As part of our weekly Sufi Wisdom series, we offer this repreoduction of a daily thought from the Naqshbandi Sufi Order. Sufi stories aren't just treasures from the past - they are the teaching tools of a faith that lives to this day.

Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2004 12:39:17 -0500
From: "Naqshbandi-Haqqani Sufi Order"
Subject: Mawlana Shaykh Nazim: the means of approach

Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Raheem was-salaat was-salaam `ala Sayyidina Muhammadin wa `ala aalihi wa sahbihi ajma`een

Mawlana Shaykh Nazim said:

"Everything He Almighty has given to the Descendants of Adam is temporary, not worthy of that ultimate love. You must give your love to the One who is always in existence - from pre eternity to post-eternity.

'Glorified is the Ever-living (Lord), for whom there is no Death'

At any time sorrowful and unliked events may - and will - descend upon you, your Lord makes them a means of approach to Him that He may pour out everlasting Love Oceans on His beloved servants.

This is a very important point, and a very heavy one. We must comprehend these wisdoms and their import, but such a realization will evade us as long as we are thinking that these are just some words. That Divine Love must be tasted. As much as I may repeat the words: 'Honey, honey, honey...' or describe the characteristics and flavour of honey, as long as you are not tasting it, you are not going to be satisfied. These realities must be tasted, and unless you have reached that point you cannot understand more than these words."

JK: Here's wishing everyone all the best in the New Year. Whatever form it may come in.