Dying Before You Die, Etc.

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Transcript

Dying Before You Die, etc.
shaykh ibrahim ansari

Questions 

1. When Sufis talk about dying before you die, is this an intention one should hold in one's awareness to the best of their ability? Or does this happen organically as we develop and mature? Or is it both?

2. Also, on reflecting on the four stations of Sharia, Tariqa, Haqiqa and Marifa – is this generally a linear progression from one to another? 

Answers

1. First, as we have mentioned many times, Sufism is not a religion. It is difficult to define (upsetting any Wikipedia or academic discussions) because it depends on the qualities of each person, and what is required for that person to learn regarding time, place and context.

’Dying before you die’ refers to assessing and, if necessary, eliminating the programming of your culture, family, adaptations and reactions accrued over one’s life. 

It is unique to each of us how we go about this work. Perhaps for some it is like breathing: inner work (like therapy, Zikr, concentrated reflecting), and then employment in the world (Adab, Rabita, Grounding). Finding one’s rhythm and balance is part of learning about our Self.

This is the ongoing discovery of Who Am I? 

Therefore, it is an organic progression as we learn about what is truly us and what is not us. As our Pir Abdul Qadir Geylani discovered, no one ever truly is rid of their nafs. We can get better, though, at dealing with them as new attachments arise.

The more persistent nafs take longer to witness and deal with. They will burn out with commitment and dedication eventually. Then I recommend a lovely catered funeral for that dead self. 

2. Regarding the four stations of Sharia (the Laws), Tariqa (the Support system), Haqqiqa and Maarifa - again, it will be different for each person. However, my experience is that the first two need to be deeply understood before the idea of Haqqiqa, (the Nature of Reality), can be begun to be comprehended. 

Maarifa, (the Wisdom of the Prophet) does not come easily or in leaps. It arrives step by step, gained with experience, reflection, understanding and knowledge.

Again, it is important to understand that any growth must be sustainable by having deep roots, and allowing for time, experience and trust to develop. Nothing on the Sufi path happens instantaneously. Everything must grow in its own time and manner.

Anything gained quickly can be lost just as quickly. Contemplate the trees.

Wisdom is the scent of the rose on the breeze.