Abu Yazid Bistami was a deeply mystical Persian Sufi of the 9th c. CE who had great influence on the Sufis of his time. For a little more about him, see this post.

A person was seriously watching the day’s routine of Bayazid, as to how he carried on his prayers. Suddenly, Bayazid uttered the name of the Lord, Allah, and fell senseless. On recovery people asked what had happened to him.

He replied, “When I uttered Allah, I entered Heaven. There I noticed a big dragon with open mouth coming to swallow me. I asked it where I could find God, as the Qur’an said He dwelt in Heaven. Instantly I heard the Divine Voice say, ‘The Lord dwells amongst the broken hearts in the world,’ as also runs the verse of the Qur’an, ‘The dwelling place of the Lord is in the meek and humble hearts.’

“When I attained to the nearness of God,, I heard the Divine Voice say, ‘Ask what ye want.’

“I said, ‘I seek that Thy will be done.’

“Again the Voice was heard, ‘Annihilate thyself that ye may dwell eternally with Us.’

“I bowed in submission.”