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Sufism|
Sufi article continued from last page, click here! Practices
are often in Arabic, although
other languages are also used.
Kabb says that Arabic, like Hebrew
and Sanscrit, is a sacred language
in that the tones of the words
and letters actually resonate
in the body and chakras and are
relevant to the meaning of the
words.
Sufism
encourages acceptance and respect
for all traditions and seeing
from the other person's perspective.
The Sufi looks deep below the
surface, “seeing that which
transpires beyond that which appears.”
This is a universal message, Kabb
says, which is especially relevant
today in the wake of the tragedy
of September 11.
“Maybe
the gift of what we consider a
tragedy in the larger view,”
he says,“is to help us feel
our connection more deeply. We
have an opportunity to embody
the message, to open our hearts
more. I have spent much time counseling
people from our group who, like
everyone else, are concerned and
fearful about what's going
on in the world. The practices
have helped them cope and, hopefully,
will help us all emerge even stronger.
“On
appearance, it might look like
it's the end of everything. We're
being asked to look underneath
the surface. It would be nice
to see from the terrorists'
perspective and try to understand,
although we do not condone what
they are doing. We're being
called to go beyond, stretch our
hands out to other religions,
see the truth in all religions.
We have seen prejudices against
the Arab population or people
who are different. If you see
someone being persecuted, you
would support the other way.”
People
are fearful about the events and
repercussions of September 11.
“That is why the meditation
we practice is helpful,”
Kabb says, “because the mind
will wander to its fearful points.
If you can stay connected with
your breath and do the practices,
you can sustain a peaceful posture
and get done what you need to
do in the world. Problems arise
when people label others as not
human and become insensitive to
their feelings. When people feel
more similar to each other, they're
less likely to attack others.
There has to be some proactive,
interfaith outreach.”
For
more information about the Sufi
Order International, see www.sufiorder.org.
For information about the Sufi
Order of Atlanta, go to www.sufiatlanta.homestead.com
or call Jacob at 770-277-9681.
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