Sufism is not a religion or a philosophy, it is neither deism nor atheism, nor is it a moral, nor a special kind of mysticism, being free from the usual religious sectarianism. If ever it could be called a religion, it would only be as a religion of love, harmony, and beauty.
Every man's path is for himself; let him accomplish his own desires that he may thus be able to rise above them to the eternal goal.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Each individual should follow their own journey and fulfill their desires to achieve higher fulfillment.
The quote emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy and self-discovery. Hazrat Inayat Khan suggests that every person has a unique path and purpose in life, and by pursuing their own desires and ambitions, they can transcend those desires to reach a greater, more profound existence beyond mere materialism. It encourages individuals to recognize their journey as a meaningful part of their personal growth and spiritual development.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about personal development, one could cite this quote to encourage individuals to embrace their unique journeys.
More from Hazrat Inayat Khan
All quotes βI had composed songs, I sang, and played the vina. Practising this music I arrived at a stage where I touched the music of the spheres. Then every soul became a musical note, and all life became music. Inspired by it I spoke to the people, and those who were attracted by my words listened to them instead of listening to my songs.
Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful.
What science cannot declare, art can suggest; what art suggests silently, poetry speaks aloud; but what poetry fails to explain in words, music can express. _x000D_ Whoever knows the mystery of vibrations indeed knows all things.
Atmosphere is a silent music. It has its effect upon the listener, exciting or peaceful, whatever it may be.
What makes us feel drawn to music is that our whole being is music: our mind and body, the nature in which we live, the nature which has made us, all that is beneath and around us, it is all music.
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Between history and the eternal I have chosen history because I like certainties. Of it, at least, I am certain, and how can I deny this force crushing me.
A light here required a shadow there.
We wait. We are bored. (He throws up his hand.) No, don't protest, we are bored to death, there's no denying it. Good. A diversion comes along and what do we do? We let it go to waste. Come, let's get to work! (He advances towards the heap, stops in his stride.) In an instant all will vanish and we'll be alone more, in the midst of nothingness!
The recipe for beauty is to have less illusion and more Soul, to retreat from the belief of pain or pleasure in the body into the unchanging calm and glorious freedom of spiritual harmony.