FROM THE SPIRITUAL TREE
There is a tree beside my house. I call it the 'Spiritual Tree'. I derive spiritual inspiration from it. A tree is an evergrowing being that was initially a seed possessing the potential of becoming a full-grown tree. A seed takes food from the universe around it and then grows into a tree. The same is true with spirituality, the desire for which is intrinsic to, and an integral part of, the very nature of every human being. To realize this spirituality, man must derive spiritual food from the universe around him. A tree converts carbon-dioxide into oxygen; a spiritual person is one who can take positive lessons from negative situations. From this perspective, a tree is an embodiment of a spiritual personality. —Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
THE SPIRITUAL LOSS CAUSED BY GREED
GREED is a person’s greatest weakness. Everyone feels that whatever they possess is not enough. Everyone wants more and more. No one is satisfied with what they have. Psychology of this nature is destructive. The greatest loss it inflicts is that one is deprived of the blessings of special prayer to God. If an individual lives in a state of gratitude, that is, if he feels that whatever is required for leading his life in this world has been given to him by God, this will become a great point of reference for the following prayer which will be uttered from the depths of his heart: “O God, You have given me everything in the world.” (14: 34). Now, I want the same in the world Hereafter as You have promised in Your Book: “Therein you shall have all that your souls desire, and therein you shall have all that you ask for.” (41: 31)
A prayer said in gratitude is a high form of prayer. Such a prayer comes from one’s heart, with deep feelings. Such a prayer is the result of a prepared mind. Such a prayer represents one’s entire existence.
A prayer said in gratitude is a high form of prayer. Such a prayer comes from one’s heart, with deep feelings.
In such prayer the choice of words is secondary. What is of prime importance is the internal feelings which stir up one’s heart and mind. In such a prayer words are just symbolic. Such a prayer comes out of one’s lips only when one comes so close to God that no distance remains between man and his Creator.