Sufism is not a religion or a philosophy, it is neither deism nor atheism, nor is it a moral, nor a special kind of mysticism, being free from the usual religious sectarianism. If ever it could be called a religion, it would only be as a religion of love, harmony, and beauty.
Every man's path is for himself; let him accomplish his own desires that he may thus be able to rise above them to the eternal goal.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Each individual should follow their own journey and fulfill their desires to achieve higher fulfillment.
The quote emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy and self-discovery. Hazrat Inayat Khan suggests that every person has a unique path and purpose in life, and by pursuing their own desires and ambitions, they can transcend those desires to reach a greater, more profound existence beyond mere materialism. It encourages individuals to recognize their journey as a meaningful part of their personal growth and spiritual development.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about personal development, one could cite this quote to encourage individuals to embrace their unique journeys.
More from Hazrat Inayat Khan
All quotes →I had composed songs, I sang, and played the vina. Practising this music I arrived at a stage where I touched the music of the spheres. Then every soul became a musical note, and all life became music. Inspired by it I spoke to the people, and those who were attracted by my words listened to them instead of listening to my songs.
Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful.
What science cannot declare, art can suggest; what art suggests silently, poetry speaks aloud; but what poetry fails to explain in words, music can express. _x000D_ Whoever knows the mystery of vibrations indeed knows all things.
Atmosphere is a silent music. It has its effect upon the listener, exciting or peaceful, whatever it may be.
What makes us feel drawn to music is that our whole being is music: our mind and body, the nature in which we live, the nature which has made us, all that is beneath and around us, it is all music.
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The search for the purpose of life has puzzled people for thousands of years. That’s because we typically begin at the wrong starting point—ourselves. We ask self-centered questions like What do I want to be? What should I do with my life? What are my goals, my ambitions, my dreams for my future? But focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life’s purpose.
It is a very good world to live in, To lend or to spend, or to live in; but to beg or to borrow, or to get a man's own, It is the very worst world that ever was known.
This personal freedom to think and feel and speak authentically and to be conscious of so doing is the quality that distinguishes us as human.
Our collective future depends on opening channels of compassion, acceptance, and understanding of others.
See we just had a misunderstanding. I thought we lived in the U.S. of A., the United States of America. But actually we live in the U.S. of A., the United States of Advertising. Freedom of expression is guaranteed? If you've got the money!