~the 7 patterns of the Self~

Came across this interesting piece in TKCOGA mail list (credit to Kak Suriya).Its an article by Fadhlallah Haeri about the 7 levels of the self which are :-

Commanding (Amarah)
Blaming
Creative
Secure
Contented
Pleasing or Harmonious
Perfect ( Insanul Kamil )

Kak Suriya has included the third level which i can relate to.Its kind of refreshing somehow..

*The Creative (or Inspired) Self*


The third level of nafs is the creative and tolerant nafs. It is an
evolved self but not sufficiently for it to be secure. When we are in an
artistic or creative mood, we do not have many fears or anxieties and
are open to inspiration. From the Sufic viewpoint, this pleasant self is
in danger because its very open-mindedness threatens the laws of correct
behaviour to which creation is subject.

It is the open-minded self that says all right to everything and that
anything goes. Like mercury on a table, this self jumps in every
direction. It is the 'why not?' attitude. It is like a man of seventy
who, having never skied in his life, suddenly decides he would like to
try it. He will probably topple over and spend months in hospital
recuperating from his injuries. Although the inspired self may find
itself in trouble, it can also foster hope because of its flexibility.
Most people who embark on a spiritual path start from this level of
tolerance and liberalism because they are willing to see their own folly.

It explains to me why I find people who are not rigid and who are open
and questioning far more ready to embark on the spiritual path and those
who are closed minded and ready to reject to be really fixed on a solid
materialism no matter how holy they thought they were.Especially when
they equate their holiness with a I am holier than thou......