The Beautiful Teachings of Sufism and the Sufi Saints
Sufism has produced some of the most profound writers and teachers in our planet’s history. The writings of Rumi and Hafiz have opened more hearts than most religions can claim throughout their existence. Sufism opens hearts and clears the pathways to the sweetest depths of the divine.
Sufism, or Tasawwuf, the mystical arm of Islam, is practiced in a variety of forms by millions of people around the world. The root, Sufi, means “pure.” Students and practitioners of Sufism are known as Sufis and believe themselves to be the “people of true beingness.”
“Wherever you are, and whatever you do, be in love.”
– Rumi
While traditional Islamic and Sufi scholars will defend Sufism’s connection to Islam, many practitioners of its tenets do not identify as Muslim. They identify as open, forgiving, explorative, poetic and eternal lovers of the divine. It is in this way that Sufism might be considered distinct from Islam.
Sufism teaches us about the inward and deepest dimensions of the Self and how life is lived. It is characterized by beautiful rituals, dances, practices, values, and doctrines that were initiated long ago. The source of Sufi doctrine and meditations were born from manuals, treatises, discourses and poetry between the 8th and 10th centuries. Â
While modern psychology focuses on the personality, esoteric traditions like Sufism focus on the unknowable eternal aspect within each of us, the eternal Self that is in harmony with all that exists and all that has ever existed. It is in this way that Sufism cannot be categorized as an organization or solely Islamic. In fact, Sufism is not limited to any religion, historical period, culture, society, or language. The tenets of Sufism are born from the essence of the world’s purest teachings.
“Let him who seeks continue seeking until he finds. When he finds, he will become troubled. When he becomes troubled, he will be astonished, and he will rule over the All.”
— Jesus
One of the loveliest Sufi tenets is “God is the Lover and the Beloved.” Through this phrase, we can see that the most loving Sufis seek submersion in the bosom of the Divine Creator, thereby dissolving into their most Beloved.
While traditional Sufis belong to organizations referred to as an order or turuq, many modern Sufis gather and practice in casual and community groups or practice alone. The most traditional Sufi gatherings are formed under a Wali or grandmaster. An authentic Wali’s training can be traced through a direct line of successive Walis all the way back to the Islamic prophet, Muhammad.
Traditional Sufi orders strive for perfection in worship and refer to Muhammad as the perfect man or the one who exemplifies the ultimate divine morality. The more casual lovers of Sufism, which is popular today, are focused on the divine, eternal consciousness, rather than Muhammad and the traditional teachings of Islam.
“Awake, dear one, awake!
At long last, open your eyes.
Awake! Abandon your sleep of illusion.
It is foolish to sleep all the time.”
— Swami Muktananda
While it sounds mysterious and other-worldly, Sufism has many things in common with Christianity, Judaism, Paganism, and other spiritual disciplines. The common themes include love, forgiveness, transcendence and divinely inspired rituals. Because of the heart-centered nature of Sufism, many Sufis are drawn to the poetry of Sanai, Rumi, Hafiz, Jami, Nezami and many others whose writings transcend all religious doctrine, as well as time itself.
The Realms of Reality
Many Sufis believe there are Seven Planes of Existence, each with a specific purpose. They are as follows:
- Zat: The Plane of the Unmanifested
- Ahadiyat: The Plane of Eternal Consciousness
- Wahdat: The Plane of Consciousness as Sound
- Wahdaniyat: The Plane of Abstract ideas
- Arwah: The Spiritual Plane
- Ajsam: The Astral and Mental Plane
- Insan: The Physical and Material Plane
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“I have been a seeker and I still am, but I stopped asking the books and the stars. I started listening to the teaching of my Soul.”
— Rumi
The Teachings of Sufism
While this list is just a sprinkling of ideas from the deep well of Sufism, here are some of the relatable and most profound teachings:
– Surrender: Surrender to love and allow the heart to be the instrument of connection and exploration.
– Be Devotional: Open your heart when praying so that you can absorb the light of the divine to its fullest extent.
– Chant: Recite aloud or silently within the mind the names of the divine using prayer beads or written prayers. In Islam, the repetitive utterances of short sentences glorifying God is known as Dhikr. When someone prays in this way, they are known as a dakir.
– Ritualistic Dance: Dance prayerfully in pursuit of divine light so that your body can forget itself, and so that your soul can burst through your physical form to connect with the divine reality. Initiates to Sufism are called Dervishes. The whirling part of the sacred Sama ceremony is where the phrase Whirling Dervish originated.
– Selfless Service: Practice loving kindness and selfless service so that you can ease the pain of others. When we serve others in this way, we elevate humankind and we expand our empathy and awareness.
– Honor the Divine Feminine: Through the healing arts and the expression of feelings, we cleanse our hearts. Honoring the feminine in all living beings and in all of our actions allows us to be in harmony with creation.
– Dreamwork: Be aware of and derive lessons from your dreams. Practice being awake within your dreams so that you can infuse each moment and every character with the purest intentions, trajectories, and outcomes.
– Die Before You Die: Learn to relinquish your self-identity and worldly position prior to your death. This involves detaching from material and sense objects and placing a deeper focus on the eternal aspects of our nature.
– Embrace Divine Writings: Relish the writings of Rumi and all the Sufi poets and masters. Their special writings have the power to unlock the most stubborn doors and connect us with the mysteries of the universe.
– Return to Innocence: Given the complexities of this life and other lives, we continue to accumulate energetic attachments and emotional binds. As children are within the sphere of enlightenment, when we return to innocence, we experience the same.
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“If the fire of the love to you wouldn’t dry them
the floods of tears for you would sweep me away
And if the water from my two eyes wouldn’t come to my aid
the fire of the grief over you would burn my heart wailing.”
― Nezami
As human beings, we are multidimensional and emotionally complex. We are collections of debris from prior lives and other realms. We absorb ideas, impressions, attitudes, and projections from religions, societies, schools and our families. In all, we are bundles of temporary characteristics, working to reconnect with our original selves and the Absolute.
By exploring our emotions and desires through our prayers and dreams, we can begin to recognize our temporary self-identities and self-imposed limits. If we can embrace our own secret and subtle innocence, we can relinquish the old and oppressive aspects, and illuminate every part of our powerful hearts.
Sufism is unique in how it explores and manifests the feminine aspects of creation, which clearly hold the secrets to the nature of our individual universes. The divine awaits our liberation.
“Whether your destiny is glory or disgrace,
Purify yourself of hatred and love of self.
Polish your mirror; and that sublime Beauty
From the regions of mystery
Will flame out in your heart
As it did for the saints and prophets.
Then, with your heart on fire with that Splendor,
The secret of the Beloved will no longer be hidden.”
— Jami
About the Author
Who is Archangel Metatron and How Does He Manifest?
Archangel Metatron is known as one of the most powerful and closest archangels to humanity. His role includes overseeing the Akashic Records and assisting in the process of spiritual ascension. In this article, we explore who Metatron is, his significance, and how he manifests in our lives.
Table of Contents
- Archangel Metatron: Who He Is and What He Represents
- Channeled Message from Archangel Metatron
- How Metatron Manifests
- Metatron and Sacred Geometry
- How to Invoke and Work with Archangel Metatron
Archangel Metatron: Who He Is and What He Represents
Metatron is considered one of the only two archangels who were once human, having been the prophet Enoch before his ascension. His transformation into a celestial being grants him a special connection with humanity, serving as a bridge between heaven and earth. Metatron is often described as the scribe of God, tasked with documenting every event in the universe and guiding souls through their spiritual evolution.
He represents divine wisdom and pure light, helping individuals release negative patterns and raise their vibration. Metatron is also known for his association with sacred geometry, which he uses to bring order to chaos and manifest balance in all things. His energy is powerful and transformative, inviting those who invoke him to align with their true purpose and advance on their spiritual path.
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The Meaning of His Name
The name “Metatron” has various interpretations in spiritual traditions. It is commonly translated as “the one who occupies the throne next to God’s throne” or “the angel of presence”. These definitions highlight his elevated status and closeness to the divine, emphasizing his crucial role as an intermediary between God and humanity.
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Archangel Metatron and the Akashic Records
Metatron is known as the guardian of the Akashic Records, a vast collection of information about all souls and their experiences throughout time. These records are essential for understanding life purpose and spiritual lessons. Metatron facilitates access to these records, providing guidance and clarity to those seeking to understand their spiritual path and resolve pending karma.
Channeled Message from Archangel Metatron
In Open Minds, hosted by Regina Meredith, Joan Walker channels a live message from Archangel Metatron. During the interview, Metatron offers profound insights into the spiritual evolution of humanity, emphasizing the importance of releasing old patterns and raising our consciousness. This message is a vital guide for those seeking to understand their role in the process of ascension and personal transformation.
How Metatron Manifests
Archangel Metatron manifests in various ways to guide and assist humanity on their spiritual journey. These manifestations can be subtle or powerful, but they are always intended to provide clarity and spiritual elevation.
- Guidance in Meditation: During meditation, Metatron manifests as an enveloping and protective energy. This contact facilitates a deeper connection with your spiritual purpose.
- Activation of Sacred Geometry: Feeling drawn to sacred geometry, especially the Metatron’s Cube, is a sign of his influence. This symbol appears in meditations or visualizations, helping to balance and harmonize your energy.
- Messages in Dreams: Vivid dreams with clear messages can be a form of communication from Metatron. These dreams often contain symbols or guidance that direct your spiritual path.
- Lights or Flashes of Color: Metatron can manifest visually through lights or flashes of color, particularly in golden or violet tones. These appearances are indications of his guidance and protective energy.
- Energy: You may perceive Metatron’s energy through an intense vibration in your body. Sensations like tingling in the extremities, slight disorientation, or dizziness indicate his presence and encourage you to make positive changes in your life.
- Synchronicities: The appearance of synchronized events, such as mirror numbers, can be a sign from Metatron. These synchronicities indicate that you are aligned with divine purpose and that the universe supports you.
- Feeling of Peace: Experiencing a deep inner peace, even in moments of chaos, can be a sign of Metatron’s presence. This state of calm helps you center yourself and connect with your higher self.
Metatron and Sacred Geometry
Archangel Metatron is widely recognized for his connection to sacred geometry, especially through the Metatron's Cube. This cube is a three-dimensional figure that contains all the fundamental geometric shapes representing the basic structure of the universe. Meditating on the Metatron’s Cube facilitates the harmonization and balancing of internal energies, helping individuals connect with their higher self and manifest their highest intentions.
Sacred Geometry, which includes patterns like the Flower of Life and the Platonic Solids, is a powerful tool for spiritual transformation. Metatron uses these symbols to bring order to chaos, helping to align personal energies with those of the universe. Through meditation and visualization of these geometric forms, practitioners can access a higher state of consciousness and understand the cosmic laws that govern creation.
Working with sacred geometry under Metatron’s guidance not only promotes personal healing but also facilitates the expansion of collective consciousness. By integrating these patterns into daily life, one can create an environment of harmony and peace that resonates with the highest frequencies of love and light. This practice is an invitation to explore the depths of the universe and discover the limitless potential of our spiritual existence.
How to Invoke and Work with Archangel Metatron
To invoke and work with Archangel Metatron, it is essential to set a clear intention and create a sacred space. This can be achieved through meditation, prayer, or specific rituals that facilitate connection with his powerful energy. By doing so, Metatron can provide guidance, protection, and wisdom, helping to manifest a life aligned with divine purpose.
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Prayer
An effective way to connect with Metatron is through prayer, requesting his presence and guidance in times of need. A simple prayer can be: “Archangel Metatron, I invoke you at this moment. Please surround my being with your divine light and guide me on my spiritual path. Help me release any negative energy and raise my vibration towards love and light.”
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Meditation
Meditation is another powerful tool for connecting with Metatron. Visualize the Metatron’s Cube surrounding you as you breathe deeply and focus on your intention. Allow the energy of the cube to harmonize your being and connect you with the highest frequencies of the universe. This practice can help you gain clarity, peace, and a deeper connection with your spiritual purpose.
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Rituals and Other Spiritual Practices
Rituals are an effective way to invoke Metatron’s presence and work with his energy. A simple ritual can include lighting a white candle, burning incense, and placing a sacred geometry symbol on your altar. As you perform this ritual, you can recite a prayer or mantra that connects you with Metatron’s energy and requests his guidance and protection.
Another spiritual practice is creating a mandala using sacred geometry patterns, such as the Metatron’s Cube. Drawing or coloring this mandala can be an active meditation that allows you to tune into Metatron’s energies. This process not only connects you with his energy but can also bring balance and harmony to your daily life.
