Those who with sincerity seek their real purpose in Life are themselves sought by that purpose.
Hazrat Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan
Related Material by Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan
Compiled by Wahiduddin Richard Shelquist – wahiduddin.net
One may ask, ‘What is the best way for a person to understand one’s life’s purpose?’ If one follows the bent of one’s own mind, if one follows the track to which one is attracted, if one follows one’s own inclination, which is not satisfied with anything else, one feels, ‘There is something waiting for me (which one does not know at the time), which will bring me satisfaction.’ Besides, if one is intuitive and mystical, it is easier still, because then one is continually told what is the purpose of one’s life. For nature has such a perfection of wisdom. One sees that the insects are given the sense to make their little houses and to protect themselves and make a store of their food. The bees, who have the gift of making honey, are taught how to make honey. So Nature has taught every soul to seek its purpose. It has made every soul for that purpose, and it is continually calling that soul to see that purpose. If the soul does not hear the call and sleeps, it is not the fault of Nature, which is continually calling. Therefore, if I were to say in a few words, how to find one’s purpose, I would say: by waking from sleep.
All beings have a definite vocation, and that vocation is the light which illuminates their lives. Those who disregard their vocation are as lamps unlit. Those who sincerely seek their real purpose in Life are themselves sought by that purpose. As they concentrate on that search, a light begins to clear their confusion, call it revelation, call it inspiration, call it what you will. It is mistrust that misleads. Sincerity leads straight to the goal.
That way is best which suits you best. The way of one person is not for another person, although we are always inclined to accuse another person of doing wrong, believing that we ourselves are doing right. … That purpose is accomplished when people have risen above all these things. It is those then, who will tolerate all, who will understand all, who will assimilate all things, who will not feel disturbed by things which are not in accordance with their own nature or the way which is not their way. They will not look at others with contempt, but will see that in the depth of every being there is a Divine Spark which is trying to raise its flame toward the purpose.
When we have arrived at this stage, we have risen above the limitations of the world. Then we have become entitled to experience the joy of coming near to the real purpose of Life. It is then that in everything that we say or do, we will be accomplishing that purpose. … We come to understand by this that the further we go the more tolerant we become. Outward things matter little. It is the inward realization which counts. However sacred duty may be, however high may be the hope of paradise, however great the happiness one may experience in the pleasures of the earth, however much satisfaction one may find in earthly treasures, the purpose of Life is in rising above all these things. It is then that the soul will have no discord, no disagreement with others. It is then that the natural attitude of the soul will become tolerant and forgiving. The purpose of life is fulfilled in rising to the greatest heights and in diving to the deepest depths of Life: in widening one’s horizon, in penetrating Life in all its spheres, in losing oneself, and in finding oneself in the end. In the accomplishment of the purpose of Life the purpose of creation is fulfilled. Therefore, in this fulfillment it is not that we attained, but that God has fulfilled God’s purpose.
Commentary by Murshid S.A.M. (Sufi Ahmed Murad)
Samuel L. Lewis
The search is a tuning; spiritual development is a tuning. The law of concentration is that not only will, not only mind, are focused upon some particular goal, but the whole consciousness and breath are placed in harmony. This brings about attunement of self, and once this attunement is gained the greatest obstacle to obtaining any wish has been overcome.
Indeed there is nothing outside of us that stands very much in our way. There is so much in the Universe that everybody could easily be satisfied without harming others. Concentration of itself draws the desired thing, and peace and harmony within hasten its coming. This Unity is the very purpose of our existence which includes all smaller purposes within itself.