Success in Dini Matters

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kmaherali
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Success in Dini Matters

Post by kmaherali »

MHI in his DJ Darbar Farmans made in Kampala and Dar es Salaam stressed and prayed for success in Dini and Dunyawi matters. I would like to start a discussion of what comprises success in Dini matters.

Below are some thoughts.

1. Increase in love and devotion to the Imam and decrease in love for the world resulting in the attainment of Batini Nurani Deedar.

2. Attainment of deeper knowledge of our faith and traditions. This would include the deeper understanding and interpretation of the Farmans, Qur'an, Ginans, Qasidas and Ismaili thought expressed in various sources of history and literature.

3. Attainment of regularity in attendance in Jamat Khana and observance of religious duties and service and finding contentment and happiness as a result.

4. Reduction and ultimate elimination of lust and greed for sex and other material pleasures as a result of the attainment of spiritual happiness.

5. Availability of time for Dhikr and Fikr (Remembrance and Contemplation).

6. Attainment of peace and tranquility in life and the ability to withstand and endure trials and tribulations without being affected internally.

7. Ability to tolerate and respect other faiths and interpretations while being firm on Ismaili interpretation.

8. Increase in wisdom and resulting ethical outlook and action.

9. Increase in the understanding of Allah's creation through science and socio/economic/political circumstances around.

10. Increase in the capacity of voluntary service without recognition, titles and awards.

What do you think?
Last edited by kmaherali on Fri Jul 06, 2018 4:55 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Admin
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Post by Admin »

I think the main component of success in Dini matters is Dini Sewa which is not something material.

Dini Sewa would mean to intervene spiritually to save more souls. For example praying for lost souls would be a measure of "success" in the Dini sense.

In some Farmans Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah has mention some people who have been successful in saving a certain number of souls.
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Admin wrote: In some Farmans Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah has mention some people who have been successful in saving a certain number of souls.
Examples would be Pahelaj, Harischandra, Jujesthan and Pir Sadardeen in the Karta, Dwapur, Treta and Kali Yugas respectively?
Last edited by kmaherali on Sun Oct 29, 2017 10:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Some pertinent quotes:

“No belief is like modesty and patience, no attainment is like humility, no honour is like knowledge, no power is like forbearance, and no support is more reliable than consultation.”

Hazrat Ali's regard for knowledge reinforces the compatibility of faith and the world. And his respect for consultation is, in my view, a commitment to tolerant and open-hearted democratic processes.

http://www.akdn.org/speech/his-highness ... al-academy

*****

"In Islamic belief, knowledge is two-fold. There is that revealed through the Holy Prophet (s.a.s.) and that which man discovers by virtue of his own intellect. Nor do these two involve any contradiction, provided man remembers that his own mind is itself the creation of God. Without this humility, no balance is possible. With it, there are no barriers. Indeed, one strength of Islam has always lain in its belief that creation is not static but continuous, that through scientific and other endeavours, God has opened and continues to open new windows for us to see the marvels of His creation."

http://www.ismaili.net/heritage/node/27590

******

Thus from the most worldly point of view and with no comprehension of the higher life of the spirit, the lower, more terrestrial spirit makes us aware that all the treasures of this life, all that fame, wealth and health can bring are nothing beside the happiness which is created and sustained by the love of one human being for another. This great grace we can see in ordinary life as we look about us, among our acquaintances and friends.

But as the joys of human love surpass all that riches and power may bring a man, so does that greater spiritual love and enlightenment, the fruit of that sublime experience of the direct vision of reality which is God's gift and grace, surpass all that the finest, truest human love can offer. For that gift we must ever pray. (Memoirs)

http://www.ismaili.net/Source/0016b.html

*******

Life in the ultimate analysis has taught me one enduring lesson. The subject should always disappear in the object. In our ordinary affections one for another, in our daily work with hand or brain, most of us discover soon enough that any lasting satisfaction, any contentment that we can achieve, is the result of forgetting self, of merging subject with object in a harmony that is of body, mind and spirit. And in the highest realms of consciousness all who believe in a Higher Being are liberated from all the clogging and hampering bonds of the subjective self in prayer, in rapt meditation upon and in the face of the glorious radiance of eternity, in which all temporal and earthly consciousness is swallowed up and itself becomes the eternal. (Final paragraph of the Memoirs of Aga Khan)

******
Patience and fortitude conquer all things.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

The mountain remains unmoved at seeming defeat by the mist.
- Rabindranath Tagore

Every calamity is to be overcome by endurance.
- Virgil

The way lies in softness and patience,
as the softest water cuts through the hardest rock.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
nuseri
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Post by nuseri »

Ya Ali Madad.
Success in faith starts when a person becomes haqiqati in his belief ,that is a reward.
Secondly feeling contented with existing wealth/income in possesion.
Success is an upward spiral of goody bags and dini status does co reflects the zahiri acts on earth.
SABH IDHAAR KA IDHAAR HI HAI.
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Post by Admin »

Here is another example of Dini Success:

The Imam once said, “It is only Kara Ruda in India, who knows me in reality.”

http://www.ismaili.net/Source/mumtaz/He ... ro059.html
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Baitul Khayal Farman Excerpt

And it is My strongest prayer that, at least once during your lifetime, each one of you should be successful, that you should find that Light, that it should give you spiritual strength, that it should give you spiritual happiness, that it should enable you to confront all adversity in life and that you should always remain strong on “Sirat-al-Mustaqeem”. I give to you My best, best, special blessings for success in your Bandagi. Khanavadan, Khanavadan, Khanavadan.

Finally, remember that those who are successful are especially close to Me. You will understand what I mean. And I give you My best, special, loving blessings for success. Sit in peace and in happiness, sit in peace and happiness and, ‘Insh’Allah’, you will be successful.
(London, Aug 6th 1994)
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

It is obligatory for momin to cultivate love and affection for his Imam in his heart. If you discard the robe of pride and consider yourselves insignificant, only then the Light of the Imam will shine in your hearts. But Alas! You are not following our guidance. (Guaadar, December 10, 1894)
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Success in Dini matters is linked to the capacity of individuals to engage in the quest for a higher life. In this regard MHI made the following statements.

"I do not believe that human relations are of sufficient interest, nor of sufficient permanence to keep a man happy all through his life. He must have something else to turn to. This need may express itself in this form of art, of scientific studies or mysticism, but more often it takes the form of a search for higher life.

It is understandable, therefore, that the three great monotheistic religions of today -- Judaism, Christianity and Islam -- have been born in this area where human existence was restricted to its barest forms."

http://www.ismaili.net/speech/s571125.html

******

"Thus it is My profound conviction that Islamic Society in the years ahead will find that our traditional concept of time, a limitless mirror in which to reflect on the eternal, will become shrinking cage, an invisible trap from which fewer and fewer will escape."

http://www.ismaili.net/speech/s760312.html

******
Mowlana Rumi in his beautiful poem below highlights the importance of engaging in the quest.

For ages you have come and gone
courting this delusion.
For ages you have run from the pain
and forfeited the ecstasy.
So come, return to the root of the root
of your own soul.

Although you appear in earthly form
Your essence is pure Consciousness.
You are the fearless guardian
of Divine Light.
So come, return to the root of the root
of your own soul.

When you lose all sense of self
the bonds of a thousand chains will vanish.
Lose yourself completely,
Return to the root of the root
of your own soul.

You descended from Adam, by the pure Word of God,
but you turned your sight
to the empty show of this world.
Alas, how can you be satisfied with so little?
So come, return to the root of the root
of your own soul.

Why are you so enchanted by this world
when a mine of gold lies within you?
Open your eyes and come—
Return to the root of the root
of your own soul.

You were born from the rays of God’s Majesty
when the stars were in their perfect place.
How long will you suffer from the blows
of a nonexistent hand?
So come, return to the root of the root
of your own soul.

You are a ruby encased in granite.
How long will you deceive Us with this outer show?
O friend, We can see the truth in your eyes!
So come, return to the root of the root
of your own soul.

After one moment with that glorious Friend
you became loving, radiant, and ecstatic.
Your eyes were sweet and full of fire.
Come, return to the root of the root
of your own soul.

Shams-e Tabriz, the King of the Tavern,
has handed you an eternal cup,
And God in all His glory is pouring the wine.
So come! Drink!
Return to the root of the root
of your own soul.

From:

In the Arms of the Beloved

Free download

https://www.goodreads.com/ebooks/downlo ... ?doc=19503
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

The Ginan below conveys the notion of success as a result of attainment of Nurani Deedar through recognition of the True Guide.

SATGUR MILIYAA MUNE AAJ SAYYEDAA IMAAM BEGUM

ejee satgur miliyaa mune aaj, aana(n)d hu(n) paamee
satgur miliyaa taare dukhaja ttaalliyaajee
sarve saariyaa daaseenaa kaaj...aana(n)d.....................1

Today I have found the True Guide and as a result I have attained joy and happiness. When I found the True Guide, all my sorrows vanished. The Lord fulfilled this maid servant's wishes or made her tasks easy.

ejee kaaj daaseenaa sarve saariyaajee
darshan deeyaa mahaaraaj....aana(n)d.........................2

He fulfilled all the wishes of this maid servant. The Majesty granted the Spiritual Vision.

ejee darshan dekhiyaa man santokhiyaajee
mahaapad paamee chhu(n) raaj...aana(n)d......................3

When I had this Vision my heart found satisfaction and contentment. As a result, I have attained the kingdom of the most exalted state.

ejee mahaapad keri bhaai vaat chhe nyaareejee
koi na jaanne e kaaj....aana(n)d.............................4

Matters pertaining to the exalted state are very mysterious. Nobody knows it's reality.

ejee jo jaanne so nar navkha(n)d maanne jee
ghatto ghatt dekhe mahaaraaj...aana(n)d......................5

The one who knows it, enjoys the nine continents(or heavens). In every heart he sees that Majesty.

ejee ghatto ghatt dekhe taare ek karee lekhe jee
nar nakla(n)kee kero raaj...aana(n)d........................6

When he sees the Divinity reflected in every heart, he regards all as one entity, and indeed he sees the kingdom of the spotless master (Hazarat Ali).

ejee kahet imaam begum sunno moraa bhaaijee
alee nabee chhe sirtaaj.........aana(n)d.....................7

Imaam Begum says: Listen o my brother! Hazarat Ali and Hazarat Nabi Muhammad(s.a.s.) are our Spiritual Kings
kmaherali
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Re: Success in Dini Matters

Post by kmaherali »

Attainment of peace is a marker of success in Dini matters. In the verses below from the granth Bhram Prakaash, Pir Shamsh alludes to individuals who attained peace and the fruits thereof.

Ann miliyaa-ki jugati banai,
Ab miliyaa-ki kahu(n) samajaai........................40

I have mentioned about those who have not attained (real peace),
now I will explain about those who have attained it.

Shiv Sanakaadik, ve sukh paayaa,
Aavaa(n) gamann bahoriyaa nahi aai........................41

Shiv Shankar and Sanadik attained real peace; they did not have to
endure the cycles thereby.

Sukhdev Vyaas mile sukh maa(n)hi,
Fir choraashi aave naahi......................................42

Sukhdev and Vyaas attained real peace, they will not have to
undergo the eighty four (cycles).

Dhruv Pahelaaj sukh miliyaa,
Choraashi-kaa ba(n)dhan ttalliyaa................................43

Dhruv and Pahelaaj attained real peace, they overcame the
bondage of eighty four (cycles) thereby.

Daas Kabir, Guru-Raamaana(n)daa,
Ve sukh ku(n) mili-kiyaa aana(n)daa.......................44

Kabir Daas and Guru Ramana(n)da attained real peace and thereby
were blissful.

Pipaa Dhanaa or Rohidaasaa,
Vaa sukh-ku(n) milikiyaa vilaasaa..........................45

The pious Pipo and the pious Dhano and Rohidaas attained real
peace and thereby were joyful.

Vaa(n) sukh ku(n) mili rahyaa naamaa,
taa-kaa nishvay sahiyaa kaamaa......................46

The pious Nama attained real peace through which all his work was
successful and fulfilled.

Aur naanak-shaah ne paayaa,
Ek naam nishva karine dhyaayaa.........................................47

And Nanak Shah attained peace; he practiced the word with
conviction.

Vishan surjan maadhav daas,
Vaa(n) sukh maa(n) vay kiyaa vaasaa..............................48

Vishan Surjan and Madhav Daas established their abode in the real
peace.

Daadu, Rajab, Parasaa, Giyaaani,
Ve sukh-su(n) miliyaa nij dhyaani.............................49

Dadu, Rajab, Parasa, Gyaani - all of them attained real peace
through contemplation and remembrance.

Ra(n)kaa, Va(n)kaa, Kaalu Ku(m)bhaa,
Vaa sukh maa(n) vay bi dubaa........................50

Ranka, Vankaa, Kaalu & Kumbhaa - they were also sunk in (the
ocean of) peace.

Khetaa Ghattate sajanaa senaa,
Vaa(n) sukh maa(n)hi vay bitan naa.........................51

Khetaa Ghattate, Sajanaa, Senaa - they were also engulfed in the
real peace.

Agar, Kiljan, tulsi, Paapaa,
Vay-bi vaasukh maa(n)he samaayaa................................52

The pious Agar Keeljan and Tulsidaas were also enveloped in the
real peace.

Daas moraar malukaa ja(n)gee,
vay beethaa vaa(n) sukhakaa sa(n)gee........................53

Daas Moraar Malukaa Jangee - they also became companions of
peace.

Haridaas baajI(n)d – bichaaraa,
vay bI meelgaayaa sukh kee dhaaraa.....................54

Haridaas and King Bajind thought about that peace and
subsequently attained it.

Vay sukh Isar Tu(n)ber paayaa,
Naam leta ek manvaa samaayaa................................55

This peace was attained by Isar Tunber, by virtue of concentration
upon the name.

Tatvavetaa khojee arutyaagee,
Ve sukh-su(n) miliyaa baddabhaagi........................56

Those philosophers, who have sought the essence and have gone
through the physical requirements and practices, have been
fortunate to have attained the peace.

Vaa sukh Gorakh nishvaay paayaa,
Jugati jaanni kari jog kamaayaa......................57

This peace was attained certainly by Gorakh who attained the Path
through understanding the principles and putting them into
practice.

Gopicha(n)d Bharthari yogi,
Vay bithaa ve sukhakaa bhogee................................58

Mystics such as Gopichand and Bharthari had the experience of the
real peace.

Sukh-su(n) miliyaa jetaa kahyaa,
Abi miliyaa-kaa a(n)t na lahiyaa...................59

Many have been the enlightened ones that have been mentioned
and there are also countless others whose names have not been
mentioned.

Asa(n)khya juga bich - naamhi dhyaayaa,
Vay sabahi vaasukh maa(n)hi samaayaa..........................60

Through out ages there have been enlightened ones who have
attained peace through the practice of the Word.

http://ismaili.net/heritage/files/Brahm ... 0Shams.pdf
kmaherali
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Re: Success in Dini Matters

Post by kmaherali »

What are the characteristics of Self-Actualizing people?

Hi Karim,

As Abraham Maslow’s research discovered in 1943, the presence of self-actualizing people was extremely rare. But we’re beginning to witnessing a profound shift in consciousness across the planet.

Researchers are identifying a massive leap that is under way. We are witnessing the birth of this new stage at a much larger scale than has ever happened before. Somewhere between 5% and 10% of the population of North America is entering into this stage. That’s between 30 - 50 million people in one continent alone.

And this is not only good news for you, this is good for the world.

It may seem abstract to imagine it, but to get a sense of what this really means, please read the list below of the qualities of Self Actualized People, that Maslow outlines in his research.

This is from a research paper published by Abraham Maslow
Deficiency motivation and growth motivation (1955)


Image

So far as motivational status is concerned, healthy people have sufficiently gratified their basic needs for safety, belongingness, love, respect and self-esteem so that they are motivated primarily by trends to self-actualization (defined as ongoing actualization of potentials, capacities and talents, as fulfillment of mission (or call, fate, destiny, or vocation), as a fuller knowledge of, and acceptance of, the person’s own intrinsic nature, as an unceasing trend toward unity, integration or synergy within the person).

These healthy people are there defined by describing their clinically observed characteristics. These are:

- They have a superior perception of reality
They are more objective and less influenced by their conditioning.

- They are comfortable being themselves
They don’t try to conform or seek approval from others.

- They have better interpersonal relationships
They are better at listening, understanding and communicating with others.

- They have an increased identification with humanity
They don’t limit their identity to one particular race or culture.

- They are more creative and innovative
They have greater access to creativity and spontaneity.

- They cultivate their unique skills and talents
They work toward excellence in what is important to them.

- Live on purpose with a sense of mission
Their work is an important personal cause that they take great pride in.

- They have a higher frequency of peak experiences
The have easier access to the flow states and spend more time in peak experiences.

- Constantly moving towards unity and integration
They synthesize all information into a deeper understanding.

These qualities are just the tip of the iceberg https://actualizeos.com/ .

To learn more about how you can continue on your path of Self-Actualization, you can read more here https://actualizeos.com/ .

Warmth,

Ryan
kmaherali
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Re: Success in Dini Matters

Post by kmaherali »

Do not say in your heart, it is now impossible for me to acquire a virginal purity, for I have succumbed in so many ways to the seduction and delirium of the body.

For once the soul engages fervently and strenuously in the labours of repentance and we shed tears of compunction, then the prison-house is razed to the ground, the fire of the passions is extinguished, we are spiritually reborn through the abiding presence of the Paraclete [Holy Spirit] and once again the soul becomes a palace of purity and virginity.

God, who is above nature, descends with light and ineffable joy into the soul and sits on the heights of its intellect as upon a throne of glory, bestowing peace on all its inner powers and saying: 'Peace be with you, peace from hostile passions. I give you My peace, so that you may act according to your true nature. I leave My peace with you, so that you may be perfected into what is beyond nature' (cf. John 14:27).

Through His threefold gift of peace He heals the soul's three powers, brings it into triadic perfection and unites it with Himself. Thus He refashions it and makes it at one stroke wholly virginal, good and beautiful through the fragrance of the myrrh of purity.

Then he says to it, 'Arise. Come near to me, dove of loveliness, through the practice of the virtues; for behold, the storm of the passions has passed. The downpour of sensual pleasure-laden thoughts is over, it has gone its way. The flowers of virtues, redolent with intellections, have appeared in the soil of your heart' (cf. Song of Songs, 2:10-12).

'Arise, come near to Me in the knowledge gleaned from the contemplation of the essences of created beings. Come, my dove, on your own wing into the over-canopying darkness of mystical theology, to the faith rooted rock-like in Me, your God.'

Nikitas Stithatos, "On the Inner Nature of Things", in The Philokalia, Vol. 4, 120-1.

<>

There are three major levels of ethical and spiritual progress of the human soul:⁣

1. nafs-i ammārah [soul that commands evil]⁣

2. nafs-i lawwāmah [censuring soul]⁣

3. nafs-i mutmaʾinnah [satisfied soul]

These respective names of the human soul indicate the concept of its progress. The nature of nafs-i ammārah is mentioned in verse 12:53 of the Qurʾān as:

“I do not exculpate my soul. Verily, the (human) soul commands to do evil, save that on whom my Lord has mercy.” ⁣

This is the nafs-i ammārah which is very refractory. However, when a great mujāhid [spiritual warrior] of the major jihād [spiritual struggle] subdues it and makes it obedient, it abandons its bad habits and transforms into nafs-i lawwāmah [censuring soul], as mentioned in verses 75:1-2: ⁣

“Nay, I swear by the Day of Resurrection; nay, I swear by the censuring soul.”⁣

Here, the allusion of wisdom is that the censuring soul, by constant progress, enters the destination of the first annihilation (destination of angel ʿIzrāʾīl), in which the spiritual death which causes resurrection is experienced in this life.

Regarding the magnanimity and sanctity of the nafs-i lawwāmah or censuring soul, it suffices to say that God has sworn by it together with the resurrection. ⁣

After the censuring soul is mentioned the nafs-i mutmaʾinnah or the satisfied soul which is related to all levels of the personal resurrection. The satisfied soul means the soul which has attained the satisfaction from higher realities and recognition.

By this soul is meant every perfect ʿārif [gnostic] who, after experiencing the luminous and bright observations of the "eye of certainty" (ʿaynu'l-yaqīn) has also observed the extremely great and sublime secrets with his inner eye without which the purpose of universal or total satisfaction remains incomplete, as mentioned in verses 89:27-30: ⁣

“O satisfied soul! Return to your Lord well-pleased and well-pleasing! Enter among My (chosen) servants (Sacred Sanctuary)! And enter My (universal) Paradise.”⁣

ʿAllāmah Hunzai, Kitābu'l-ʿIlāj (𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨⁣), 1-2.

www.instagram.com/khayal.aly

www.instagram.com/ismaili.poetry
kmaherali
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"Ek Na Ek Din" - One day for sure

Post by kmaherali »

This devotional song coveys the goal of devotional life - Spiritual Enlightenment

Image

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfJmr4jJyoM

Ek Na Ek Din
One day for sure

Mehthab Azeem sings "Ek Na Ek Din" a devotional Ismaili geet written by Sherali Kara.

The song's melody is based on "Ek Na Ek Din Ye Kahani Banegie" a popular song from the movie Gora Aur Kala (1972). The song was written by Anand Bakshi, sung by Mohammed Rafi and produced by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. We are presenting a "re-lyricized" rendition.

Mehthab Azeem is a 16-year old singer from Kochi, Kerala India. Mehthab has had a passion for singing since the age of ten. She has won many awards for singing including the very competitive Rafi Ratna. She has just signed up for a movie in Malayalam language widely spoken in the Indian state of Kerala.

We hope to bring many songs from Mehthab for our audience in the weeks ahead.
kmaherali
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Re: Success in Dini Matters

Post by kmaherali »

Farman Mubarak:

Once again, to each and every one of you, every one of you, whether your families are here or not, I give my best, best loving blessings, for your mehmani, that it should be multiplied many times in your worldly lives, that you should find happiness, genuine complete happiness. Not only worldly happiness - No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! Men and women here are made of two things: physical being and the soul. Do not ignore the spiritual life, I hope that you will be enlightened by your spiritual lives, and I give you my best, best affectionate blessings.

Khanavadan, Khanavadan, Khanavadan (Nairobi, 14th July 2011)
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