Murshid Hidayat Inayat-Khan
Welcome to Summer School 2014
Listen to Murshid Hidayat's Opening Speech (18:00)
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Wisdom: The Message of Spiritual Liberty, which we have the privilege of experiencing in our time, has always been offered to humanity in ways know or unknown, ever since wisdom was wisdom, inspiring the free-thinkers in an interchange of thoughts and feelings, beyond narrow cultural boundaries.
Obviously, over the ages, the original Message gets regrettably remodeled in dogmatic theories by power-seekers at the level of idolatry, confusing the converted believers, whereas the original ideals were destined to offer a helping hand toward the realization of truth, which cannot be the possession of any chosen orientation.
As known from fairy tales, there is a magic formula used in turning base metal into gold. This mystical tale symbolizes so specifically the work done, in purifying the mind from the confinement of traditional concepts, which do not necessarily correspond any more to our time, nor could our own pre-conceived ideas, ever reflect the universal nature of wisdom.
When Truth falls in the hands of those who think that they know, it is then regrettably confined arbitrarily within rigid forms, and clad in ancestral garbs, perpetuating false illusions, which emphasize the specter of fanaticism; whereas the wise restrain from making a display of speculative definitions of Truth, avoiding thereby confusing misunderstandings.
Physical appearance and psychological qualities are not necessarily descriptive of moral integrity, and false pretense is obviously a confusing example given to those who expect truthfulness. When working on ones own convictions, every step taken is a reminder of one’s responsibilities toward those who depend upon an example to follow.
We all have an ego, nevertheless, there is also beauty in the heart; and when coordinating these two opposite energies, one is then in harmony with oneself, as well as with others, alike the rose and the thorn, which are both parts of one and the same plant. The rose offers beauty and perfume, whereas the thorn is ugly yet both are sustained by the same root.
The thorns, which one is expected to vanquish, are those of one’s own ego, which is depressing to one’s self, as well as to others, and they prick deeply into the heart.
Modesty is not necessarily weakness; it is a feeling arising from the living heart, which is secretly conscious of its inner beauty, while at the same time veiling itself even from its own sight.
This inspiring attitude is characteristic of the wise, who recognize that both impulses ego and modesty are sparks of the all-pervading energy manifesting behind all initiatives.
No experience in life is worthless, and not one moment is really wasted, providing one is wise enough to thoughtfully assemble the main points in past memories.
Even in a fall there is a hidden stepping-stone, by which one might rise above one’s shortcomings, discovering thereby, signs of hidden guidance.
Every effort made toward the fulfillment of one’s life’s purpose, brings one step by step closer to the ultimate goal, and can be seen as a humble contribution to the fulfillment of the divine purpose, which is in a constant state of formation according to a central theme.
The seed finds the fulfillment of its purpose, reaching deep into the earth as a root, while simultaneously rising above the surface, as a plant, spreading out in full blossom under the rays of the sun.
Hidayat Inayat-Khan
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