That is why I asked, are you prepared to do it 100 percent; and you promised, because for God, Baba and the universe this work to be done is to be 100 percent with 100 percent mind, heart and soul. That means, if I say cut off my head, you have to do it!
For Muslims, to touch wine is forbidden — so much so that if a drop of wine falls on the body, that part must be cut out! But Sufism is, as Hafiz says, if your Master orders you to offer prayers on a carpet drenched with wine, you must do it. So, anything I tell you to do for the work, you have to do.
Now, about dear Brabazon, there is much you have and are prepared to do for me, for Sufism and for God. How much and to what length, I know. That means you will do what I tell you at the cost of your life?
Francis said he would.
"I'm happy," Baba continued.
That is why I said that this is not the first time I have seen you. I want four or five pillars for the Sufi work in the West. Sufism, as understood by 99 percent of the people, is not real Sufism. The terms Shaikh, Murshid, mureed are so lightly treated that real Sufism is lost sight of.
As Rumi says: "The only way to know Sufism is not by words or practice or discipline, but by becoming the dust of the feet of the Master."
Truth is hidden. Unless one has attained fana [annihilation] and acquired baqa [abiding], one cannot lead others to Perfection.1 So, when we ourselves do not experience that state, and when we ask others to follow us, it means we are insulting Sufism, and all over the East and West it is being done.
By God's will, I intend to change the whole affair, overhaul the whole thing, because I love Sufism with all my heart. All these aspects belong to me, but Sufism is most dear to me. Therefore, I want to overhaul it, and for that you must do as I tell you. We should not be vague on any points. We must be precise.
Did you see my chart The Ten States of God ? I dictated all the points to Dr. Ghani. He worked on it, and now I find half of it has not been mentioned [included]. Half has been just as I wanted.
Footnotes
- 1.For a full description of the meaning of fana and baqa, refer to God Speaks, pp. 140–144.