•••The Eleven Naqshbandi principles or the rules or secrets of the Naqshbandi, known in their original Persian as the kalimat-i qudsiya(sacred words or virtuous words),are a system of principles and guidelines used as spiritual exercises, or to encourage certain preferred states of being, in Naqshbandi Sufi schools of mysticism. 1. Hush dar dam (or hosh dar dam) — awareness of breathing Being aware or conscious of ones breathing. Breathing deeply in a natural rhythm without being preoccupied by breathing. Inhaling and exhaling whilst in remembrance of God. 2. Nazar ba kadam (or nazar bar qadam) — watching over the steps Watching over ones steps, ie being aware of ones intention. Paying attention and not being distracted from ones goal, maintaining awareness and being open to opportunities, so that one does the right thing at the right time. 3. Safar dar watan — travelling in the Homeland Making an interior journey, ie inside oneself, observing oneself in a detached and not overly-critical manner, learning from ones errors and travelling from blameworthy to praiseworthy qualities. 4. Khilwat dar anjuman (or khalwat dar anjuman) — retirement in company Developing the ability to detach from and distance oneself from external noise, disturbance and confusion when in company, and remain tranquil, perhaps with the aid of a zikr, an exercise in remembrance of God. Also being able to re-attach ones attention to the outward when necessary. Though outwardly the Sufi is in the world, inwardly he or she is with God. 5. Yad kardan (or yad kard) — remembering, recollecting exercises Remembering experiences one has had and that one is a part of the Tradition from which one may draw positive energy and derive strength. Using inner or vocalized zikr, remembrance or making mention of the Divine names, to remain attentive and alert, and so that the heart becomes aware of the presence of Truth (Al Haqq). 6. Baaz gasht (or baz gasht) — restraint Being self-disciplined, for example cultivating the quality of patience, keeping ones thoughts from straying when repeating the Shahada (the declaration of the Oneness of God and the acceptance of Muhammad as his prophet), being repentant and returning to righteousness. 7. Neegar dashtan (or nigah dasht) — watchfulness, use of special faculties Concentrating on the presence of God. Being alert, watchful for and open to subtle perceptions, positive energy, positive opportunity and positive impacts. Being watchful over passing thoughts. 8. Yad dashtan (or yad dasht) — keeping of the memory, sensing of the being and the body Sensing ones being and ones body, recalling positive memories and positive experiences. 9. Ukufi zamani (or wuquf-e zamani) — time-halt (or pause) Suspending intellect, judgement, preconceptions and conditioned thought. Reprising ones thoughts and actions. Accounting for how ones time is spent, being thankful for acts of righteousness and asking forgiveness for wrongdoing. 10. Ukufi adadi (or wuquf-e adadi) — number-halt (or pause) Carrying out exercises involving numbers, such as the awareness of the number of repetitions when carrying out ones silent heart zikr exercise, and also certain forms of counting using the Abjad System. 11. Ukufi qalbi (or wuquf-e qalbi) — heart-halt (or pause) or visualisation Visualising ones heart (Qalb), perhaps with the name of God inscribed on it, and identifying with Truth or with God.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 14:53:50 +0000
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