Islam, Sufism and Yoga
Sufism is considered the mystic dimension of Islam. By focusing on the more spiritual aspects of religion, Sufis strive to obtain direct experience of God by turning inwards using the conscious and subconscious mind. Sufism is regarded as a science of the Soul while Yoga as the science of Consciousness.
The scientist Al Biruni translated the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali from Sanskrit to Arabic during the Golden age of Islam, Abbasid around 1050.
Sufi Poetry
The Song of the Reed by Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi
Hearken to this Reed forlorn,
Breathing, even since ‘twas torn,
From its rushy bed, a strain
Of impassioned love and pain.
“The secret of my song, though near,
None can see and none can hear.
Oh, for a friend to know the sign
And mingle all his soul with mine!
‘Tis the flame of Love that fired me,
‘Tis the wine of Love inspired me.
Wouldst thou learn how lovers bleed,
Hearken, hearken to the Reed!”
