Physical form is limited, but still it is possible to discern a reflection of our inner nature in the shape of the human body.  Some aspects of our structure are dual, such as the eyes, the ears, the nostrils and so on, which gives us a glimpse of the polarities the Sufis call jelal and jemal, the power and the beauty of manifestation. There are also signs of unity in our makeup, most notably from a Sufi point of view being that we have just one heart, a physical statement of a metaphysical reality.  This singularity is mentioned in the Qur’an, and the Sufi Jami made it the subject of the very first of his ‘Gleams,’ posted here some days ago.  Jami urges that we keep our heart unified, and focused on the Divine, rather than letting it be scattered in many fragments by the innumerable attachments with which the world beguiles us.

Even if we do not fully recognise how divided we are, we can appreciate that this is good advice; who does not feel overwhelmed and pulled in many directions by their noisy daily life?  Drawing together the light and power of our heart into one focus would mean a very large change for us.  But at the same time, we have many commitments, numerous responsibilities and duties, and what is more, we have been told that the Sufi should live in the world (though not be of it), that we should strive to keep our feet on the ground in the marketplace of life rather than withdrawing to a cave in the wilderness.  So, while living in the world, how do we avoid being pulled to pieces?

This is not a new problem.  We may think that a divided life is the sign of modernity, perhaps something invented along with the silicon chip, but two thousand years ago, when Jesus was preaching from the mount, he advised his hearers to consider the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, that don’t concern themselves with the countless worries that obsess us, and yet are cared for by God.  Obviously, the Master observed division in the hearts and minds around him–and what was his counsel? “Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.”

If we have one focus–call it Light or Truth or Love or the Divine Presence–we will find that One in all that we do; or more accurately, the One will seek for us like a kind and thoughtful friend in all our thoughts and words and deeds.  If we are divided, we will find that same division in our view of the One, and thus we will never be able to advance toward our goal.

The Sufi emblem consists of one heart, but with two wings, which Hazrat Inayat Khan said represent independence and indifference.  When the heart is scattered amongst many different interests, the wings have no chance of growing.  When the heart begins to return to a state of oneness, then independence and indifference can unfold and help the heart to fly upward toward the home from which it came.  A Sufi need not avoid any responsibilities; indeed, if a duty is left undone, we shall someday have to retrace our journey in order to fulfil it.  But the first and most important duty of all is to focus the heart upon One, for then the way becomes sure.