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The Consciousness of Unity By Amineh Amelia Pryor

In Sufism, as has been stated, the goal for life is to become conscious in every moment. As in some other disciplines or on other spiritual paths, attachment to the goal may be a distraction from full awareness. However, in Sufism, it is clear from the beginning what the goal is. In this way, we have a standard by which to live and a way to determine, by the knowledge of a teacher, if we are moving toward the intended goal. This goal of consciousness includes awareness in every movement and every breath. The awareness is transcendent and beyond any limitation or separation. The limitations are also referred to as illusions, in Sufism. Seeing a part of something is an illusion in contrast to seeing the whole. Attraction to, or the distraction of the physical realm and its possessions is one of the limitations of human nature. However, because of the rule of balance, the Sufi does not practice extended seclusion or mortification. These practices may be considered distractions or limitations at the other extreme rather than attraction to the world.

Dr. Mohammad Shafii writes: “The Sufis feel that it is an illusion to see human beings as different and separate from nature and the universe. Distortion of values and preoccupation with having and possessing rather than with living and being is also an illusion. Hoarding, possessing, dividing, fragmenting, and destroying are related to these illusionary perceptions. As long as we are blinded by illusions, we can only experience a part, but not the whole, of reality.”

The journey of Sufism is a return to the origin. A return to the level of knowledge that existed before physical form was manifested and still exists beyond the physical realms. The practice on this path includes focusing all the scattered energy within one point, within the heart. Through this concentration and awareness we may remember the source of creation within the center of Being.

Hadrat Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani describes this journey and its goal: “Man, in accordance with general laws, by following certain steps can return to his origin. To take these steps, he follows the evident ordinances of our religion as a guide; following them, he advances. Rising from level to level he may reach the stage of the spiritual path, passing into the realm of wisdom. That is a very high state. The Prophet (phuh) praises this state, saying, ‘There is a state in which all and everything is gathered - and it is the divine wisdom.’ “These are the general rules which apply to the material being of man. Then there is the spiritual being of man, or the spiritual man, who is called the pure man. His goal is closeness to Allah. The only way to this end is the knowledge of truth (haqiqa). In the first-created realm of the absolute being of oneness, this knowledge is called Unity.

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