The Sufi Message was brought to the West by Hazrat Inayat Khan. It is a Message of spiritual liberty, of love, harmony and beauty, offered to the world in the hope that we may rise above the distinctions and differences which divide. Sufism is not a new religion but it inspires the awakening of a religious attitude. Sufism offers no dogmas and seeks no converts, but it points the way towards the Divine Wisdom which has guided humanity all down the ages. May the sacred "speaking Ka’aba stone" - which Abraham, "Father of three religious streams", placed ages ago as a temple of initiation, symbolizing the ideal of one single God - become forever an example of dignity and devotion for all those venturing on the path of discipleship, where there is no distinction of religious doctrines or beliefs.
The subject of initiation has been lavishly discussed, particularly in regard to various esoteric practices known to different orders, which all promote different methods. However, the idea behind initiation could perhaps best be explained as being a step taken forward with hope, courage and conviction, in an attitude of receptivity and also with the ability of assimilating inspiring and silent teachings. Often mysteries are made about initiation, whereas in reality this initiative taken implies clearing away past regrets, bathing in the sacred waters of inner knowledge, and making good use of the experiences gained through obtaining discipline over one’s own impulses.
In this booklet some interpretations of Hindu practices and ancient Sufi practices are presented in a highly concentrated form, disclosing fresh insights into mystical experiences discovered when awakening to the magic power of the rhythmic impulse of all nature which is the origin of all movement. Movement is induced by the law of attraction, consisting of opposite forces, the creative (Jelal) and the receptive (Jemal), seeking to complete each other within the network of a third energy (Kemal), which is of a neutral character, being at the same time the source and the culmination of all energy, and at which level the creative and receptive dispositions lose all characteristics.
Out of the innumerable energies which are distinguishable in the human being, one which can neither be seen nor touched is breath (Prana); and along the flow of the breath the different vibrations inherent in the five elements are channeled to and from the mind-world in coordinated waves of impulses traversing the five senses. When the breath happens to come under the spell of the creative energy, there is a natural tendency to act positively, take decisions, start projects, and defend one’s rights. Under the spell of the receptive energy one is resigned, communicative, well-disposed and open to inspiration. The Kemal energy, which is life itself and creative of all energies, is beyond all aspirations. When attuned to this energy one finds oneself face to face with the Divine Presence, where all interests of a human nature lose their hold because both the creative and the receptive dispositions are thereby sublimated.
Hidayat Inayat-Khan