The concept of the “Self” lies at the core of many spiritual and philosophical traditions. It is often described as the most fundamental aspect of our being, the true essence of who we are. However, the Self is not something we can easily grasp through our usual means of understanding, like thought, perception, or intellect. It transcends our physical, mental, and emotional experiences, yet it is ever-present and underlies all of them. In this chapter, we will explore what the Self is, how it differs from the ego or personality, and why understanding the Self is key to realizing true reality. The Self as Pure Consciousness At its essence, the Self is pure consciousness. It is the awareness that observes all experiences, but it is not limited by or attached to those experiences. It is the unchanging witness of all that arises in life—the thoughts, emotions, sensations, and perceptions we experience daily. To grasp this concept, think about a movie screen. The screen remains ...
In
Sufism, the spiritual path is 𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚
𝙤𝙛 𝙂𝙤𝙙. Sufis believe that by developing a deep, personal
relationship with God, one can attain a state of spiritual enlightenment
and union with the divine. This concept is known as "fana" in Sufism,
where the individual ego is dissolved into the divine, and the
individual becomes one with the all-encompassing reality of God.
The
centering model of loving God in Sufism involves a range of practices,
such as meditation, self-reflection, and devotion to God, to help
individuals cultivate a strong connection with the divine. Sufis also
value living a life of service and compassion, as they believe that
these actions bring them closer to God and help to purify their souls.
Sufism
emphasizes the importance of a direct, personal experience of God,
rather than relying solely on religious doctrine and rituals. Through
this model, Sufis seek to deepen their connection with God and attain a
state of divine love and union.