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Question: In Sufism, the
practice of tasawur-e-shaykh (contemplation of the shaykh) holds profound
significance. What spiritual transformations does this practice bring to the
devotee? Elaborate within the framework of Sufi thought.
Answer: In Sufism, when one
contemplates their shaykh, the spiritual waves emanating from the shaykh begin
to flow into the mind of the devotee. As this contemplation deepens, the
transmission of these waves increases proportionally. The devotee's intent is
paramount, for it is through the purity of intention that the desired spiritual
connection is established. By contemplating their shaykh, the devotee seeks to
attain the divine knowledge and awareness that their shaykh possesses,
particularly the knowledge that unveils Allah the Almighty. This intent sets
the foundation for the entire practice. Through this spiritual alignment, the
divine energy and awareness within the shaykh gradually transfer to the
devotee. Initially, this process purifies the mind, clearing it of doubts and
uncertainties. As the mind becomes transparent and receptive, it begins to
reflect the divine knowledge like a polished mirror. The devotee eventually
transcends the boundaries of ordinary perception, entering a state where divine
realities become accessible. This journey is encapsulated in the sacred saying:
"You see through My vision, hear through My hearing, and think through My
heart." The devotee, through the practice of tasawur-e-shaykh, progresses
to this elevated state of perception, aligning entirely with divine
consciousness.
Before engaging in muraqabah (meditative
contemplation), certain conditions must be met. The mind should be free from
scattered and distracting thoughts. The posture should be such that neither the
body nor the nerves feel any strain. The environment should resemble the
conditions conducive to sleep—dimly lit and free from noise or disturbances. In
this tranquil setting, one should sit comfortably and begin by taking slow,
deep breaths. Allow the air to fill the chest and gently exhale through the
mouth without straining. This process brings the mind closer to stillness and
inner focus. When the mind reaches this state of calm, one should engage in
tasawur-e-shaykh (contemplation of the shaykh). However, this does not mean
visualizing the shaykh’s physical form, imagining their features, or picturing
their presence before you. If the mind becomes occupied with such imagery, it
remains distracted and does not achieve true focus. Instead, the essence of
tasawur-e-shaykh lies in mentally directing oneself toward the shaykh without
visual or descriptive interference. It is a state of mental detachment, akin to
becoming oblivious to the external world, while fully immersing oneself in the
spiritual connection with the shaykh's inner reality.
Khwaja Shamsuddin Azeemi
Dedication
"The heart is the abode of God. Within this sacred
place, I have glimpsed the Azeemi Galaxy. I now entrust this divine document,
containing the knowledge of God, to the radiant stars of the Magnificent
Galaxies, so they may illuminate their hearts with this divine light."
