Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee

As in other mystic traditions, Sufism sees the relationship between the seeker and God as that of lover and beloved. This wise, beautiful book, written by the spiritual successor to Irine Tweedie (Daughter of Fire), describes the inner journey that takes the lover back to the God he refers to as "the beloved".

The Mystical Relationship of the Lover and the Beloved

The Bond with the Beloved

Laura Mei

Because the ego is the central part of our consciousness it knows where we are most easily led astray. Nothing knows our weaknesses better than our own self. Nothing can distract us more easily than our own mind. The ego stands firmly between the seeker and the light that is hidden within him. The ego blocks us from the influence, guidance, and help that comes from the Beloved

Love is the desire of the heart that can help us overcome the desires of the ego. Love helps us to stay true to the essence of our quest during these testing times. Love gives us the strength to bear the difficulties, doubts, and uncertainties that the ego and the mind place in our path. If we identify ourselves as lovers then we know the meaning of our sacrifice and we can cross the desert that lies between the ego and the Self.

The spiritual path is the most demanding challenge that can face a human being. But because it is the call of the higher Self it also evokes our best qualities, including the archetypal energy of the warrior for whom no challenge is too great. During this testing time the seeker is being carefully watched to see if he is serious. Does he have the necessary qualities to make this journey? Can he walk this desert with no encouragement but the knowledge that there is nowhere to go back to? The doors of the world have closed slowly behind him; old friends and activities no longer hold any interest. Yet in this desert we are being prepared. The focus of our whole psyche is being shifted from the ego to the Self. Inwardly we are being realigned with the Self and the deepest meaning of the soul.

The Bond with the Beloved quotes

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