Just some thoughts on The Path and Love

If I knew how painful Love is
I would have stood at the entrance of the lane of love
I would have proclaimed with the beat of a drum:
Keep, Keep away, keep away!
It is not a throughfare, There is only one way in
Once entered, I am helpless, I stay here…
But you who are outside ; look out!
Think before entering; how painful it is
Full of Sorrow to Walk the Lane of Love

One of the symbols of initiation in many traditions is either  white clothe or some sort of white garb. There is a certain meaning of this symbol of white cloth. it is representative of the white clothe placed on the body of the dead. When we enter the path we are surrendering ourselves. It is hoped that the outward act re-affirms the inward act of putting ourselves in God‘s hand  as if we were a dead body.

It sounds nice and beautiful to read these words, but there is a reality that goes with this that is suffering itself. I think in our culture we throw around the word love so much, we have lost the taste for its more subtle manifestation and many of its other hidden dimensions. I feel that until we come to a point of surrender we are on the road of intent following what we think we need to bring us to where we want to be. I am reminded of Abu Said succinct words:

Whoever believes he can reach God through his own efforts toils in vain; whoever believes he can reach God without effort is merely a traveler on the road of intent.” – Abu Said al-Kharrâz

In surrendering completely we are able to walk with His feet in His District. Whenever this moment of surrender happens we will be sure to feel it because it is ultimately the Higher Self thats surrenders it has a unique feel energy felt throughout one’s whole being.

From what I have seen , I don’t feel that the real spiritual path start until the ego/the nafs/ has been put under the control of Love. I don’t mean again this Hallmark/Family Channel sense of Love.  In Persian the term used by Sufis for love is ishq which comes from the word ashaqah which is  type of vine that winds it self around a tree and the tree withers up and dies.

Without a doubt there is much beauty in many spiritual works of art, and it is easy to get attached to the feelings of joy, wonder and awe they bring up in us. The reality behind them, and how they are used are an entire different thing.

Whatever you have in your mind – forget it;
Whatever you have in your hand – give it;
Whatever is to be your fate – face it!   – Abu Said

Just some thoughts

Dave

Tags: God, Sufism