I would like to say a few words on the subject of Mureedship. To think that to be a Mureed is something like being a member of a certain society or club or institution is one thing, and to receive initiation in the sacred Order so that one may reach the spiritual goal is another. Thus this world can be seen from two points of view, and accordingly there are two kinds of people. One person is he who walks in this world looking on the surface for things that attract his mind. He lives a superficial life. But on the same earth there is another person who, being attracted by all things of the world, still holds on to the thought of reality, who still looks for reality in all things and in all walks of life.
I would like to speak a few words on the subject of our attitude as members of the Sufi Movement towards others. Our attitude towards societies such as occult, mystical, or philosophical societies should be a Sufi attitude; otherwise we shall be the same, and act the same, as everybody else. If we look at them with a critical eye there are then many things that we will criticize, and by doing so we shall hurt their members in some way or other. Then there are those who look at these societies with the friendly idea that they would like to change their minds. But we will always be answered in the same way as we speak; to throw a stone in the mud is to get splashed oneself. Also, there is some good in everything; nothing can exist without there being some good in it, for it is the power of good which allows everything to exist.
Tactfulness is not learned through worldly cleverness; qualities learned this way do not make one really tactful. One may imitate a tactful person, but polished manners are different from real gentleness. Tact comes from the profound depths of the heart, and it is inspired by sympathy. Therefore, falseness cannot prove to be tactful in the end. Tactfulness comes to life when one is considerate of others, and consideration comes from true inner feelings. A considerate person would not wish to cause anything displeasing or disagreeable to others, and therefore tactfulness awakens wisdom.
If anyone asks, "What is esotericism: what are its tenets; what are its principles; what are its dogmas and doctrines?" the answer is that if esotericism were to be tangible, then it would not be esotericism. Esotericism must be considered to be something which is beyond understanding, and therefore one would be at a loss to discuss comparative doctrines, dogmas and principles as they may be known in some schools, because as already mentioned, esotericism has none, and believes that wisdom does not fit into preformed conceptions.
The power of an impression made upon the mind can be so great that it conditions one's thoughts at all levels of sensorial perceptions. In this way, the vibrations of an idealized image of worship are reproduced upon one's own mind-frame inasmuch as one's thoughts are directed toward the object of concentration. The object of concentration inspires inasmuch as the heart is open to its message. Still, however great that message might be, it will have no impact on the heart of a person whose feeling for devotion has not been awakened. The effect of a feeling heart can certainly be observed in the lives of great individuals whose deeds and creative accomplishments have been profoundly inspired through the admiration and devotion that they themselves have had for the precious examples, the various impressions of which were at the origin of all motivation.
rious dogmatic interpretations which have blossomed abundantly all through the ages. The wise have always taught humanity using the art of symbology in ways appropriate to the cultural evolution of each period of religious history. One could say one of the secrets of this method is the psychological effect of veiling and unveiling beauty, to the ex -tent it is visible to our understanding, although words may seem inadequate to reveal the real beauty of the truth behind the symbols invoked.
The word "initiation" could be understood in many ways, according to the disposition that one has when confronted by that experience, but among the many possible definitions of that term, one of them could be associated with the concept of "initiative". A first step taken is an initiative, whether it be taken consciously or unconsciously. For instance, birth is an initiative, and as the child grows, and all through its life, every decision taken is, in fact, an initiative. In other words, life on earth could be seen as a constant succession of initiatives taken.