The Witness Within

Someone was sitting with bawa, and they asked him, “Will there ever come the time when I will be able to see through my eyes what I see when I’m looking at your eyes?” And Bawa responded, “When the day comes when the “I” in you becomes a “we,” you’ll be able to do that.”Now the fact that Bawa could pun in English like that is quite extraordinary. But more extraordinary is that understanding. The essence of that question is “Will I be able to see the way you see? Will I see through my eyes what I see when I look at you?” And the answer is yes, it can happen. And it can happen for all of us when we no longer differentiate ourselves from others, when others’ happiness becomes our happiness, when others’ pain becomes our pain, when others’ joy becomes our joy, and when all of the qualities of separation disappear and the qualities that belong to Allah become the ones that are the essence of our being.

Different religions and different sects and different teachers approach things in different ways. Some teachers teach a religion of exclusivity. They say that in order for you to be among those who are with God, you must do things not only in a certain way, but you must belong to this sect. You must belong to this group. You must belong to this denomination. And you must believe exactly in the way of the denomination. Other teachers teach that we have found a way, we have been given a way and you can come join our way. And if you adhere to our way, Allah, God has promised that this way will take you to Him. Some groups are interested in the group and the expansion of the group. Some groups are interested in the individual and the relationship between the individual and God. It appears to me that different groups when they make these determinations as to how to act, set different standards for what their religion is about. Some groups only have compassion for people with their own group. Some groups will tell you that God only has compassion for people in their group. Some people will tell you that in order to be saved, you must join. And they run around the world trying to get everybody to sign up so they can be saved as if the act of joining the group were the act of salvation, as if the act of coming into the group were the act of salvation, as if that act was what made your life all of a sudden transform into a life that is saved.

In the physical world, consequences are readily apparent. If you throw a rock at a glass, there’s a crash and the glass will shatter. Like that, physical consequences are not difficult to see. They are not only apparent in the sense of the reality of the physical world, they are apparent to all of your senses. Sounds cause disturbances. Various physical manifestations cause other things to happen. In the spiritual realm, there are also consequences, but the consequences are not as readily apparent. But there are consequences. And we as individuals, in order to fulfill our knowledge, have to know what these consequences are and how these consequences are caused. We need to know the cause and effect of things, not only in the physical realm but in the spiritual realm. You know that when you’re driving a car, you have to stay on your side of the road because if you don’t stay on your side of the road, there’s going to be a crash. And that crash is going to have consequences.

Explore the intriguing analogy between sports and spirituality, emphasizing the shift from being a mere spectator to actively seeking a connection with God. Discover the importance of detaching from worldly distractions to truly understand God's essence. Delve into the concepts of surrender and inner work, learning how quietude and overcoming self-attachment can enhance one's spiritual journey. The conversation culminates in a heartfelt closing prayer, seeking guidance along the path of faith.

When people ask you, “Where do you live,” the response is usually something like “America” or “Turkey” or “Philadelphia” or “Istanbul” or “Canada” or “Toronto.” In other words, it’s a place. We all identify ourselves with living in a place. Some people might say, “I live on the planet Earth,” which would cover most of the countries. But still, people identify themselves with a specific spot somewhere. And as you twirl the map and if you travel around the world, there are lots of different spots where people live. I’ve been to lots of them. And these spots come with different languages, different cultures, different colors of people, different ideas. Now, there are literally hundreds of place names in the world. There’s a place called Morocco, there’s a place called Tunisia, there’s a place called Africa, there’s a place called Ghana, there’s a placed called Asia. People identify themselves with these places. — All of this is a lie. You don’t live in a place. There are only two kingdoms that exist in this world, the kingdom of the mind and the kingdom of the heart. And you live in one or the other.

The discussion kicks off with the journey from infant vulnerability to adult self-defense. It explores how childhood experiences forge emotional armor, contrasting urban and small-town social dynamics. The conversation deep dives into the meanings of true mercy versus mercenary compassion, illustrating with poignant stories of empathy and sacrifice. Lastly, it emphasizes that loving others can lead to spiritual growth and closeness to the divine.

Explore the fascinating world of ancient taboos and their psychological impacts on behavior. Delve into spiritual encounters that reveal the transient nature of existence and humanity's divine purpose. Discover the importance of establishing a moral code and the struggle between gratitude and greed. Reflect on material impermanence and the path to inner transformation through eternal qualities. This episode takes you on a journey through belief systems and the unseen forces that shape our lives.

Explore the intriguing metaphor of life as a stage, where we navigate roles as both actors and audience members. Discover how early influences shape our life scripts and values based on who we seek to impress. Delve into the concept of aligning actions with a higher audience rather than earthly observers. The discussion highlights the balance between scripted morality and improvisational living, urging listeners to prioritize authenticity and conscience in their actions. Conclude with a reflective prayer for guidance along a righteous path.

Explore the idea of our world as a spiritual farm, where unseen realities flourish through faith. The discourse delves into the contrast between Sufi wisdom and conventional philosophy, emphasizing the pitfalls of attachment. Discover the power of reshaping gratitude and intention in daily life, and the importance of authentic relationships with teachers. Practical advice on moderating the lower self for spiritual growth reveals a path toward holistic living. Ultimately, the conversation invites a deeper connection with the divine and continuous inner transformation.

The journey through Sufism today contrasts sharply with its historical roots, blending spirituality with everyday life. Intentionality emerges as a transformative force, bolstering emotional well-being and connection with the divine. Listeners navigate challenges using the metaphor of fire, reinforcing the need for resilience against distractions. A thought-provoking parable reveals how desires can trap individuals, showing that true happiness often lies in meaningful connections rather than material wealth.