Excerpted from Elif Shafak's Forty Rules of Love.
SEED QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: How do you relate to the seven stages of the self (Nafs)? Can you share a personal story of a time you became aware of which stage you were passing through? What helps you remain aware of the stage you are experiencing and support your own journey of evolution?
Like to read Insaallah Elif Shafakas' Forty rules of Love
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Nafs(Self) an Arabic word in Quran.
I practice Ramana Maharishi's preaching"Who Am I? I,the biggest stumbling block in spiritual progress relates to the worldly-physical-mortal body.Whearas the eternal Soul inside is only pure consciousness the all pervading Omni present life force.Brahmo Hum Brahmo Hum Brahm Swaroopohum.Nityo hum-Shudho Hum-Budho Hum-Mukto hum.Soul overcoming self is a continuous spiritual quest.Kabir said the path is so narrow that the two cannot reside together. Either it is HE or I. May be I am at a stage dispelling I and adopting HE? In the process the gradual slow Opening of The Third Eye-Tenth Door helps to understand the report card.
There are no perfect human beings. Perfection is God, Jesus , Holy Spirit ... Alone. There are times, however, when the Holy Spirit in dwells an imperfect human being to Have His (perfect) will done thru that person...but stage seven is not a level any human can reach alone. This is why I believe! God's got what I need and cannot achive separate from Him.
Stage or no stage we have to continue to apply skillful effort.
I relate to two steps forward, one step back. In that life and stages are like a dance. There is progress, not perfection, at least that's my mantra. <3 To support the journey I do my best to not judge where I am or where anyone else is either, to sit in compassion for self and others. Each stage contains valuable learning and when we move through without judging it, we are able to see/feel the learning with more ease.