The Fakir

1. We are not the body, but the divine spark within

We are the energy that resides within the body. We are the spark from that Great Flame, a drop from that Great Ocean, a tune from that Great Orchestra, a sigh from the Great Breath.

Our true essence is divine. We are not our physical bodies, but the consciousness that animates them. This consciousness is a fragment of the universal consciousness, often referred to as God, the Divine, or the Supreme Being. Understanding this fundamental truth is crucial for spiritual growth and self-realization.

Realizing our divine nature transforms our perspective. When we recognize our true identity, we approach life differently. We see ourselves and others as manifestations of the same divine essence, fostering unity and compassion. This realization also helps us transcend the limitations of the physical world and connect with our higher selves.

Key aspects of our divine nature:

• We are eternal, beyond birth and death
• We possess infinite potential
• We are inherently connected to all beings
• Our true self is beyond physical limitations

2. Live in a state of constant gratitude and compassion

Being in a state of gratitude or being in a state of shukar is the most sublime display of love for The One. The person who lives in a constant state of gratitude humbles the very heaven itself.

Gratitude transforms our perspective. Living in a state of constant gratitude, or 'shukar', elevates our spiritual consciousness. It's not just about being thankful when things go well, but maintaining gratitude even in challenging times. This attitude helps us see the divine purpose in all experiences and fosters inner peace.

Compassion connects us to all beings. Compassion is the natural extension of gratitude. When we're truly grateful, we become more aware of others' struggles and feel compelled to help. Compassion isn't just about giving material aid; it's about sharing in others' joys and sorrows, and wanting to alleviate their suffering.

Benefits of living in gratitude and compassion:

• Increased inner peace and contentment
• Greater resilience in face of challenges
• Deeper connections with others
• Alignment with divine consciousness

3. Embrace your Karma with grace and wisdom

Remember, Karma is created by the use of free will, perpetuated by the wrong use of it. It is only free will that starts a Karmic account. It shall necessitate that now only the wise use of free will end that Karmic account.

Karma is not punishment, but opportunity. Karma is the universal law of cause and effect. Every action, thought, and intention creates a corresponding reaction. Instead of viewing Karma as a burden, see it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Embracing our Karma with grace allows us to learn its lessons more quickly.

Free will determines our response to Karma. While we can't always control what happens to us (our Karmic experiences), we can control how we respond. This is where free will comes into play. By consciously choosing our reactions, we can create positive Karma and accelerate our spiritual growth.

Keys to embracing Karma wisely:

• Accept responsibility for your actions
• Learn from challenging experiences
• Respond to difficulties with patience and equanimity
• Use free will to make choices aligned with your highest good

4. Prayer is communion, not routine

When our entire being is not in prayer, we have somehow made the most sublime part of our existence into a force of habit which needs completion. There is no prayer taking place, just muttering of ancient words.

True prayer is heartfelt communion. Prayer is not about reciting words or following rituals mechanically. It's about establishing a deep, intimate connection with the Divine. When we pray with our whole being - heart, mind, and soul - we open ourselves to divine grace and guidance.

Avoid making prayer a routine. It's easy to fall into the trap of treating prayer as just another item on our to-do list. This approach robs prayer of its power and meaning. Instead, approach each prayer as a fresh opportunity to connect with the Divine, bringing your full attention and devotion to the practice.

Ways to deepen your prayer practice:

• Set clear intentions before praying
• Bring mindfulness to your prayers
• Vary your prayer methods to maintain freshness
• Focus on feeling the presence of the Divine
• Express gratitude and love in your prayers

5. Free will determines our spiritual journey

It all depends now on the individual. Not on the Karmic experience but how we embrace that Karmic experience. It is like when one is unable to sleep, either you create hell for yourself and try to force yourself to sleep or you accept that tonight you might not sleep and go about the night in either prayer, reading a book, or thinking happy thoughts.

Our choices shape our spiritual path. While we can't always control our circumstances, we have full control over our responses. This is the essence of free will. Our spiritual growth is determined not by what happens to us, but by how we choose to react and learn from our experiences.

Acceptance and positive action are key. When faced with challenges, we have two choices: resist and suffer, or accept and act constructively. By accepting our current reality and choosing positive actions, we can transform even the most difficult situations into opportunities for growth.

Ways to exercise free will wisely:

• Practice mindfulness to become aware of your choices
• Respond rather than react to situations
• Choose thoughts and actions aligned with your spiritual values
• Learn from mistakes and make better choices next time
• Use challenges as opportunities for growth

6. Ego is the greatest obstacle on the spiritual path

Ego is not about personality or individuality but about the refusal to see the inherent truth about oneself.

Ego blinds us to our true nature. The ego is our false sense of self, the part of us that believes we are separate from others and the Divine. It's not about having a strong personality, but about clinging to illusions about who we are. The ego prevents us from seeing our inherent divinity and interconnectedness with all beings.

Humility is the antidote to ego. True spiritual growth requires humility - the willingness to see ourselves honestly and to learn from others. Humility allows us to recognize our mistakes, grow from them, and remain open to divine guidance.

Signs of ego on the spiritual path:

• Feeling superior to others due to spiritual practices
• Refusing to acknowledge one's faults
• Being closed to new ideas or perspectives
• Seeking spiritual experiences for personal gain
• Judging others' spiritual paths

Ways to cultivate humility:

• Practice self-reflection and honest self-assessment
• Be open to feedback and criticism
• Recognize the divine in all beings
• Serve others without expectation of reward
• Remember that all spiritual gifts come from the Divine, not from personal effort

7. Spirituality is about inclusivity and universal well-being

All spirituality has to be holistic and never individualistic. If we meditate or pray only for oneself or one's near and dear ones and not for one and all, it means we adhere to the philosophy of diversity and not of true Oneness.

True spirituality embraces all beings. Spiritual growth isn't just about personal development; it's about recognizing our interconnectedness with all of creation. When we pray, meditate, or perform spiritual practices, we should do so with the intention of benefiting all beings, not just ourselves or our loved ones.

Universal well-being is the goal. The highest aim of spirituality is to contribute to the well-being of all creation. This doesn't mean neglecting personal growth, but rather understanding that our individual growth is intimately connected to the growth of the whole. As we evolve spiritually, we naturally become more compassionate and concerned for others' welfare.

Ways to practice inclusive spirituality:

• Extend your prayers and good wishes to all beings
• Perform acts of kindness for strangers
• Practice seeing the divine in everyone you meet
• Cultivate compassion for those different from you
• Support causes that benefit the wider community or environment

8. Charity and compassion are different but equally important

In charity you give. In compassion you share.

Charity is giving, compassion is sharing. While both charity and compassion involve helping others, they come from different places. Charity often involves giving something tangible, like money or goods, and may be motivated by a sense of duty or desire for spiritual merit. Compassion, on the other hand, comes from a deep sense of empathy and a genuine desire to alleviate others' suffering.

Both have their place in spiritual life. Charity provides immediate relief to those in need and is an important way to use our resources for good. Compassion, while sometimes less tangible, creates deeper connections and can lead to more lasting change. Both are valuable practices on the spiritual path.

Characteristics of charity:

• Often involves material giving
• May be motivated by duty or seeking merit
• Can be done from a distance

Characteristics of compassion:

• Involves emotional connection and empathy
• Motivated by genuine care for others
• Often involves personal involvement

Ways to practice both:

• Give to causes you care about (charity)
• Volunteer your time and skills (compassion)
• Listen deeply to others' struggles (compassion)
• Share your resources generously (charity)

9. The power of 'Reham' (mercy) in spiritual growth

When we use a simple word like Reham, coming from the depths of our very being and we truly mean it, what we are telling the Fakir is that don't let go of my hand, however difficult I make it for You.

'Reham' is a profound spiritual practice. The concept of 'Reham' or mercy goes beyond forgiveness. It's a heartfelt plea for divine compassion and support, acknowledging our own limitations and imperfections. When we sincerely ask for 'Reham', we open ourselves to divine grace and guidance.

Practicing 'Reham' transforms our relationships. As we ask for mercy for ourselves, we naturally become more merciful towards others. This practice softens our hearts, increases our compassion, and helps us see the divine in all beings, even those who have wronged us.

Benefits of practicing 'Reham':

• Increases humility and self-awareness
• Deepens our connection with the Divine
• Fosters forgiveness and compassion for others
• Helps us navigate challenging times with grace
• Cultivates a sense of divine support and guidance

10. Self-inquiry is the foundation of spiritual evolution

To know our inherent tendencies, good and not so good, we need to know who we genuinely are without any hypocrisy or deceit, walking the by-lanes of denial.

Know thyself to grow spiritually. Self-inquiry is the cornerstone of spiritual growth. It involves honestly examining our thoughts, motivations, and actions to understand who we truly are. This practice helps us identify our strengths, weaknesses, and inherent tendencies, providing a clear starting point for our spiritual journey.

Self-inquiry leads to compassion. As we become more aware of our own struggles and imperfections, we naturally become more understanding of others' flaws. This fosters compassion and reduces judgment, allowing us to see the divine in all beings despite their apparent shortcomings.

Steps for effective self-inquiry:

1. Set aside regular time for introspection
2. Examine your thoughts, words, and actions without judgment
3. Identify recurring patterns in your behavior
4. Reflect on your motivations and fears
5. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses
6. Seek feedback from trusted others
7. Use meditation to dive deeper into your psyche
8. Journal your insights and revelations

Last updated: August 9, 2024