Meditation

Meditation Method

MIR S. KHAN

AFTER FOLLOWING INDICATIONS of the theoretical dynamic behind

traditionalistic meditation activity, it was when I was studying

with Gulbaz Khan of Kalat (Baluchistan) that I came

across what might be termed a developed theory of pupilteacher

meditation. This is attributed to the remotest antiquity;

though why it should be claimed that it was practised by 'Noah,

Joseph, Jesus, Elias and Salman the Persian' especially, I cannot

say.

 In summary, the theory holds that there is a certain

element in the human being which strives towards perfection.

This element (Nafs-i-Haqiqa = the True Being) will attach itself

to anything—men, objects, ideas—in the hope of finding some

conductor which will bring it to 'maturity' (Pukhtagi). When it

comes into contact with a correct source of conduction—a

teacher, it feeds itself for a time on his knowledge. This is the

phase of attachment to a teacher. If the teacher accepts the

pupil, he will first of all teach interchange concentration exercises.

In these the mutual bond is strengthened.

The next step is for the teacher to induce the students

to interchange with one another, which they do by meeting regularly

and all taking an interest in some common theme. They may think

that they are learning something from that theme. In fact, they are

becoming attuned to one another.

Next comes the phase in which the

pupils are able to spend some time, at will, interchanging with

the teacher and with one another. When this stage has been

reached, they have attained a form of directing capacity over

their spiritual life. The next form of meditation is when different

subjects of meditation are given to each student. Now each has

three types of practice. After that comes the succession of

meditation. The whole community following signals from the

teacher or his deputy (Khalifa) first collect themselves, then

meditate upon themselves, then upon the teacher, then upon

an object or idea, then upon the private objects or ideas. In this

way, it is believed by the mystics of the Chishti, Qadiri and other

schools, the human capacity for connection with superior

cognition is practised and brought to fruition.

 

MIR S. KHAN is of nomadic extraction, and has

written and broadcast on a wide variety of subjects.

He has made sociological studies of the Berbers and

the Afghan Kochis, and his despatches have been

published in The Times of London, used by the British

Broadcasting Corporation, and appeared widely in the

general press in many countries. He is a member of

several Sufi Orders.