In the previous post I introduced some of Thomas Merton’s description of the basic Sufi perspectives on the spiritual path—that God is above all and in all, and how a Sufi seeks a progressive path to union with God. This post will consider some thoughts Sufis have about things that can get in the way of that spiritual work. To begin with, a Sufi must have the faith that God is love and compassion (and will lead us on), yet is also beyond our ever being able to fully understand. So the path is endless. Finally, don't get trapped by dualistic perceptions that good and bad exist as opposing forces. Take it all in... it's all sacred.
As you progress along the path and pass through and beyond the preliminary stages of spiritual development, you may well become mired down at some point, due to the feeling that you've accomplished some pretty good things. It can cause you to become a bit lazy and begin to rest on your laurels, feeling a bit smug. You may look back with pride and note the advancement you’ve made, or feel that you stand a bit higher than those around you. This can cause you to halt your progress and lose momentum.
When this happens, Sufis say that you have become blocked by one or more of three “veils” or screens that have gotten in your way and are hindering further progress, because you've allowed an inflated self-image to blind you. The three veils are becoming aware of or taking some pride in (1) your good deeds, (2) your merits, or (3) the fact that you have even come to see yourself as somewhat of a mystic. You've become derailed by a subtle kind of self-praise—even feeling the slightest hint of your ego. A little vanity has crept in.
You must seek a delicate balance when this occurs, by cultivating a degree of self-awareness, which is at the core of the examined life. (As Socrates maintained, the unexamined life is hardly worth living.) So you need a good dose of self-awareness, to guard against yourself becoming diverted by too much self-esteem. The Sufi spiritual path—like all spiritual paths—must therefore also be a humble one; one that recognizes your shortcomings as you simultaneously note and appreciate your progress. That’s the examined, balanced life.
There is yet another, more subtle but unyielding source of blockage that Sufis say we might encounter along the spiritual path. We encounter it when we come upon an obstacle that seems to be a barrier or something like a locked gate thwarting our progress. We have a tendency, when this happens, simply to seek the key that will open the lock, so we may then open the gate and continue through. Seeking the key becomes the quick answer. This approach is a common one for those who are active in society. It is the wrong approach.
In fact, when seeking a Sufi union with God, we must realize that there is no key... the lock is us! We are the barrier; we are getting in our own way. Often the blockage—the lock—is caused by our seeking ways to fit into society. In the next post I will describe how Sufis say one must go beyond society, in order to make real progress on the path.
Many times we can break that lock by not focusing on the key, because doing so can cause our conscious mind to literally seize up, and become frozen in frustration. It can help to relax, open to it all, and simply quit pushing. If we faithfully adhere to the path, the way will open—whether it be due to some insight of our unconscious mind (which is the greater part of our mind) or due to the grace of God… if we pause and allow ourselves to understand that the blockage is us! If we quit intellectualizing and trying to force our way past by obsessing on the key to the lock, we will set ourselves free, by coming to see that there actually is no lock… there is no exterior blockage.
Next time: going beyond society’s obstacles…
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