Exploring the Commanding Self: Navigating the Depths of the Human Psyche (Part II of #DecadeReflection)
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 thrives on convincing individuals that its limitations and
distortions are essential parts of their identity." This poignant
observation, found in Idries Shah's The Commanding Self, exposes the insidious
nature of this parasitic entity. As Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi once wrote, "Pass
from names and look at qualities so that qualities may show the way to the
essence." This verse urges us to go beyond superficial labels and
delve into the essence of our being.
Embarking on the Sufi Path
At the heart of
Sufism lies the fundamental question of whether the Commanding Self commands
the individual or vice versa. As Idries Shah highlights in his works, the Sufi
path requires experience, organization, perception, and interpretation. Sufis
believe that true knowledge comes from experience, and a Sufi teacher, having
gone beyond ordinary limits, can provide invaluable guidance based on their
awareness of humanity's general and specific conditions. In the words of
Shabistari, "If the Moslem knew what the idol was, he would know that
there is religion in idol-worship. If the polytheist were informed on religion,
how could he stray in his faith?" This verse challenges our
preconceived notions and encourages us to seek deeper understanding.
Sufism as a Way of Life
"Sufism is
not confined to a separate realm but rather coexists alongside an individual's
ordinary routine." This insight from Idries Shah's writing emphasizes
the integration of Sufism into everyday life. Sufic practice, as described by
Shah, involves examining assumptions, avoiding mechanical thought patterns, and
distinguishing faith from fixation. As Omar Khayyam wrote, "Since the
lot of humankind in this bitter land is nothing but suffering and sadness,
happy the heart of whoever quickly leaves the world. Tranquil the person who
did not come at all." These verses remind us of the impermanence of
worldly pursuits and the pursuit of inner peace.
The Power of Sufi Teaching
As Idries Shah
notes, "Sufi literature aims to strike the mind, enabling it to work in
new or different ways." This impactful teaching method, employed by
Sufi teachers, seeks to evoke action and emotional responses, thereby
instigating transformative experiences. As Ibn Arabi wrote, "Sufi
knowledge was adequately represented as enabling people to understand knowledge
which they already had, by 'polishing the mirror' of their minds." This
metaphorical imagery encourages us to refine our perception and uncover the
inherent wisdom within ourselves.
Transcending the Illusions
"Sufis
emphasize the importance of understanding the distinction between the primary
essence or Reality (Haqq) and the secondary realm of appearance or Form
(Khalq)." This
profound teaching from Idries Shah's work underscores the significance of
recognizing and transcending the limitations of the secondary realm. Sufis draw
from their own experiences to navigate the complexities of secondary
factors, enabling them to teach others.
Looking Beyond Appearances
In the words of
Idries Shah, "Sufis believe that saintliness or being a saint is not
solely about holiness or piety." This insightful observation
challenges conventional notions of saintliness and emphasizes the importance of
possessing a degree of gnosis or supreme knowledge. When the inner meaning [ma’ana]
is reached, peace descends, as expressed by Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi. This verse
inspires us to seek the inner essence and find true peace within ourselves.
"The secret of Sufism is that it has no secret at all!" As Idries Shah poetically expresses, this enigmatic paradox encapsulates the essence of Sufism. True understanding and enlightenment can only be attained through personal experience and realization. By nurturing the seed of self-discovery and transcending the influences of the Commanding Self, individuals embark on a transformative journey guided by the profound wisdom encapsulated in the teachings of Sufism. Through this exploration, we aim to uncover the timeless truths and practical insights of the Sufi tradition, offering a roadmap for personal growth, spiritual evolution, and self-realization.
References:
1. Shah, Idries.
"The Sufis." Octagon Press, 1993.
2. Shah, Idries.
"Learning How to Learn: Psychology and Spirituality in the Sufi Way."
Octagon Press, 1996.
3. Shah, Idries.
"The Way of the Sufi." Penguin Books, 1990.
4. Shah, Idries.
"Neglected Aspects of Sufi Study." Octagon Press, 1997.
5. Shah, Idries.
"The Commanding Self." Octagon Press, 1994.
These books provide a comprehensive understanding of Sufi concepts, practices, and their relevance to personal transformation and self-realization, including an in-depth exploration of the Commanding Self.
Acknowledgments: Each essay has referenced preexisting content (mine or of others) as an evidence base, despite the reflective nature of the work. ChatGPT ("the divine feminine") has been instrumental in supporting the 10-year corpus of #DecadeReflection. All original artwork was created by Mansoor Ahmed (@sleeplessbuddha) using digital AI art tools.
An excerpt of this was first published by the Express Tribune.
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