Sufism

A Methodology of Change

Abstract

The introspection, the realization of the truth and the motors of change are closely associated to the movement and process of history, society, culture, politics, religion, ethics, art and literature and mysticism, thus shaping a new world order on the reflections of the visionary soul or the mystic. It creates a new language, symbols, metaphors and idioms, with new and creative meanings and dimensions for its transmission. The development of Sufism can not be seen, analyzed, and realized in the light of absolutist view point. Such an approach leads to misreading of facts, and curtails the realities and defaces the facts and factualities. An open and unbiased reading, understanding and analysis is necessary for unfolding the truth and real meanings of the philosophico-mystical themes. One cannot translate the words, facts, ideas and the developments of history, without heeping them in their proper context and relational forms. Sufism stems from the perennial and as such it must continuously introspect its own system, concepts and methods, for a living organism cannot bear a stagnant approach. Sufism does not disconnect man from the world but involves him in it, for it becomes a revealing factor and ground of his new terrifying flights. The world emerges to him not something alien but as a factuality, spiritual in its nature and depth. Through this change what was earlier self-repugnant to him becomes self-revealing to him. Every action becomes self healing and self imposed and self preserving.