Etiket: sufism (page 1 of 2)

Aralık 20, 2024

The Sufi path is the path of the heart

The heart cannot see the truth until it opens to love.

Last week was Mevlana Week, and on December 17, people from all around the world flocked to Turkey, particularly to Konya. Among them were not only Muslims but also Christians, Jews, Buddhists, and even those who identified as atheists. How is it, then, that Mevlana continues to attract so many people centuries after his passing? How is it that people of such diverse beliefs find peace in the same place?

This is the power of Sufism, which embodies the essence of Anatolian wisdom. Sufis have always spoken to the heart. They transformed their words into poetry, their emotions into music and dance. People listened to them not with their ears but with the ears of their soul; they watched not with their eyes but with the eyes of their heart. This was not merely a doctrine but a state of being, a journey.

In a talk I gave in Germany during Mevlana Week, I shared the profound messages of Sufi philosophy that inspire people. I’d like to share some of those insights with you.

The heart is an ocean; the tongue is its shore. What is in the ocean washes up on the shore.

Mevlana’s influence lies not only in his words but in the love behind those words. He taught us to see people not for their outward appearances but for their souls. His message is universal: “Come, come, whoever you are, come!”

The Sufi path is not one of knowing but of feeling. It requires leaving behind the mind’s chaos and descending into the depths of the heart.

As Mevlana said: “The heart is an ocean; the tongue is its shore. What is in the ocean washes up on the shore.”

This journey is less about reading and more about experiencing. Sufism is not just a teaching; it’s a state of being, a way of life. The heart is the door to the deepest truths of humanity. Open that door, and you will find the truth there. For the Sufi, the path is the path of the heart; the truth is not external but internal.

Love is the essence of Sufism. It is not merely a feeling for another person but the ability to see the Creator in every breath, in every being. Love is a state of forgiveness and acceptance. Sufism teaches us to embrace ourselves, others, and ultimately, all existence. A journey without love is not a journey. If your heart is closed, you cannot reach the truth. But if you take love as your guide, the paths will open naturally. Just as a river finds its way past the stones, love overcomes all obstacles and leads you to the truth.

Who am I?

A Sufi asks, “Who am I?” but not with their mind; they ask with their heart. The mind is occupied with the burdens of the past and worries of the future; it seeks logic, demands evidence, and draws boundaries. But the heart speaks from another dimension, whispering with a silent yet profound wisdom. That whisper can be heard not only in moments of peace but also amidst chaos—sometimes in the stillness of a breath, in a child’s laughter, or in the touch of a raindrop on the earth. And the Sufi knows that the answer always lies in love.

Love here is not just an emotion; it is a way of being. Love is like a bridge where one redefines themselves and the universe. Those who cross that bridge see how the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. Just as a stone, with patience, effort, and love, becomes a gem, the heart can also become purified, clear, and a reflection of truth. But this can only happen when the heart is open to love.

Opening the heart to love takes courage. Love requires not only the willingness to embrace joy but also the risk of being hurt. Love demands tearing down the walls of the heart, letting go of fears, and stepping into uncertainty with trust. A Sufi keeps their heart open in this way, knowing that love is not just about receiving but also about giving. Love is not about possession; it is about letting go.

This is why the heart is like a garden. If you plant it with love and nurture it patiently, it will bloom with the most beautiful flowers. But remember, it is also your responsibility to weed out the garden. Emotions like fear, anger, and jealousy are the weeds. A Sufi clears these weeds from their heart, knowing that the light of truth can only shine in a clean heart.

And love is both the beginning and the end of this journey. Love transforms you. It brings you back to yourself and then takes you beyond yourself. Love is not just a personal experience; it is a universal connection. It elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary, unites the individual with the universal. When your heart is purified by love, Sufi wisdom says you are no longer just a human being; you become a messenger of love.

Let us end with one of Mevlana’s sayings:

“The heart cannot see the truth until it opens to love.”

Aralık 5, 2024

as you start to walk on the way the way appears

As you start to walk on the way the way appears

Once, a young man, feeling lost in life, wandered aimlessly through a forest. His mind was clouded with uncertainty and fear, tangled in the complexities of his thoughts. He didn’t know which direction to take or how to move forward. At the peak of his despair, he spotted a horse approaching from the distance. The rider was a dervish, carrying an aura of calm and wisdom, as if the burdens of the world were effortlessly lighter in his presence.

The young man hurried to the dervish, saying with urgency:

“Master, I don’t know what to do with my life. Which path should I take? How many steps do I need to make? What if I choose the wrong one?”

The dervish paused, gazing at him with a serene, knowing look. He stopped his horse and spoke gently:

“My child, life is not a map to be deciphered all at once. If you try to solve everything at once, your mind will fall into confusion, and your courage will falter. Life unfolds as you walk. You only need to see the next step. When you dare to move, the path will reveal itself to you.”

The young man, still bewildered, asked, “But how do I even begin?”

The dervish pointed to the ground before him and said:

“Beginning is simply seeing the step that lies directly before you. Focus on the next step alone. When you take it, the next one will appear. The path is made by those who walk it. With every step you take, you build your own way.”

Hearing these words, the young man released the weight of his overwhelming thoughts. He took his first step, then another. With each step, the path became clearer. When he eventually emerged from the forest, he looked back and realized the complexity of the journey he had traversed. But in that moment, he understood that the essence of the journey was not in its length or challenges but in the courage to take the first step.

The Wisdom of Life: The Path is for Those Who Walk

The dervish’s advice reflects one of the profound principles of Sufi wisdom: The path of life reveals itself only to those who dare to walk it.

There are moments in life when we all feel lost, unsure of which direction to take. Our minds become entangled in trying to control the future, which only magnifies our fears. The Sufi way teaches us to focus on just one step at a time, for life is not about seeing the entire picture at once but about discovering its beauty piece by piece with every step forward.

1. The Key to Achieving Goals: Small Steps

Big goals often appear intimidating. Whether it’s starting a new career, improving a relationship, or seeking personal transformation, the sheer magnitude of these dreams can leave you paralyzed. But as the dervish taught, break them into smaller, manageable pieces:

• If you’re aiming for your dream job: What’s your first step? Preparing a resume? Enrolling in a course?

• If you want a healthier life: Start with a short walk or a single healthy meal today.

Each small step brings you closer to your ultimate goal. Remember, even the longest journeys are completed one step at a time.

2. Action Dissolves Uncertainty

Inaction only magnifies the chaos within. The young man in the story realized that the path became visible only after he took the first step. Similarly, in life, clarity comes when we move. Even mistakes are valuable guides on the journey.

Sufi wisdom reminds us: “Do not fear mistakes, for even they are lessons from the Divine.”

3. Stay in the Moment: The Key to Wisdom

The dervish’s advice, “See only the next step,” emphasizes the power of living in the present. Life is not shaped by dwelling on past regrets or worrying about future uncertainties. It is built by what we do in the here and now.

• If you have decisions to make today, focus only on what today requires. The present moment is all you can truly control.

4. Trust: The Path Will Show Itself

Uncertainty is an inevitable part of life. But instead of succumbing to it, choose to trust. The path opens itself to those who believe and move forward. As the dervish said, “The path appears as you walk.”

This trust is the key to action. If you want life to unfold its mysteries to you, take that step into the unknown with courage. The Divine’s grace is always with those who dare to move.

Final Words: Take the First Step, and the Path Will Reveal Itself

This story reminds us of a simple truth: In life, we cannot discover all the answers at once. But as we take that first step, the path begins to unveil itself. Achieving great goals starts with the bravery of a single, small action.

Never forget, the secret of the journey lies in the courage to embark on it. If you wish to change your life, take the first step and let the rest unfold naturally. The path is for those who walk, and only by walking will you find your way. 🌿

Şubat 21, 2024

Unveiling Destiny: The Profound Insights of Hakan Mengüç’s ‘Nothing Encounter is by Chance

Nothing Encounter is by Chance

Hakan Mengüç’s book “No Encounter is by Chance” posits a compelling argument: the encounters and experiences in our lives are not random, but rather, each event carries a significant meaning. This work delves into the profound message that every meeting and occurrence in life holds a purpose, emphasizing that nothing is truly coincidental. As readers journey through the book, the experiences shared provoke deep reflections on their inner selves and perspectives on life. This masterpiece offers readers the chance to re-evaluate the events and encounters in their lives from a fresh viewpoint.

A Brief Biography of Hakan Mengüç

Hakan Mengüç is a distinguished Turkish writer, speaker, and columnist known for his insightful reflections on spirituality, personal growth, and the interconnectedness of life’s events. With a background that spans various fields, Mengüç has established himself as a voice of wisdom and inspiration in the literary world. His works often explore the depth of human emotions, the spiritual journey of individuals, and the serendipitous nature of life’s path. Mengüç’s writing not only challenges readers to look beyond the surface of their experiences but also encourages a deeper understanding of the self and the universe. Through his books, Mengüç continues to touch the hearts and minds of readers, fostering a space for introspection and the discovery of life’s hidden treasures.

The idea that no encounter in our lives is coincidental invites us to a journey of deep self-awareness and personal development. The concept of “No Encounter is by Chance” represents an effort to understand the complex fabric of life. It suggests that the people we meet and the events we experience in our lives carry meaningful lessons that shape, teach, and grow us.

To deeply understand ourselves and our surroundings, accepting that every person and event entering our lives has a purpose offers us a rich perspective. This means that even encounters that seem coincidental are actually opportunities for learning necessary for our personal growth. Like a hidden supportive hand from the universe, people and experiences that appear in our lives at certain moments guide us on our inner journey.

Every encounter is an opportunity to better understand ourselves, realize our potential, and find our place in the flow of life. This understanding helps us develop a more open-minded and accepting attitude towards life. Instead of resisting problems and challenges, we can see them as a natural part of our personal development.

The philosophy of “No Encounter is by Chance” teaches us to seek deep meanings even in the ordinary moments of life. It encourages us to appreciate the beauty of the moment and the potential that every new encounter brings, making the most of the endless possibilities life offers. With this mindset, we can see every day as a valuable step in our journey of self-discovery and growth.

Şubat 1, 2024

The Journey of Love in Sufism: A Deep Dive into the Heart

The Journey of Love in Sufism: A Deep Dive into the Heart

For centuries, Sufism has served as a mystical path guiding people in purifying their souls and achieving inner peace. At the heart of this mystical journey lies ‘love’. In Sufi tradition, love is much more than just an emotion or a bond between people; it is the essence of existence and the foundation of the human connection with the divine. In this article, we will explore the understanding of love in Sufism and how this mystical path reaches the depths of the heart.

1. The Definition of Love in Sufism:
In Sufism, love signifies a universal consciousness and spiritual awakening. For instance, the Sufi thinker Ibn Arabi describes love as “the heart of existence.” According to him, love is a cosmic energy that resides at the core of everything and connects all creation. In Ibn Arabi’s philosophy, relinquishing one’s ego and surrendering to this universal love is the key to true knowledge and peace.

2. Love in Sufi Poetry:
Jalaluddin Rumi’s poem “The Dance of Love” perfectly reflects the power of love in the Sufi understanding. Rumi portrays love as a force that liberates the human soul from its limitations and invites it to dance in a sea of divine love. The poem emphasizes the importance of transcending individual love to attain an awareness of universal and divine love.

3. Love and Union with the Divine:
For those following the Sufi path, love is central to the union with the divine. This concept is embodied in Mansur Al-Hallaj’s statement, “I am the Truth.” This means that Mansur saw himself as a complete part of the divine existence, transcending the limits of his individual self. For Hallaj, love meant transcending one’s ego boundaries to achieve complete union with the divine.

In Sufism, love is not just an emotion but also a journey. This journey takes us from our inner world to a deeper understanding of universal consciousness and existence. The concept of love in the Sufi tradition carries an inspiring message not only for Sufi thinkers and poets but for all humanity: Love is the key not only to our connections with each other but also to our bond with the entire universe.

Mart 29, 2023

Sufism: The Path of Inner Quest

Origin and history of Sufism

Sufism began with a woman named Rabia and spread throughout the Muslim world. It drew inspiration from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the sayings and practices of the early Islamic mystics. Over time, Sufism developed its own unique practices, beliefs, and rituals, which vary from region to region.

The essence of Sufism

At the heart of Sufism is the concept of tawhid, which means the oneness of God. Sufis believe that God is present in all things and that by turning inward, they can connect with the divine presence within themselves. They seek to attain a state of spiritual purity, known as fana, in which the ego is dissolved, and the individual becomes one with God.

Practices and beliefs of Sufism

Sufism is characterized by a variety of practices, including the recitation of poetry, music, and dance, which are used as tools for meditation and contemplation. Sufis also engage in a variety of devotional practices, such as fasting, charity, and pilgrimage. Sufis believe in the importance of spiritual guidance from a master or teacher, known as a sheikh or murshid.

Conclusion

In a world full of materialism and superficiality, Sufism provides a path towards inner peace and spiritual enlightenment. Its emphasis on the inward search for God and the dissolution of the ego is a powerful antidote to the stresses and pressures of modern life. By following the teachings and practices of the Sufi masters, individuals can connect with the divine presence within themselves and experience the joy and beauty of a life lived in harmony with the divine.

Aralık 10, 2022

The philosophy of water

The philosophy of water …

“Then let me tell you the answer,” I replied and revealed it with a little story:

The nature of water manifests a philosophy. Think about water coming down from a mountain. It takes the path of least resistance. If there is a rock in the way, the water will not struggle with it. It continues to flow around that rock instead. Inspired by this phenomenon of nature, Sufis say, “Do not deal with anyone who would obstruct your path. If you do, you will be stuck at the same place. Find another way to reach your destination.”

Let’s presume that after coming down from the mountain, the water comes to a path that does not allow for it to go around the rock. In this case, the water accumulates and crosses over; or it gradually builds up its pressure, weakens the rock mass, and breaks down the rock. The nature of water shows that even what seems impossible can be achieved, and this requires patience and perserverance.

After the water goes through the rock, it continues on its course again. It is cleaned as it flows further. Occasionally, we see puddles form on the streamside. Water that does not flow becomes cloudy and muddy. That’s why Sufis say, “You must flow like water. You should renew and start your day with a clean slate. Do not fall into the same routine and do not think about the past. Move on, keep flowing and learning new things today.”

Water is not afraid of changes. It can tell you how changes come in many beautiful forms. It transforms into rain, snow, ice, and steam. Then the steam rises into the sky, and descends to the ground again as rain.

Water is adaptable; it has no definite shape. When you put water into a container, it turns into the shape of whatever it occupies. Even though it constantly adapts, its nature never changes. Those who are in harmony with nature always survive because they go with the flow which enhances their potential to grow. Being flexible means less likely to break when strong forces are encountered. Those who resist change are like stiff trees that do not bend with the wind when the storms beat down on them. On the other hand, palm trees, seedlings, and grass survive the storm because they bend in the wind.

Water becomes a stream and all streams eventually split into a number of streamlets and flow into the sea. This analogy means doing your best when life breaks you into pieces. We should learn to accept ourselves at all stages in life. Even if we are in pieces, ultimately we will find a way to be whole again as long as we are like water. As they say, “Water flows and finds its own way.” If you live like water, you will flow and find your way. The pattern of water is the pattern of life.

“This is why Sufis repeat this quote to each other, ‘Be like the water, my friend.’”

(from Hakan Mengüç // No Encounter is By Chance)

Ekim 10, 2022

Sufi Story

The story of pilgrimage of Bayezid-i Bestami

“Bayezid-i Bestami has a famous story. While tutoring his students one day, the squire of the village came over to him and asked with a sarcastic tone in his voice, ‘Aren’t you going on a pilgrimage this year?’ No one answered him, so the squire kept talking, ‘I’m going on pilgrimage for the fifth time,’ he said, wanting to brag and show his superiority. ‘Shall I bring something for you from there?’ he asked in a mocking tone. ‘Why are you going on a pilgrimage?’ asked Bayezid-i Bestami. ‘It is the same thing, even if you have done it seven more times.’

The squire became very angry. “Mister,” he said, raising his voice.

“Do you know what you’re talking about? This is blasphemy.”

Bayezid-i Bestami responded to the squire in a very calm manner. “Ever since that building was established, Allah hasn’t been inside it even once. Allah has never come out of this poor person’s heart.” “Very nice. What a beautiful story,” Azra said, sighing deeply. Her previous exasperation had cooled down.

“Hacı Bektaş Veli summarized this story in a wonderful quatrain. It goes like this.”

The redness is on the fire, not on the plate.
The dervish is in the head, not in the crown. Whatever you look for, look at yourself
Not in Jerusalem, not in Mecca, not in pilgrimage.

(from Hakan Mengüç // No Encounter is By Chance)

Eylül 10, 2022

5 sufi principles

5 Sufi Principles

1. No encounter is by chance in this world that is full of great adventures. Everyone we meet teaches us something.

2. If you start with a pure intent to understand and learn, if you put down your arrogance, you will surely be ready when you encounter wise people who will teach you what you need to know.

3. Each journey has its own challenges. However, the difficulties and obstacles waiting ahead are not designed to weaken you. Their purpose is to educate and mature you.

4. Every living creature, every human being comes to this world with a purpose. Everyone discovers their own purpose as they live through each day. Therefore, when one learns to read and follow the signs, it will lead them to their goal. Reading life begins with knowing the first word of the Qur’an: Read!*

5. Never forget this…completion is not extinction. On the contrary, even death is not an end but a new beginning. The end of something in life is always conducive to the beginning of something better. As long as you go with the flow and stay calm.*

* The first word revealed from Allah upon the Prophet PBUH was Iqra› /Read

From Hakan Menguc’s book “No encounter by chance”

Ağustos 10, 2022

No encounter is by chance.

No encounter is by chance

Fate does not give up on people. We are the decision-makers, the ones who shape our own fate. As one looks back, they may notice experiences where they do things they thought they would never do, put up with things they said they would never tolerate, or even fall in love with someone they thought they would never love. We might have been in situations where we thought we could not leave, but instead were able to walk away from; we might have days we felt like dying but still lived through that day and into the next. With every challenge overcome, we come closer to understanding our inner self.

The encounters you run into are the weavers of your fate. Some people may come into your life unexpectedly while others drift away. One minute you wonder “What is this about?”, and the next minute you find yourself in a perfect story.

You are a passenger in your own story. Everywhere you go and everyone you love is a part of you. In other words, with every aspect in life, you can discover another piece of yourself. You may come to realise that this road is full of challenges.; however, all these obstacles in life actually serves you. In this universe, not a single leaf moves without a reason, even the wind has something to whisper. As long as your heart is willing to stay awake and receptive, you will never cease to grow. Don’t ever think “I am perfect” at any moment because that prevents you from improving. Living is about learning and adapting. To say “I am perfect” would also mean that “There’s nothing for me to live for”.

Hakan Menguc

Temmuz 27, 2022

Hakan Menguc’s philosophy

Hakan Menguc’s philosophy of life

While explaining his philosophy of life built on hopefulness and sharing hope, he says: “Hopefulness is not a pure optimism. It is not to ignore the tragedy that humanity faces. Hope means seeing every possibility and doing your best for good rather than sitting at your house and cursing evil.”

Hakan Mengüç argues that it is enough for even one person to believe in the continuity of hope on earth. “Moreover, this person can be you,” he says. “Then, you will continue to expand to become another “you” and another “you” and turn into “we”.

That is why Hakan Mengüç has adopted the idea of “Burn a candle instead of swearing in the darkness…” And as his teachers suggest, the young writer, who aspires to make efforts to enlighten others with the candle he lights, wishes to encourage others to light new candles on this path.

As Rumi said: “When a candle ignites another candle, it does not lose anything from its own light. On the contrary, it leads to the enlightenment of the darkness. ”

“Hakan Menguc is one of the pioneers of the Sufi philosophy in the 21st century“
Serhat akpınar, Founding President of Girne American University