Baha'i and Sufism (Creator, mysticism, experience, point of view, faith)

[mystic man]

Hey all!

Just wondering if it would be possible to be a "Baha'i Sufi". In other words... basically, is there a mystical side to the Baha'i faith few people know of? Or is it possible to "translate1" the concepts and practices of Sufism to fit the Baha'i faith? I wouldn't see why but I'd like a Baha'is perspective.

1 couldn't think of a better word lol

[Popeyesays]

From my point of view the Sufi belief that one may become "one with God" to the extreme of losing one's own identity and 'becoming' God is not in line with what Baha`u'llah tells us.

Other than that, one can be Bahai and Sufi, even being Baha`i makes one Sufi with that one caveat.

As to Baha`i mysticism one would need to read the Arabic Hidden Words and The Seven Valleys to make a judgement. I think that judgement is rather automatic, but one should read for one's self.

You can read them on line at:
The Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh, Pages 51-52 (Hidden Words)

and

The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys, Pages 57-65 (Seven Valleys and The Four Valleys)

The Seven Valleys and The Four Valleys are written in the style of the famous mystic poem The Conference of the Birds Find at: Bird Parliament: Bird Parliament )

Regards,
Scott

[arthra]

You will find references to Saadi, Rumi and Hafiz in many Baha'i works but as Scott mentions above there is a distinction between the Baha'i Faith and Sufism..

One essay I read might be of interest here:

What is Baha'u'llah's message to the Sufis?

- Art

[lunamoth]

Originally Posted by arthra

You will find references to Saadi, Rumi and Hafiz in many Baha'i works but as Scott mentions above there is a distinction between the Baha'i Faith and Sufism..

One essay I read might be of interest here:

What is Baha'u'llah's message to the Sufis?

- Art

Interesting essay Art.

From the conclusion:

And His argument? What was it exactly?

In the Seven Valleys Bahá'u'lláh sifts the wheat of Sufi teaching from the chaff that had crept in over the years. His point is that mankind can have an experience of the Divine (Valley of Love), can grow in understanding (Valley of Knowledge), can experience the unity of all things (Valley of Unity), be content (Valley of Contentment), and experience amazement (Valley of Wonderment), but there is a veil between the Creator and the created which can only be penetrated by a Being of another quality than man. He is the Messenger and His counsels must be followed. Bahá'u'lláh says: "In all these journeys the traveler must stray not the breadth of a hair from the 'Law', for this is indeed the secret of the 'Path' and the fruit of the Tree of 'truth', and in all these stages he must cling to the robe of obedience to the commandments, and hold fast to the cord of shunning all forbidden things, that he may be nourished from the cup of the Law and informed of the mysteries of truth."

In conclusion.

Bahá'u'lláh's message to the Sufis (and mankind) was that although a seeker of the Divine Essence can develop his consciousness considerably in this world, true contact with the Essence is impossible. Full development can only come through recognition of the Messenger and obedience to His Laws.

[JMoum04]

Just popping in to say that if you haven't before, I highly recommend checking out the works of Rumi. They're insightful, moving, even overwhelming at times, and he is by far my favorite poet.

[arthra]

I agree Moum! and thanks for posting here.

- Art