Poem: It is a party of night, prepare the tavern

محفل ِ شب ہے سجادو میخانہ
پلا پلا کے مجھے بنا دو میخانہ

آج شب بھر شمع نہ بجھنے دو
لہو پلاؤ اسے، جلادو پروانہ

شراب تھوڑی سی بہادو روزن سے
تیری دہلیز پہ کب سے کھڑا ہے دیوانہ

تیری گلی سے گزر کے زاہد بدمست ہوا
کیسا پردہ تیرا، کیسا شرمانا

میرے نشے کی آخر کوئی انتہا تو ہو
توڑ دو ساغر سارے جلادو میخانہ

ساقی ساغر ہے تیرا میرا رشتہ
معطرنظریں میریں، پاک تیرا میخانہ

رمز ِ توحید آج آشکارہ ہوجائے
شہر ِ جنوں میں بہادو میخانہ

شاعر: (آفٹرونڈ) طارق رشید

Translation:

It is a party of night, prepare the tavern
give me, give me drink so much, make me tavern myself

don't let the candle blow out tonight
feed her the drink of blood, though at expense of caterpillar's life

pour some drink from the window
since how long at Your threshold, see, is standing a madman

even the pious forget his wits while crossing Your street
what a face-veiling is your this!!? what kind of blushing is this?

there should also be some ending of my narcosis
shatter all the chalices, burn the tavern off

oh, the Host, chalice is relation between You and me..
my eyes are fragrant with respect, Your tavern is sacred and clean

let the secret of Oneness (monotheism) be exposed today,
spill the wines of love in the city of passion!

(a poem of Afterwind)

July 26, 2009

Sincerity has value, repenting brings sainthood

photo by rebelot

یہ منظوم دعا میں نے ماضی میں لکھی تھی، شائع کررہا ہوں۔ امید ہے آپ کی روحانی ضرورتوں کو پورا کرے گی۔ (آفٹر ونڈ) طارق رشید

اخلاص کی قیمت ہے تیرے دربار میں مولا
توبہ سے ولایت ہے تیرے سنسار میں مولا

اِن بھیگی نگاہوں سے دو قطرے گراکر
لایا ہوں حضور تیرے دربار میں مولا

تو دیتا رہا اتنا کہ شُکر بھی کم تھا
ہر لحظہ تیرے حضور شرمسار میں مولا

سرکار (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) کی سنت میں رنگ تیرا ہے
آجائے تیرا رنگ میرے کردار میں مولا

دنیا سے اُٹھانا مجھے در ِ حالتِ سجدہ
اور مے بھی پلانا تیرے دیدار کی مولا

......

Translation: Sincerity has worth in Your court, O Lord

Sincerity has worth in Your court, O Lord
Repentance may convert sinners into saints, in Your this world, O Lord

Two droplets after shedding from these wet eyes,
I have have brought them to present in the court of Your Majesty!

You kept giving off to me so much , that even my frustrated thankfulness became answer-less!
Every moment, I feel shy in front of You, O Lard

The tradition or practice of Muhammad (upon him peace) reflects Your light,
Would that that light also reflect into my character! O Lard

When will the time of leaving come, lift my soul in my state of prostration during the practice of prayer,
And also quench my thirst with the wine of manifestation (theophany/divine disclosure) of Your beauty!

(a poem of Afterwind)

July 21, 2009

Realistic prayer

"Might the fishes devour him, this dog of a Siddhartha, this madman, this corrupted and rotting body, this sluggish & misused soul! Might the fishes and crocodiles devour him, might the demons tear hm to little pieces"

- Herman Hesse in his book 'Siddhata'

photo by nickwheeleroz

2000 years ago, when a lot of offerings went futile, the people had got disappointed from gods and goddesses of ancient local religion, despair was reigning all over India. The spiritual thirst had been such widespread, that the people attached their hope with the ascetics and yogis, who used to go deep inside the deep forests of the terrains beside Ganges to perform practices and yoga, in order to search a dhamma (dharma) for the people, which could resolve their distress. Siddhartha Buddha went into the forests and underwent different practices and experiences. When he came back, he had with him something which what they say the healing madicine of that time: a dharma, or you say an approach, an ideology! He tought a more psychological and practical approach to the humanity, that said: instead of hiding yourself behind the superstitions, come out and face. Accept the reality of life. And when you have accepted the every minute and big difficulty as the reality of life and indispensable part of it, then by practice of pious virtues and compassion towards all, you can break come out from the repetitious tormenting cycles and eventually meet the eternal peace.

Zen Master Kyong Ho, in Thousand Peaks writes: Don't hope for life without problems. An easy life results in a judgmental and lazy end. So an ancient once said, "Accept the anxieties and difficulties of this life". moreover he says: Don't expect your practice to be clear of obstacles. Without hindrances the mind that seeks enlightenment may be burnt out. So an ancient once said, "Attain deliverance in disturbances".

Bible also have a say: Hope is produced by endurance through suffering (Rom. 5:2-5) and is at the same time the inspiration behind endurance and perseverance to the end (1 Thess 1:3, Hebrews 6:11; 10:22-23)

The Islamic Sufi culture spread many pearls of wisdom over times. One day i stumbled upon Javed Chaudhry's column in some urdu newspaper. The Pakistani columnist pointed out a stereotype that most of the people ask in their prayers that all the difficulties of their lives should be lifted. But the human beings who had a strong belief in Allah and they became successful, used a different and reasonable approach. Instead their prayers use be in this style: "oh, Allah! give me the enough strength to face the incumbent difficulties. and make me capable to resolve them!". These people became the conqueror of the world, and it were them who spread the word of peace and justice everywhere. This is not just matter of style, this had been keeping many important things in it.

Two styles of asking prayer were described in that column of the Pakistani journalist. I don't say that the first style is defective or false, in which the man asks the God to eliminate all difficulties. But important thing is that the second style shouldn't be ignored. As this style has a special blend of 'hope', inspiration, passion and 'commitment with the struggle'. I wonder, if the prayers asked in such manner perhaps have got much power to in the heavens, for the beauty of humanity, true sentiments and sincerity have been mixed with the request. Lets see what God says in the final testament Quran,

Nay, seek (Allah's) help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit,- (Quran, 002.045)

July 19, 2009

Prayer, patience and hope

Jesus of Nazareth, Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it shall be given you;
seek and you shall find;
knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asks receives;
and he that seeks finds:
And to him that knocks,
it shall be opened.

photo by msultan7

I read somewhere a famous quote that 'when i look over my past, i see it abound with miracles'. and better it should be extended as: ' and my hope doubles up, when i sense the would-be miracles, which may happen to help in any moment'. These many miracles are brought by God.

Since this world is not same in intellect, cleverness and resources. Clever people win using their intellect. Hard workers win using their sincerity and devotion with their duty. But still the success can not be consummated until and unless there is a Will of Allah. Allah feed even losers and fools (who are sincere in their commitments), and may give them through miracles more like or than intellectuals and cleverly fellows. This universal system is always working behind the
veil of time and have been keeping up an equilibrium in the universe.. You may call it Justice.

Prayer is the brain of worship. It is a very intimate and frank link between the creatures and God. So, in any time of need, one ought to turn to God and plead for help. He gives to them, who ask from Him! According to Islamic studies, no prayer goes futile. If some prayer did not bear fruit in this material world, it may still be accepted that would be transformed into blessing after the worldly life.

Hope should be said the half of belief and solid base of prayer.. It reflect the sincerity of belief. Christian mysticism gives a strong message of hope. 'Losing hope' has been declared as blasphemy, and suicide as a great sin in Islamic studies.

Now let's see, what God says in the final testament Quran:

Quran, 071.013
"'What is the matter with you, that ye place not your hope for kindness and long-suffering in Allah,-

Quran, 041.049
Man does not weary of asking for good (things), but if ill touches him, he gives up all hope (and) is lost in despair.

Quran, 003.126
Allah made it but a message of hope for you, and an assurance to your hearts: (in any case) there is no help except from Allah. The Exalted, the Wise:

Quran, 004.099
For these, there is hope that Allah will forgive: For Allah doth blot out (sins) and forgive again and again.

Quran, 066.008
O ye who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance: In the hope that your Lord will remove from you your ills and admit you to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow,- the Day that Allah will not permit to be humiliated the Prophet and those who believe with him. Their Light will run forward before them and by their right hands, while they say, "Our Lord! Perfect our Light for us, and grant us Forgiveness: for Thou hast power over all things."

July 08, 2009

Master of the Jinn, a novel

Master of the Jinn, a novel by Irving Karchmar

Here is a tale set on the Path of the Heart, a mystical adventure wherein a modern-day Sufi master sends seven companions on a quest for the original Ring of Power, and the greatest treasure of the ancient world - King Solomon's ring. It is the very same seal ring of a hundred legends, given to King Solomon by God to command the Jinn, those terrifying demons of living fire.
By sea and across deserts, they are led by a strange faqir guide of many names. Through the mightiest of storms and into a lost city, the travelers come at last to the gateway of the Subtle Realm, the land of the Jinn.
But the quest has a strange effect on everyone chosen to go: visions enter their dreams, remembrances and tears fill their hearts, and mysteries abound; unearthly storms and unending night, the Gates of Heaven open
at last, and invincible demons of smokeless fire.
It is a tale woven of ancient legends found in the Old Testament, the Talmud, and the Koran, and although it is set in the present, the search for the truth of the ring leads them into a circle of ageless destiny, where the companions discover not only the fate of the Jinn, but also the Path of Love and the infinite Mercy of God

also reviews by:
* Salma Mohiuddin, Editor, Inspire Magazine
* Ali Eteraz review in Alt.Muslim online magazine
* Mary Granick - SUFISM: An Inquiry Magazine (Vol. XII, No. 2), 2005
* Skylar Burris, Editor, Ancient Paths Christian Literary Magazine
* Dave Bennett, Dharma-Talks.com
* Catchild - BookFetish.org

"A Masterpiece of Modern Islamic Mysticism"
- Amazon.com review

"Awe Inspiring Mystical Adventure"
- Amazon.com review

Buy this Ebook at Mobipocket at:
http://www.mobipocket.com/en/eBooks/eBookDetails.asp?BookID=55260
or get one for a friend that has a Kindle at:
http://www.amazon.com/Master-Jinn-Sufi-Novel/dp/B000RH0CD6/ref=kinw_dp_ke?ie=UTF8&qid=1218217938&sr=1-1

July 05, 2009

win or lose!

oh, the purpose!

if i will be the successful
i will be the happiest person

and if lose,
will cry a lot

in both situations, the thing is same
'that i loved you very much'

the wish was true!

July 02, 2009

Advice

"Jesus said: 'Whoever perennially lies, loses his beauty; and whoever quarrels with people, loses his human decency; and whoever is persistently despondent, becomes drawn and emaciated, and whoever behaves irritably, submits his soul to torture and misery.'"
('Jesus in the Eyes of the Sufis', by Dr. Javad Nurbakhsh)

June 27, 2009

Qawwali - Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula

Arziyaan Sari Mein, Chehre Pe Likh Ke Laaya Hoon

all requests i, have brought written on forehead
Tumse Kya Mangu Mein, Tum Khud Hi Samjah Lo...

what should i ask from You, You know Yourself
Ya Maula..., Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula

O Lord..., Lord Lord Lord My Lord
(Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula) - 2

Lord Lord Lord my Lord
(Maula Maula Maula Maula) - 2

Lord Lord Lord Lord

Dararein Dararein Mathey Pe Maula
cracks are all over (my) forehead, Lord!

Maramat Mukdar Ki Kar Do Maula, Mere Maula..

Mend my fate, Lord! my Lord..
(Tere Dar Pe Jhuka Hoon Meeta Hoon Bana Hoon) - 2
over Your door I have prostrated, i've finished, i've come into being

(Marammat Mukdar Ki Kar Doo Maula..) - 2
Do mending of (my) fate, Lord

(Jo Bhi Tere Dar Aaya, Juhkne Jo Sar Aaya
whoever came over Your door, which head came to prostrate

Mastiyan Piye Sabko, Jhoomta Nazar Aaya) - 2

Joys come on everyone(?), he seemed dancing (in elation)

Pyaas Le Ke Aaya Tha, Dariya Woh Bhar Laya
who went to you[r home] with thirst, he came out with river

Noor Ki Barish Mein Beeghta Sa Tar Aaya

(he) came wet like being draggled in the rain of holy light

Noor Ki Barish Mein.. Ooo
In the rain of light.. Ooo

Noor Ki Barish Mein, Beeghta Sa Tar Aaya

(he) came wet like being draggled in the rain of holy light

(Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula) - 2
Lord Lord Lord my Lord
(Maula Maula Maula Maula) - 2
Lord Lord Lord Lord

Dararein Dararein Mathey Pe Maula
Cracks are all over (my) forehead, Lord!

Maramat Mukdar Ki Kar Do Maula, Mere Maula..

Mend my fate, Lord my Lord
(Jo Bhi Tere Dar Aaya, Juhkne Jo Sar Aaya
whoever came over Your door, which head came to prostrate

Mastiyan Piye Sabko, Jhoomta Nazar Aaya) - 2

joys come on all(?), he seemed dancing (in elation)

(O Ek Khusbu Aati Thi) - 2
O a scent used to come
Mein Bhatakta Jata Tha, Reshmi Si Maya Thi
I used to jept straying, illusion was silk like
Aur Mein Takta Jata Tha
and I used to keep starring
(Jab Teri Gali Aaya, Sach Tabhi Nazar Aaya) - 2
when came in Your street, it was then that the truth became visible
Mujhe Mein Woh Khusboo Thi, Jisse Tune Milwaya
that fragrance was inside me, which You made (me) meet with
Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula
Lord Lord Lord my Lord
(Maula Maula Maula Maula) - 2
Lord Lord Lord Lord

Dararein Dararein Mathey Pe Maula
cracks are all over (my) forehead, Lord!

Murammat Muqaddar Ki Kar Do Maula, Mere Maula..

Mend my fortune, Lord my Lord

Aaa Aaaa...
Tut Ke Bikharna Mujhko Zarur Aata Hai
i do know how to get dispersed after being broken up
Hoo, Tut Ke Bikharna Mujhko Zarur Aata Hai
Hoo, i do know how to get dispersed after being broken up
Varna Ibbadat Wala Sha'uor Aata Hai
otherwise i also have understanding of how to do worship
(Sajde Mein Rehne Do, Abb Kahin Na Jaunga) - 2
let (me) stay in prostration, now (i) will not go anywhere
Abb Jo Tumne Tukhraya To Sawar Na Paunga
now if you refuse me, then i will not be able to be repaired
Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula
Lord Lord Lord my Lord
(Maula Maula Maula Maula) - 2
Lord Lord Lord Lord

Dararein Dararein Mathey Pe Maula
cracks are all over (my) forehead, Lord!

Maramat Mukdar Ki Kar Do Maula, Mere Maula..

Mend my fate, Lord my Lord

Sar Utha Ke Mene To Kitni Khwahishe Ki Thi
how many wishes i made proudly
Kitne Khwaab Dekhe The Kitni Khosishe Ki Thi
how many dreams i wove, how many struggles i made
Jab Tu Rubaru Aaya...
when You came in front of me
Jab Tu Rubaru Aaya Nazarein Na Mila Paya
when You came in front of me, i was not able to meet glance
Sar Jhuka Ke Ek Pal Mein... Ooo
by bowing head in a moment... Ooo
Sar Jhuka Ke Ek Pal Mein Mene Kya Nahi Paya
by bowing head in a moment, i got everything
(Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula) - 2
Lord Lord Lord my Lord
(Maula Maula Maula Maula) - 2
Lord Lord Lord Lord
(Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula) - 2, mere Maula
Lord Lord Lord My Lord, my Lord
(Maula Maula Maula Maula) - 2, mere Maula
Lord Lord Lord Lord , my Lord

(Mora Piya Ghar Aaya, Mora Piya Ghar Aaya) - 6
my Beloved came to (my) home, my Beloved came to (my) home,
(Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula) - 2
Lord Lord Lord my Lord
Mere Maula Maula Maula Maula
Lord Lord Lord Lord Lord
Mere Maula Maula Maula Maula, Mere Maula..
my Lord Lord Lord Lord, my Lord..

June 26, 2009

Action, Work & Perfect Struggle - Quotes

“When you do something, you should burn yourself up completely, like a good bonfire, leaving no trace of yourself”

“Zen is not some kind of excitement, but concentration on our usual everyday routine.”

"If you take pride in your attainment or become discouraged because of your idealistic effort, your practice will confine you by a thick wall."

"Practice does not mean that whatever you do, even lying down, is zazen. When the restrictions you have do not limit you, this is what we mean by practice…."

"When you sit, you will sit. When you eat, you will eat…. If you say,”It doesn’t matter,” it means that you are making some excuse to do something in your own way with your small mind. It means that you are to some particular thing or way. That is not what we mean when we say, “Just to sit is enough,” or “Whatever you do is zazen.” Of course, everything you do is zazen, but if so, there is no need to say it. p. 41

Pt. 3 : Right Understanding, "Naturalness"

-Shunryu Suzuki

Here are some quotes (i think they belong to Osho, the spiritual psychiatrist) :

You are perfect as you are, with all your imperfections you are perfect. If you are imperfect, you are perfectly imperfect - but perfection is there.”

You are utterly unique, incomparably unique. You need not be like somebody else, you need not be an imitator, you have to be authentically yourself.

“Everything can become a meditation if you live it totally and intensely. And then your life becomes whole.”

The man of meditation does not become powerful:
he becomes silent, he becomes peaceful.
Power is created out of conflict:
all power is out of friction.

If you can get into any act with your whole heart, you are total. Totality brings wholeness, and totality brings wholeness, and totality brings health, and totality brings sanity.

Whatever you are doing, do it as if it is a question of life & death. Put your total energy into it, and it will give you tremendous bliss.

-Osho

Action vs. Avtivity

"Remember two words: one is "action", another is "activity". Action is not activity; activity is not action. Their nature are diametrically opposite. Action is when the situation demands it, you act, you respond. Activity is when the situation doesn't matter, it is not a response; you are so restless within that the situation is just an excuse.

Action comes out of a silent mind - it is the most beautiful thing in the world. Activity comes out of a restless mind. Action is moment to moment, spontaneous; activity is loaded with the past."

"Activity is your escape from yourself. In action you are. Find the distinction within yourself; what is activity and what is action; that is the first step. The second step is to become involved in action so that the energy moves into action and whenever there is activity to be more watchful about it, more alert. If you are aware, activity ceases, energy is preserved, and the same energy becomes action.

Action is always new and fresh like the dew drops in the morning. And a person who is a person of action is also always fresh and young. The body may become old, but his freshness continues. The body may die, but his youth continues. The body may disappear, but he remains - because God loves freshness. God is always for the new and the fresh."

- quoted from Tantra: The Supreme Understanding byOsho

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

Paulo Coelho

and lastly, an Islamic tradition relates:

"Allah, His angels and all those who live in the heavens and the earth, even the ants in their holes and the fish supplicate for those who instruct people in virtuous knowledge" (Tirmidhi)(?).

June 13, 2009

meeting!

reference:
http://media.photobucket.com/image/rumi/faerylore/rumi-5.jpg

June 03, 2009

Pour

Pour more...
Your true wine of love
That the each drop of which could give an immortal life
That the each blow of whose smell is blended in the misty steam of eternity
That which stays behind the brightest cloud

Oh... who can stay after the deluge has set down
Oh... who can rises up through the chest as a sharp painful joy!
Accompanying the empty tears
Oh... The feeling of strange exuberance
Take me to the One who is the Doctor of broken hearts : Savior of the wrecked sob dwellers

May 15, 2009

sincerity (ikhlas)

sirr= secret

sirr Allah= the secret of Allah

Unitarianism (tawhid)= doctrine of Oneness of God

A question from Abu Sa'id ibn Abi 'l-Khayr:

   Answering the question, "What is sincerity (ikhlas)?" he said:

   The Prophet has said tha ikhlas is a divine sirr in man's heart and soul, which sirr is the object of His pure contemplation and is replenished by God's pure contemplation thereof. Whosoever declares God to be One, his belief in the divine Unity depends on that sirr.

   Being asked to define it, he continued as follows:

   That sirr is a substance of God's grace (latifa) --- for He is gracious (latif) unto His servants (Koran, 42, 18) --- and it is produced by the bounty and mercy of God, not by the acquisition and action of man. At first, He produces a need and longing and sorrow in man's heart; then He contemplates that need and sorrow, and in His bounty and mercy deposits in that heart a spiritual substance (latifa) which is hidden from the knowledge of angel and prophet. That substance is called sirr Allah, and that is ikhlas .... That pure sirr is the Beloved of Unitarians. It is immortal and does not become naught, since it subsists in God's contemplation of it. It belongs to the Creator: the creatures have no part therein, and in the body it is a loan. Whoever posseses it is "living" (hayy), and whoever lacks it is "animal" (hayawan). There is a great difference between the "living" and the "animal".

Source:
Studies in Islamic Mysticism, by Reynold Alleyne Nicholson Page 51

May 14, 2009

Thank God..

Hope

when the heart was dim

everything seemed dull to these eyes

when the hope has come back

the life raised quite fresh

standing in the flowing current of life

~+~

Life Back

Flowers, flowers, every where

blessing, sunshine and love

why the heart is happy so much..

a dying hope resurrected

some one rose from dead

a putting off star became a sun

the spirals of mysterious fate

and its crests and troughs

and pains and fleeting happiness,

all estopped at a moment

no queasiness, nothing now,

but peace, timelessness and relief

who took my heart and met me to the light of hope!

this is You, O my Lord! Allah!

the heart like a sponge..

at the moment you were leaving,

the heart

seemed dry,

and no tears!

at the moment you have left,

the heart is

like a sponge,

shrinks,

giving off a lot of water!

May 13, 2009

made me clean by my own tears

this night has pain of separation,

and sufi music sound,

and a little sweet pain in my heart,

.. tears in eyes,,,

i was a sinner, you made me clean by my own tears

i can't cry, my heart is dead

my plane is taking off..

but

i can't cry

my heart is dead

because my heart is dead now

you think, i don't love you

it is not true

still i love you

but i have forgotten how to miss you

pains, sorrows, disgrace, hunger and poverty

i have become a bird between fear and hope

separations and unions

many deluges of uncertainties and enforced austerities of life

have taken away my tears, awareness, smile and naive freshness

forgive me..

i can't cry

my heart is dead

but I still love you!

Picture source: by ericakulet [external link]

May 12, 2009

that will make you forget our love one day

"fear"

i told you

i already told you

you haven't reached the meaning of love

whatever you have toward me is nothing but ego and greed

in fact you never truly loved me

the tears you shed were the tears of a babe for a toy only

you don't know to sacrify, you just need to be gratified

with pleasures, words,,, lies and world!

i told you

i already told you

tonight

the last night before separation

when the withering heart needs compassion

when i need you

to soak my tears

to lower my soabs

in the very time when you are supposed to be with me

you are indulged in the pleasures, in the partying, in the lights

you say, let me enjoy, still i am yours!

now i also want to say

i don't want to come in between you and your happiness

but what should also i do!

from me, they are stealing you

busy, busy, busy

even on the last night

you don't want to listen to my heart cry

this time, even you don't want to be mine!

and still you say, "i love you"

i told you

i already told you

The light of enjoyment, taste of delicious food and happy puns of rich friends will make you forget our love one day

i told you

i already told you

if you keep on doing this,

how can you become mine?

~+~

"Sure"

No matter wherever you move away

I know, on your cheeks tears will have a sway!

The pain of separation makes you crazy

it will change a stone heart into daisy

no matter, to wherever you face,

but if your hand is in my hand,

i shall take you into my cottage!

image sources:

fisrt, lights in last night's rain storm by Zombie37 [external link]

second, Rain Tapping On My Window by Thomas Steibl Photography [external link]

third, Rain on the Train (Not in Spain) by jessamyn.n [external link]

fourth, Rain wave - Muddy water by Yatzi [external link]

May 07, 2009

Folly..

Once upon a time, there was a heavily fertile forest full of big trees, flowers, and a beautiful touch of sunshine. In the most center of forest was a small hut whereby a simple man lived with his animal friends - a sheep, a wolf, a chicken. He had passed with them many springs and autumns of his life. The fox gave him security, hen gave him eggs, sheep milk and they were living together a happy life. Day passed and passed, and one day a he found a half dead man's body lying on the ground, he was a hunter who had come from some city but lost way in the forest and became a prey to hunger and thirst. He took him to his house and took well care of him until he got well. During all that time, the hunter used to tell him the stories of the cities, the glitters of wealth and the luxuries of the rich. The heart of the forest dweller started getting bored of his difficult forest life, and he now had started dreaming of the colorful cities. He had become greedy! One day he gave him an idea, 'why not you kill the sheep and its skin can keep your body warm in the winters?' The forest man liked this idea and one day he asked his sheep, 'oh friend, lets go to the river bank, I want to feed you the best grass there'. The sheep accepted his offer and went with him to that place, the man killed the sheep and cut out its skin and made a warm coat of it. The hunter kept on giving him advices to make life more comfortable by killing his friends - 'you can enjoy chicken roast, you can make good shoes from the fox'. He acted on all the advices, and made his life much comfortable on the expense of his friends' life. Hence now there no sheep or hen, and there was also no more milk or eggs... So both men started starving. Hence the forest weed was too simple and rough to satisfy their heightened hunger and lust. So, one day the hunter advised him, why not you start farming.. The man started farming, and one day the hunter asked for the equal share in all luxuries as a price of his advices. The forest man's dream had shattered now, and he understood the ferocity of the man's lust. He refused to give him the share and asked him to leave his house... but the hunter refused and a quarrel started between them, hence the hunter was a strong and cunning person and also was having knowledge of using knife and other weapons... and there was also no fox to protect him. He won!! And made the forest man slave!

Thanks to Wang Ziyue, Lanzhou

May 04, 2009

At-tawakkal - The Reliance upon God!

التوکل

A fat boy seeker of light used to go to a a Dahi Bhalla shop at roadside in central part of Alipur city of Southern Punjab, because he was fond of the taste of that shop. What was the shop, it was nothing more than an itinerary wooden cart, painted in green with four bicycle wheels, and decorated with glass on the three sides to protect from dust the open wide bowls of peeled potato, chilly paste, and yogurt, cut onion and tomatoes, and other condiments used to prepare Dahi Bhallas. The vender was a man with beard mixed in white, black and brown, with a bit tanned skin, little fat, clad in simple Pakistani dress, by face and dialect belonging to the community (perhaps the Sheikh or mewati of Haryana) who migrated from India and lips brown and red perhaps because of traditional Indian Pan leaf eating.. And the most important were the black eyes with sprinkling silence and kindness - a Sufi! like many others Sufis who live among the commoners silently, but the seekers can feel the manifestations of Sufism in them!! The boy on one day broken the silence and asked 'Sir, please give me an advice'. The vender said: "Tawakkal Al Allah!" (Rely on God).

Time passed and passed until the boy grew up and became a man. A changed man! His life became full of tests.. He found himself alone in every field and place. The melancholy of loss, exaggerated sense of decreasing life, money, time and the feeling that everything in universe is going more and more disorderly, and the mind least converged on moment, object or thought, in short he became an example of melancholy. He had got no big belief in ever fertility, mercy and blessings of God. He had slept, the lesson had been forgotten! Really was he alone?

One day he met an accident in a lonely street of a distant city in north... Yeah, he was alone in that city, but not in that street. An old lady hurried, "Son, would you take milk?"

image courtesy: Dahi Bhalla, www.itslife.in