Many of us repeat with some regularity the words of the Invocation, perhaps as a way of beginning our spiritual practices, or to start a class or the service of Universal Worship. Because it serves as the opening of a door toward something further, it may be that we do not think very much about the Invocation, but it carries a profound meaning. One could say that it gives the whole of the spiritual path in just a few words.
The Invocation is a single phrase composed of several linked parts describing the journey for which every soul is destined. The first words give us our goal: The One. But ‘the One’ might leave us feeling perplexed –who or what is that? So the following words give some description: imagine—we could take a few moments to do so—the qualities of love, harmony and beauty raised to their perfection. What is more, there is none (including we who repeat these words, so let us forget ourselves now) beside the One, for that One is the Only Being.
Toward the One,
the perfection of love, harmony and beauty,
the Only Being,
united with all the illuminated souls
who form the embodiment of the Master,
the Spirit of Guidance.
In the next few words, we learn something about the way in which we journey: we are privileged to go in the company of all the illuminated souls. Here again we might pause to ask ourselves, who is an illuminated soul? And what does it mean to be united with this company?
It is not possible, nor even desirable, to make a catalog of souls who have reached illumination, but throughout history innumerable beings have come to the realisation of Unity, have seen directly the Divine Light of which they themselves and every individual is made. Some of these souls have been known to the world, others not, but like precious jewels, each one has reflected the light in an homage to beauty, and by that light we can begin to grope our way toward the goal, for that is the work of the Spirit of Guidance.
Would an illuminated soul be a good travelling companion? Undoubtedly, so long as we keep our eye fixed on the destination. We could expect compassion, encouragement, inspiration, and in the right moment, good humour. When we are offered such company, what are we waiting for?
How this post makes the Invocation living amongst us.
It also highlights many of the teachings covered in the series of posts throughout July on Mysticism and The Path of Discipleship. For me, each post became a stepping stone to discover that there was a path through the forest all along.
The stepping stones kept calling me back, and sometimes Id find myself revisiting one, to ask ‘what was that about (for example) repose?’ Or I’d sit in the sun and read the entire series again, noting more and more the example of keeping the eye fixed on the destination. with gratitude
What a beautiful explanation! Thank you dear Murshid Nawab. Each time I repeat the Invocation y realize How a deep profound spirituality lived in the heart of
Pir o Murshid Inayat; pure mysticism! I feel all relief, consolation, Company, I put all my earthly worries in that Holy procession of the illuminated souls and the certainty of receiving all their Guidance and mastery here in the earth and their hands taking our hands leading all of us towards the One.