The poetry webinar began last night with Shaikh Kabir Helminski teaching on 5 of his favorite poems from Rumi, Hafiz and Yunus Emre. It was a spectacular class!
I don’t share this to make you feel bad if you weren’t there. There was a particular nugget that stood out for me, and I want to share it with you.
The following is an excerpt from a poem by Yunus Emre:
“Let a word mature inside yourself.
Withhold the unripened thought.
Come and understand the kind of word
that reduces money and riches into dust.”
The discussion that followed this poem reminded me of how the meanings from Sidi Shaykh Muhammad al-Jamal’s book, Music of the Soul, have matured and ripened inside of me over the years.
I often think to myself when I see all of Sidi’s books on my shelf, “but Sidi, I’m still on Music of the Soul.” And then I laugh to myself.
There is so much wisdom in Music of the Soul and all of these teachings. Each time I open any of them, I receive gifts I hadn’t noticed before.
Here’s a gift for you, if you choose to accept it:
- First, say “bismi’llah ir-rahman ir-rahim,” “in the Name of the One, the Most Merciful, the Ever Compassionate.”
- Then open your favorite inspirational book, preferably one of Sidi’s books or a book of poetry from the mystics. Scan until a line pops out at you.
- Read this line, and if it feels like a good one for you, place it inside your heart.
- Spend a few minutes in Remembrance meditation, speaking a Name for God or the phrase “la illaha illa ‘llah” into your heart. Ask the Beloved to feed your heart with the wisdom He has for you.
- Sit in silence and withhold the unripened thought. Let the words mature inside yourself.
- When you are ready, come to the Facebook page and share your insights. We’d love to hear from you.
Just tried this myself, with Music of the Soul. Here’s the line I got, from “An Explanation of Al-Wazifa”:
“Know my beloved, and may Allah expand your heart,
that when the believers are ordered to send their prayers and greeting
to the generous Prophet through the words of Allah, Exalted is He,
then Allah and His angels send their blessings upon the Prophet.”
I’ll let this mature for a while, however, it does remind me that this coming Monday is the birthday of the Prophet, peace be upon him. If you feel so called, please join me in sending prayers and greetings for the Prophet on his special day.
Wishing you a blessed weekend. Come share with us on the Facebook page.
With love and gratitude,
Mastura Graugnard on behalf of all your friends and family at UOS
Photo credits: Adobe Stock Photo © Rostislav Sedlacek #118830497 |
