an itinerant observer

Introduction In our pursuit of happiness and contentment, we often find ourselves seeking guidance from various philosophies and concepts that offer insight into the art of living. Two such principles, Ikigai and Stoicism, hold profound wisdom that can illuminate our path to genuine fulfillment. By exploring the intertwining threads of Ikigai and Stoicism, we embark on a journey towards discovering the true essence of happiness and contentment. The Essence of Ikigai At the core of Ikigai lies the belief that each individual possesses a unique purpose, a reason for being. Derived from the Japanese culture, Ikigai represents the joy and goal of living. It is the harmony that arises when our passions, professions, vocations, and missions intersect. Embracing Ikigai calls for a deep introspection, a voyage within ourselves to uncover the hidden treasures that define our existence. Just as the Japanese proclaim, everyone has an Ikigai, but it requires a profound and often arduous sear...

Introduction In the realm of Sufi literature, a profound concept known as the Commanding Self, or Nafs-i-Ammara , reveals itself as a mysterious intermediary between objective reality and one's authentic self. As Idries Shah eloquently states in The Commanding Self, it is "the key to understanding my entire corpus of work." This captivating concept challenges Sufi teachers to communicate its essence effectively, despite facing accusations of maintaining authority and denying individuals access to higher levels of understanding. The purpose of this essay is to delve into the depths of the Commanding Self, explore its significance in Sufi teachings, and shed light on its relevance to personal transformation and self-realization. By unraveling the layers of the Commanding Self, we can gain valuable insights into the journey of the soul and the path toward inner awakening. The Commanding Self: A Closer Look "The Commanding Self thrives on convincing individuals that its...

As the year 2023 unfolded, I found myself standing at a significant crossroads—a milestone marking ten years since my relocation from Houston to Karachi. It was a moment of reflection, where the flickering ember of my muse reignited within me. As in the past, it beckoned me to embrace those very failures that had woven themselves into the fabric of my existence, for they had shaped my trajectory through academic rejections, professional setbacks, and personal stumbling blocks. Amidst those failures, I discovered the profound blessings of love, employment, research, parenthood, and caregiving—an epiphany that revealed success as nothing more than a redefined manifestation of failure. Guided once again by the gentle whispers of my muse, I found myself drawn deeper into the caverns of introspection, where profound growth was nurtured amidst pain. As I cast my gaze upon the retrospective lens, I acknowledged the inherent challenges and limitations it presented. It was in response to this...

  "I see patients, I do research, I teach, I write, I create | innovate | startup, and I reinvent myself every few years..." These words, captured in my LinkedIn tagline, perfectly encapsulate the multifaceted journey I embarked on during my decade at Aga Khan University (AKU). Looking back, this milestone marks 10 years of profound growth, both personally and professionally, as I reflect on the invaluable insights that have shaped my path. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu Almost three decades ago, when I took my first step into AKU as a medical student, I had no inkling of the remarkable voyage that awaited me. After my MBBS from AKU, my fascination with human genes and genomes led me to pursue a Ph.D. in molecular and human genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston, Texas, setting the stage for an awe-inspiring journey of academic exploration and intellectual revelations. While at Texas Children's Hospital,...