But when you’re asked what
you believe in, what religion you practice, do not say ‘I believe
in Sufism’ because this limits the true nature of Sufism. Sufism
is much more than an ism or philosophy. Intellectually you may talk
about it or write about it, but it is a way of practice – a way
of living. It cannot be coloured in the way that you might claim to
be Christian, Muslim or Buddhist because Sufism is all of them and yet
belongs to none of them.
What you actually gain in the Sufi
way is your self-realisation and more; it’s simple to say but
hard to do. You are concentrating to become aware of your inner self.
You cannot focus on your inner side without first developing your concentration.
For example, until you experience yoga or T’ai-Chi you won’t
know that certain parts of your body exist. Though you live in your
body you are not living with it, so busy with daily life in the outside
world.
Once you start looking at your inner self, you realise that you have
ignored and neglected your inner side; but it has always been there.
This inner self is in need of attention because it exists so that you
as a person may fully experience your life.
