There are different directions of spiritual perfection and Sufism is referred to them. It is used to cope with problems, reveal potential and better understand oneself. There are different practices that help to change not only internally, but also externally.
What is Sufism?
The mystical direction in Islam, which preaches asceticism and increased spirituality, is called Sufism. It is used to purify the soul from the negative and to acquire the right mental qualities. Sufism - this is a difficult direction for understanding, so without the help of a spiritual mentor (murshid) at the first stages can not do. Everything that contradicts the Shari'ah can not be considered Sufism.
Philosophy of Sufism
The name of this direction in Persian means that there is no difference between a person and the surrounding world. Modern Sufism is based on the philosophy inherent from the very beginning of creation.
- To live the present, you do not need to remember the past and look to the future, most importantly, to appreciate the moments and not to worry about what will happen in an hour or a day.
- Sufis exist everywhere and the more a person is closer to God, the more he dissolves in him and becomes All.
- Sufism is transmitted from heart to heart, as something magical.
- God is not a person, and he exists everywhere.
Psychology of Sufism
At the first stages of the formation of this trend, one of the main ideas was the purification of the soul through the practice of poverty and repentance, so the Sufis wanted to approach the Supreme. The principles of Sufism are based on the creation of a perfect person who is free from his Ego, and fusion with Divine truth. The main directions of this practice help to improve the spiritual world , get rid of material dependence and serve God. It is imperative that the principles of this current rely on the teachings of the Quran and follow the ideas of the Prophet Muhammad.
Esoteric Sufism
People who have decided to take the path of knowing God should not lead a detached and ascetic life, since the Sufis believe that worldly life is the best chance to learn and change oneself. At the heart of the current represented is divine love, which is seen as the only energy and power that can lead to God. The mysticism of Sufism includes several stages for its cognition.
- First, the development of emotional and cordial love, to everything light on earth.
- The next stage involves sacrificial service to people, that is, one must be engaged in charity, helping people without demanding anything in return.
- There is an understanding that God exists in everything, and not only in good things, but also in bad things. At this stage, the person should stop dividing the world into black and white.
- In the end of its formation, esoteric Sufism implies the direction of all existing love for God.
Sufism - Pros and Cons
Already more than one ten years with such concept as "Sufism" there is a lot of disputes connected. Many believe that such a direction is a sect and people who enter it are in danger. Opinion against has arisen and due to the fact that this religious line includes many atheists and charlatans who distort information. The truth about Sufism is a topic that interests many scientists, which led to the emergence of many theories and books. For example, there is a well-known book "The Truth About Sufism", in which one can find answers to important questions and learn about existing myths.
How to start studying Sufism?
To understand the basics of this trend and get the first knowledge, it is necessary to find a teacher who will be the link. He can be called a leader, a feast, a murshid or an arif. Sufism of newcomers (followers) calls the Murid. One of the important stages is the disappearance in the master, which implies the perfection of devotion. As a result, the student discovers that in everything around him he sees only his mentor.
In the initial stages, the teacher offers muridam different practices for developing concentration, stopping thoughts and so on. Finding out where to start Sufism, it should be noted that training directly depends on the individual characteristics of each newcomer. In different fraternities, the number of stages for entering religion is different, but among them there are four main ones:
- Sharia . It means the literal fulfillment of the laws described in the Quran and the Sunnah.
- Tarikat . The stage is based on the mastering of a number of stages, which are called maqam. The main include: repentance, circumspection, forbearance, poverty, patience, trust in God and obedience. Tariqat uses a method of thinking about death and intense intellectual work. In conclusion, Murid experiences an inexplicable and strong desire to achieve unity with God.
- Marefat . There is further training and improvement of knowledge and love for God. Having reached this stage, the Sufi already understands the multidimensionality of space, the insignificance of material values and has an experience of communicating with the Almighty.
- Khakikat . The highest stage of spiritual ascent, when a person worships God, as if he is in front of him. There is a concentration on the gaze and observation of the Creator.
Sufi practices for women and women's power
The techniques used in Sufism, original and original, give a chance to purify and open the heart, to feel the joy of communicating with the world, God and myself. In addition, a person acquires serenity, confidence and harmony. Sufi practices of female power are ancient, and it is recommended to practice them under the guidance of an experienced mentor, since you need to know and understand their essence. In addition, certain actions must be taken at a certain time.
Meditations, different body movements, breathing exercises , all this helps to get better, get rid of excess weight and negativity. Sufi practices represent whole systems, so doing a couple of exercises will not be enough. It is equally important to take into account age restrictions. Ancient Sufi practices not only arouse divine energy, but also teach one to use it independently.
Sufi practices of Dashi
The winner of the season of the famous show "Battle of psychics" Swami Dashi practices Sufism. He conducts various seminars and seminars, where he helps people get rid of the negative and change their lives . He bases his practice on sound, breathing and movement. The Sufi exercises offered to them help to remove emotional, mental and physical blocks. Known some practices used by Dashi:
- Dynamic meditations. Active and intense monotonous movements help to achieve relaxation and unity of the soul, body and spirit.
- Sufi circles and dhikrs are used to go into trance.
- Carefree walking with meditation and running on the spot helps to go beyond the possible.
Sufi practice of dhikr
Multiple repetition of the sacred text, deep meditation is called zikra. This practice has its own characteristics and uses different movements for it: prayer postures, circling, wiggling, vibration and so on. The basis of dhikr is the Quran. Sufi energy practice helps to cope with the negative and get a positive charge. The technique of breathing , singing and silence is used. Variants and modifications of dhikr are different depending on the brotherhood or the order where they are held. In groups, dhikr is performed as follows:
- Participants become or sit in a circle.
- The head gives meditative tuning.
- According to his instructions, all perform certain exercises, which are replaced one after another. They are rhythmic movements that perform at a fast-paced pace.
- During this time, participants make prayer formulas.
Sufi Dances
One of the most famous practices of Sufism is dancing with a skirt, which help to approach God. They are performed by dervishes accompanied by drums and flute. Skirts, put on one another, work on the principle of the mandala and during the unwinding they strengthen the impact of energy on dancing people and watching. It is worth saying that for the performance of the dance, a monk must have a strict life for three years and be in a monastery. Such Sufi practices can be carried out independently, but then it is necessary to circle with your eyes open. There are features of such practices.
- Before the start of the whirling, the dervish makes cotton and stomps with his foot, which is necessary to scare away the Shaytaan.
- Of great importance is the bow, as well as putting a hand on the chest, which is a welcome.
- Among all the dancers there is the main dervishes, symbolizing the Sun.
- During the dance, one hand must be raised, and the other should be lowered. Due to this there is a connection with the Cosmos and the earth.
- The spinning takes place for a long time, due to which the dervishes enter into trance, thus connecting with God.
- During the dance the dervishes show their attitude to life.
Sufi practices for weight loss
Adherents of the presented religious trend argue that all the problems of people, like illness or excess weight, are associated with negative emotions and misunderstanding of their purpose in life. Sufi practices for women, including different exercises, teach to control vital energy. In addition, this current teaches us how to properly eat, think and act. Cope with excess weight as a result of cleansing your soul and becoming on the right path. All meditations, Sufi breathing practices, dances and other options will be appropriate for losing weight.
Sufism and Christianity
Many are interested in the question of how the church relates to such religious trends. There is no such thing as Christian Sufism, but there is much in common between these concepts, for example, the idea of purifying the soul through the practice of repentance and the primacy of the spiritual component. The church argues that Christianity does not accept mysticism, like pagan rituals or religious currents, so in their opinion, Sufi practices from the devil and use them can not.