- Introduction to sufism
- Origin
- Principles of Sufism
- Sufism and Peace
Peace and Stability in Existence
Peace and the Human Being
Peace and Society - Sufi Practices
- Sufism and Knowledge 1.Principle of the Prevalent, Informed Center
2.Principle of Equilibrium and Balance
3.Principle of Cooperation and Collaboration
4.Principle of Comprehensiveness and Unity
5.Principle of Harmony
6.Principle of Guidance
7.Principle of Love and Attraction
Sufi Practices
Tamarkoz® - Sufi Concentration and Meditation
Zikr
Prayer
Sufi Practices are integral to the inward learning and discipline necessary for purification and the attainment of true self cognition.
The student of Sufism with love and devotion uses the practices to develop and unfold his hidden abilities. Key Sufi practices include, Tamarkoz® (Sufi Meditation), Zikr, Prayers, and Fasting. The Sufi Master guides the student through every moment of his journey of self-knowledge.
Tamarkoz® - Sufi Concentration and Meditation
"Gather all your energies and concentrate them on the source of life in your heart for your findings to become imperishable, so that you will live in balance and tranquility and know eternity."
Molana Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha
Message from the Soul
The Sufi Meditation called Tamarkoz®, meaning Concentration of Abilities differs markedly from what Westerners call meditation. Tamarkoz® creates a state of equilibrium, balance and harmony in all dimensions of one’s being. This powerful and precise method of inward cognition and self-discovery align, balance, and activate the energy fields of the body, and facilitates the unification of mind and heart. Through Tamarkoz®, the student’s reception is perfected, and a receptive or discovery state is achieved. Therefore, the seeker becomes receptive and in harmony to attain unity with the spirit. True meditation connects one with the fundamental unity of all existence.
According to the teachings of the M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi School of Islamic Sufism®, the human body is equipped with 13 electromagnetic energy centers. Cognition and development of these centers create the required harmony and facilitate discovery of the spiritual dimension of the human being. The most important of these centers resides in the heart. Molana Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha has referred to it as the "I," or the "Source of Life." Heart Tamarkoz distinguishes Sufi meditation from other types of meditation. Discovery of the "I" and its attractive field is essential in cognition of the true self. (uniting)
Zikr
Those who believe, and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of God, for, verily, in the remembrance of God hearts do find peace and comfort."
(Holly Quran, 13:28)
The literal meaning of Zikr is 'remembrance', specifically remembrance of the Beloved.
Hazrat Amir-al Moemenin Ali (pbuh) says: "Zikr is the joy of lovers, the light, the growth and key of acquaintance."
Zikr harmonizes the human instrument to the tune of God’s remembrance. If done correctly, Zikr frees the seeker from daily distractions, thoughts, fears and worries by uniting every aspect of their being in remembrance of God. This practice activates the energy centers in the body, beginning the process of purification of the heart.
The seeker’s only goal is to connect to his heart, allowing the natural rhythm and flow of Zikr to free him from all limitations.
By moving from left to right, the rhythm and motion of Zikr are dictated by the heart in the form of the infinity sign. One moves from left to right making the figure eight (8) to represent the scientific symbol of infinity while singing the specific phrase or verse. At the center of this infinity sign is the heart where total concentration must reside to experience the reality within and connect to the true self, the "I."
The love and attraction occurs at the center of the "I" in the heart of the seeker, and from there pervades his entire being. This center functions as a magnet that captures all energies, love and attraction that exist in the universe. The point of union of the two worlds, or the "I," is embedded within us and is "awakened" through meditation and prayer, whereby the pathway between the heart and brain becomes illuminated.
Prayer
"Prayer without presence of heart is devoid of truth."
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh)
True prayer means witnessing the glorious light of God and truthful devotion in the Exalted God in the mirror of the pure, attentive, and illumined heart; the enlightened mind; and the pure and assured self, so that the words and the body shall be guided without hindrance; and the soul may journey in the eternal realm of clarity and reach the reality of the meaning servitude in devotion to the Divinity of the exalted Lord.
Salat is one of the pillars of Islam. As opposed to the informal prayer of supplications (du’a) salat follows a formalized series of movements and recitation. However, these ritualized movements only represent the outward dimension of salat. They are a necessary requirement for the worshiper to perform, but without the appropriate inner preparedness to achieve unity with God they are devoid of meaning.
Outwardly and inwardly, the reality of prayer is this: He who prays rises in words, in body, and inwardly with all his given powers seeks closeness to God.
The necessary condition for prayer is the presence of heart. In prayer, the heart, the recitations, and body postures of the believer seek only one truth, and it is the remembrance of the holy phrase la ilaha illa Allah (there is no god but God).
The daily prayers in Islam are a constant reminder for believers, to keep them on the path of true human dignity as ordained by God. The prayers are a source of strength for the true believer, whose only goal is closeness to God. The first step in prayer is to rise and to stand firm, with the intention of witnessing God and attesting to the oneness of God.
Hazrat Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, has said:
The sunset prayer is the sowing of a seed
The night prayer is the growing of its roots in darkness and concealment,
The Morning Prayer is the emergence of the first bud from the ground
The noon prayer is the growth of its branches and leaves
The afternoon prayer yields the fruit of the tree of devotion
And it is said that he whoever neglects his afternoon prayer, has brought injustice upon himself and his kin.
