Each world religion is interesting and preaches its own ways of gaining inner strength and harmony. Islam has an esoteric movement – Sufism. It teaches detachment from problems, asceticism and the highest awareness of life. The founders of the movement wrote that this can only be achieved through faith in God. Spirituality is the basis of the movement.
Followers of Sufism are called Sufis. They strive to get rid of material goods and other worldly temptations. Only in this way, Sufis believe, can one attain the highest knowledge and achieve complete unity with God and the world.
It is important for Sufis to meditate and read prayers. Such techniques help to tune in to positive thoughts, focus on the main thing and clear the mind of extraneous ideas.
The main principles of Sufism are the concept of love and compassion. The followers of the movement believe that these categories can change the world. Only through love for God and neighbor can the true meaning of life be achieved, Sufis wrote in their works. Therefore, they strive to develop feelings of compassion and tolerance in themselves in order to live in peace and harmony with themselves and others.
Catch the most significant sayings of ancient philosophers that will help you look at life from a different angle. And, perhaps, will become a starting point to find peace and harmony.
Aphorisms of Jalaluddin Rumi – Persian Sufi poet
This world is a mountain, and our actions are shouts. The echo of the shouts always comes back to us.
Don’t be comforted by how things are for others. Find your own way.
Difficulties are the path you take in search of yourself.
Increase the power of your words, not your voice. Flowers grow after the rain, not the thunder.
You are not a drop of water in the ocean, but a whole ocean in a drop.
Sayings of Sheikh Abu Abdullah Saadi – Persian poet, writer
Be eternally grateful for everything you have, and then you will receive even more.
A student who studies without desire is like a bird without wings.
Truth is a brilliance that can only be seen by closing your eyes and opening your heart.
Only love and compassion can make you truly happy.
Mental work alleviates all sorrow.
Quotes from Abu Hamid al-Ghazali – the founder of Sufism
Happiness lies not in having everything, but in enjoying what you have.
Doubt is the path to truth: he who does not doubt does not see, he who does not see is in error.
Happiness is not found outside of yourself, but within yourself.
Do not consider as false what you cannot understand.
A true friend is one who will not be offended if you make a mistake in his attitude, and will forgive you if you ask for forgiveness.
Sayings of Abu Madyan, a North African Sufi
Be like the sea: calm on the surface, but deep inside you are full of life and strength.
The path to wisdom is the path to yourself, to your heart and to the truth.
Happiness is inner harmony and balance.
A thousand words cannot compare to one act done out of love.
Asceticism and renunciation of worldly goods are the basis of well-being.