Any comment on God’s acts is wrong—for example, saying, “God is taking this matter seriously,” or, “So God has abandoned you now.”
We have no right to speak of God, the Lord of all worlds, in this way. He is all-wise and all-knowing, aware of what is hidden and what is manifest in His creation. He does not wait to see how His creatures behave before deciding what to do!
When the mind is under the control of Satan and the lower self, it is governed by them. The mind goes wherever its ruler wills. So the first step is to free the mind from the dominion of the lower self and Satan. To achieve this, we must not only flee from sins and disliked acts, but also uproot love of this world from our hearts and keep our desires and inclinations in check—with God’s help.
The next step is to take control of the mind ourselves and become its ruler, like a driver behind the wheel of a vehicle. In that state, our mind is confined to our own capacities: we travel only as far as our thoughts and understanding allow, according to the limits of our knowledge and ability.
The essential step—in fact, both the first and the last—in purifying and governing the mind is to entrust our hearts and minds to their Creator. This is possible only through knowledge of God and love for Him.
From the outset, then, we must hand the reins of our hearts and minds to the One who steers the universe.
In purifying the mind—which is better called purifying the heart—the aim is to make the heart a sanctuary of God. Once the heart becomes such a sanctuary, it becomes a place where divine blessings unfold, and the Creator, by His will, honours His sanctuary. We should not wait for a strange vision or dream; we must be free of such constraints, trusting that the Lord of the sanctuary knows all things and is more tender toward His servants than anyone else could be. Whatever is good and right for His servant will come to pass.
The difference between governing the mind in material and immaterial matters is only one of degree and scope. God Most High will guide our minds and hearts, whether directly or through means and causes. So let us not forget God.
Remembrance of God, a complete and all-embracing intention, action in accordance with that intention, and the guidance of reason: this is the path to an elevated mind.
Yoga is not compatible with the mind of a believer. It is an exercise and form of stretching whose creators’ intentions are questionable. Exercises specifically designed for the mind, drawn from the pure springs of the Two Weighty Things—the Qur’an and the Prophet’s Household—will strengthen the heart and mind. Otherwise, that higher aim will not be attained through practices such as yoga.
Specific spiritual practices will be presented soon, God willing!
#Supplement_to_Question3302
Dear teacher, you said that commenting on God’s acts is wrong. You are right. But these statements were originally part of a conversation between me and my lower self. May God forgive me for not holding back any reproach when rebuking it. I would never use such reproachful words toward any of God’s servants; I use them to rebuke my lower self, because I believe it must be subdued and not given free rein. The lower self stirs, and Satan takes advantage of it.
Here, the issue is really about distinguishing between different things: the lower self must be brought under control, as must the mind, and so must worldly desires, which are the source of most afflictions. The heart also needs purification, and the lower self is the source of its corruption. Please explain each of these points. For instance, when we say, “purify the heart,” we do not know how to do it. Should we take action ourselves, or ask God to do it for us?
How ignorant and incapable we are when it comes to preserving the trust God has placed in our care! May God Himself help us, God willing.
Dear teacher, sometimes I find that for several days I am entirely in God’s presence, and everything feels wonderful. Even if I were alone for a month, I would feel no need for anyone else’s company; being with God would be enough. Then, little by little, it is as if I am coming down from that height. Before I know it, I have grown so distant again. I am not doing anything particularly sinful, and I try to stay mindful. Perhaps I am still in God’s presence and simply do not realize it, or perhaps I have descended. Then I long for those few days when I felt I was in God’s presence.
A person is constantly changing, so perhaps I am wrong to expect that state to last forever. A person’s emotional and spiritual condition also plays a part. When someone is ill, their mood and spirit may be out of balance; or something may happen in the family that occupies their thoughts and mind, causing them to descend. I am not sure.
Dear teacher, sometimes you could offer us help for our growth and spiritual progress that we would not even know to ask you for—for example, self-knowledge programs. The “Reflection” program seemed to me to be a kind of mind-training program, and there were other programs as well that I know nothing about. Your students have access to you, and you hold classes for them; perhaps they have no need for programs in the group for that reason. But we have been left entirely without benefit. I do not know whether it is because everyone has lost interest and enthusiasm that these programs are never held, or are discontinued. In any case, we are still waiting for programs in the group.
Please do not hold back.
May God grant you all that He bestows upon His good servants, God willing.
#Reply_to_Supplement_to_Question3302
Fulfilling the obligatory acts in the best and most complete manner; undertaking supererogatory acts and recommended practices with gentleness, energy, scrupulous piety and diligence; self-examination and the spiritual disciplines of the Two Weighty Things, and more …
The Meshkat-e Noor series, especially its current topics
Special lessons on “Spiritual Wayfaring in the Light of the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt”
Special programmes and dedicated spiritual disciplines will also be offered soon, God willing.