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Finding an Authentic Sheikh: Discourse on the importance of being under the guidance of an authentic, living Sufi Master during the Journey, and how to find such true Master. Includes inspiring stories about Sidi 'Abaas and Sidi 'Abu Madyan, both authentic Sufi Masters and predecessors of the living Grand Master, Sheikh Hamza of the Qadiri Butchishi Tariqa. "To meet with the real Sufi master is the most difficult step. Once you meet with him, everything is finished." (43:39) |
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Revival of Sufiism in the West: Discourse on the question of "why" Sufiism is now emerging in western countries, the historical context of the cycles of Sufiism, and the nature of sufiism as a focus on Divine Love and the Divine Presence through the practice of sincerity. (49:09) |
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The Experience of the Beloved: Discourse on the "Oceans of Love" (or Stations of Love). Explains that this Sufi Love is the Gate to Divine Beauty, the Key to Divine Grace and Mercy, the Treasure of Self-Knowledge, and the Cornerstone of the Acts of Worship. Elaborates on the various Stations of this Love and each Station's many States. (1:11:13) |
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Intention of the Heart: Discourse on the Sufis' main concern, namely the "Heart" and its purification, and its pure intention in all acts. Elaborates on how all acts should be performed for Allah's sake, and how this pure intention influences all dealing with people and situations as welll as one's physical and spiritual being. "Sufis have only one subject that they talk about, Divine Love; that’s the only thing they have, and that’s the only thing they share with other people, and that’s for them the aim and the means at the same time." (21:36) |
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Thankfulness: Discourse on the Sufis' aim to arrive at the "Maqam" (Station) of Permanent Thankfulness to the Divine, and to achieve the "Eternal Prostration of the Heart". Includes a wealth of inspirational stories about the "Prostration of Thankfulness" ("Sujud Ash-Shukr"), and on the Sufi Saying: "When He does not give, you thank. When He gives, you give -- to others. You prefer others to yourself." (34:54) |
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The Meaning of Fasting: Discourse on Ramadhan (the Muslim Holy Month of Fasting) and the idea of fasting in all religious traditions. Elaborates on what "fasting" means in the Sufic Tradition, namely to attain the true essence of the "Fasting of the Heart" so that the Heart is totally immersed in the Presence of the Divine. (32:58) |
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Signs of the Unseen: Contains inspirational Readings from Sheikh Jalaluddin Rumi's book entitled "Signs of the Unseen". (27:57) |
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Knowledge from Experience: Discourse on the three components of Sufi meetings, namely Dhikr, Meditation and Talk (or Speech). Elaborates why the talks should generally be based on a Sufi Saying, or a Sufi story, or a Tradition of Prophet Muhammad, Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam. Also includes Ibn 'Arabi's intriguing story about whether your intellect can take you to God. (31:48) |
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Seeing Goodness: Discourse on the three main tenets of the Sufi Way. Includes (1) looking at each Station with Truth (i.e. acquiring Knowledge and the testing as to its Truth with Certainty). (2) Sharing the Oneness of the Sufi Circle through Service and learning the Chivalry of not looking at defects of other people. (3) The graciousness and generosity of true Giving and its intention. (46:04) |
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A Sufi Approach to Reality: Discourse on the two approaches to the Divine Reality, namely by either attraction to the Divine Beauty, or to come methodically through an authentic Sufi Master, who educates through a journey of tests to reach the real Experience of Divine Love. (28:52) |
sufione