Sufism

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Sufism is an Islamic mystical movement originating in Persia in the seventh century AD as a reaction against what the Sufis perceived as the increasing worldliness and rigidity of orthodox Islam. The orthodox rejected them at first, but today Sufi orders are fully accepted among the majority Islamic groups.

It is difficult to define clearly the distinction between Sufism and Islam, as both are contained within each other. In a way Sufism is at the heart of Islam. The Sufis aim to remain true and pure in the following of the teachings of Islam but to concentrate particularly on the idea of inner awakening, and to explore consciousness through the understanding of the relationship between the inner and outer life.

Shaykh Fadhlella Haeri describes the key to Sufism as 'that of inner awakening, freedom and joy through recognition of outer restriction by choice and discrimination'. The practices of genuine Sufis result in outer discipline and inner openings and delights.

In common with most mystical traditions, the aim of the Sufi is direct experience of, and ultimately union with, God or Allah. This is achieved through ascetic practices and, more importantly, through love, both of God and of other people. Sufism has been called 'the religion of the heart', as it centres on purity of heart and feeling, relying on a largely devotional approach with the emphasis on intuition and emotion. There is no religious dogma in Sufism, nor any rigidly structured philosophical system that defines its beliefs.

Sufism stresses the ideal of equilibrium and wholeness, both in the self and in the universe. The Sufis see that the human being is potentially a microcosm of the balanced unity of the universe. The idea is not to retreat from the world by looking inwards, but to bring one's own vision and insight into the world. By gaining knowledge of God, the devotee becomes in turn a channel through which God's knowledge can act in the world.

The Sufis have always used many different methods and techniques to develop consciousness. Their practices include contemplative meditation, breathing exercises, music, visualization and controlled movement. Meditation techniques can include repetitive mantras, such as 'La ilaha illa'llah', meaning 'There is no god but Allah'. The Sufi repeats this phrase until his or her mind is free from thought.

Sufism draws several analogies from the practising of medicine. Indeed, Sufi prophets and spiritual masters are considered to be the physicians of the soul. In fact, many Sufi masters do themselves practise medicine in order to be able to treat themselves and their immediate followers. The physical body must be in a state of calm and equilibrium in order to experience inner stillness.

Sufis are constantly striving towards harmony and right action, facilitating healing of the heart through purity and calm. The main purpose of life is seen to be awake fully, to learn the disciplines of abandonment and submission, and to discover the common uniting force behind everything.

The Sufi aims to reach the peak of his or her self, overcoming the obstacles of mind and the intellect, to become spontaneously aware of 'beingness'. Each Sufi order develops its own techniques in reaching the heights of the self. Like Buddhism, Sufism enables each individual to go on a personal journey in order to arrive at his or her own particular understanding of reality.

Obviously, becoming a follower of Sufism means fully embracing the teachings of Islam and the Koran, but there are many interesting lessons that the western spiritual traveller can learn from the study of this religion.