Cognize

Nikon D40 28-70 F/2.8 Tokina

What do the others think about me? Well, I have recently found out that many times, putting myself in other peoples' places, I can analyze me from outside, objectively. Going further, to my emotional intelligence...what should I say? I believe I have some work to do in this area. Although I am aware of my emotions and feelings, I perceive them, it is rather hard to asses, control or manage them at times. I am a rather impulse-driven person, but I believe I have made considerable progress in this area. A question that pops in my mind now and then. Do I know myself? To tell you the truth, I don’t. Or is it this more serious side? Or maybe both? I have absolutely no idea. I just know that my thoughts, my actions all depend on what I feel. Another fool guided by heart you would say.... but I am learning.

Leading to some books I was reading recently (thanks Foozi)- on what is the essence of the teachings of the Prophets, how is it related to Sufism, and what is its relevance for today? If we look objectively and with sincerity at the lives and teachings of the Holy Prophets, it will be very clear that their lives were devoted to announcing, and sharing with others, their unique discovery. The method through which they had arrived at their discovery was not because of what others had said before them, or because they feared or trusted someone. Instead, they had an innate unquenchable urge to "know" which could not be satisfied except through personal experiences.

Mohammad gave directives as to how one can cognize one’s true self. He said,

"Whoever cognized his true self has cognized God."

In essence, this is what the message of all Prophets has been through time: Know yourself. Know the "being" who is everlasting and not restricted to the body, to desires, and all the action and reaction that takes place continuously. The Prophets are not addressing the elements that make up the various organs including the brain, the memory and the senses. They are not addressing the behaviors learned through the various socialization processes. They are addressing the "being" who has existed ever since the baby was born, and continued to be constant through out the changes that the child underwent until it reached adulthood. Everything changed –the body, ideas, ideals, thoughts, goals, et.—but the "being" called "I" always remained constant.

Sufism is a discipline, a method and a way that teaches humans how to discover and unfold their true self, the "I". Know the "being" who is your true identity, the source of your becoming, the source of knowledge, so you may live in peace and balance. Sufism is the method through which the Prophets attained the cognition of God, and their true self.

Wallahualam.