Sufi Teachings

Wisdom cannot be called truth. Wisdom is a form in which the souls who have realized have tried to perceive the word in life, or to interpret it to themselves. It is this wisdom which is called in the Greek language sophia, and in Persian Sufi. Wisdom is the interpretation of life made by someone whose point of view has become different by looking at life in the sunlight. By Sufi message is meant the message of wisdom. It is more a point of view than any teaching or dogma or theory. One arrives at this point of view not only by study, but by association with those who have that particular point of view. Besides, by diving deep into life one comes to the realization of truth and for diving deep into life there is a way or a process. It is possible that either with some difficulty or with ease one may find a place one is looking for in a town. One may look for it in different directions, and at last find it. But by asking one who knows one can find it sooner. The Sufi Movement therefore gives the facility of studying, of coming into contact with those who have the same point of view, and of knowing the ways through which one comes to the realizations that are necessary on the path.
—Hazrat Inayat Khan


There is only one Message which comes at every period of time, whenever it is necessary, as a reminder of the same Truth which has been given again and again. It is therefore that the Sufi Order does not give any doctrines as special to Sufism. Doctrines do not belong to the Message, they belong to the Church. Every time in the world's history, whenever the Message was given, it struck a particular note. The central theme of this Message is to produce in man the consciousness of the divinity of the human soul, it is towards this end the teaching of the Order is given.
—Hazrat Inayat Khan


In the first place I would say, Sufism does not restrict anyone to do what they like. If they want to go to a clairvoyant or someone, there is no rule in the Sufi Order, no teaching. But at the same time a Sufi is wise; the meaning of "Sufi" is "Wise." And wise, the first principle of the wise is to develop so that they have not to depend upon others, that they do it themselves.
—Hazrat Inayat Khan