This is taken from The Sufi Message of Hazrat Inayat Khan: The Sufi Teachings
found here:
https://books.google.com/books?isbn=161310667X"
does the sufi seek the presence of god? does he depend upon the meditation of any prophet or master? to this also the answer is no. he does not seek the presence of god, because where there is a presence there is duality, and his aim is unity. in unity there can be no presence. he does not seek to attach himself to any master for ever.
he has no wish to go to heaven, because he sees that heaven is everywhere.
once imagination has helped a man to bring the presence of god before him, god is awakened in his own heart. then before he utters a word it is heard by god; when he is praying in a room, he is not alone: he is there with god. to him god is not in the highest heaven, but beside him, before him, in him; then heaven is on earth and earth is heaven; then no one is as living to him as god, as intelligible to him as god, and the names and forms before his consciousness are all covered by him. then every word of prayer he utters is a living word.
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While i have been inspired by much of the Sufis posts... There are obviously some differences of view Eric. i must say that if it was not for the spiritual meditation techniques of the east i would still not find much pleasure in meditation. These techniques that were developed by the gurus have helped me interiorize and feel the presence of peace and at times joy and have exposed me to realms and miracles i honestly can say would not be possible with out their help. They were specifically given to Chelas (devotees) and there is help from those Masters and blessings in practice. i have indeed witnessed this help at Ammas and Yoganandas ashrams and in seeing them. i have evidence of the miracles assocaited with being in their presence and practicing their techniques.
Seeking the presence and finding the presence of God comes with the peace that is the first sign of Gods presence. i feel this peace associated with God's presence quite regularly. Deeper states of meditation... hearing the om...hearing the heavenly music... seeing the light and merging into a larger presence are all experiences associated with the gurus, Masters and meditation. Soon i will write what Amma had to say about having a Guru. i would be interested to know your response.
However i will end this statement with an important point. Every path for each individual is their own. i have no rite to question your views or your practices only to stand up for my own. We are grateful for your posts and your point of view Eric!
This video below can give you and idea of what it is like to meet or be in the presence of a great Spiritual Master and given His/Her blessings:
