solitude of the early morning would be the one to experience the divine
light in his soul.
The Chishtis laid the greatest of emphasis on the breathing control
practiced during meditation. They believed that controlling the breath
prevented the thought processes from being diverted. This also ensured
that the
salik
’s (disciple) time was fully utilized.
With every inhaling and exhaling of the breath, certain phrases from
the Qur’an were recited and God’s name was invoked. Once the Sufis
were able to control their breathing through practice, they could rest assured
that their time would not be wasted. Concentration exercises were given
great importance in almost every order. These methods of breath control
were and still are commonly used by yogis during meditation.
Shaykh Nasiruddin did not think that being in government service was
an obstacle to contemplation and meditation. He also made it clear that
Sufism had nothing to do with externals like wearing some special type of
clothing or a particular kind of cap. To him, Sufism concerned itself with
the training of the mind. It disciplined one’s inner self.When the mind was
fully trained to concentrate on God, no engagement could distract the
Sufi’s attention. Once the mind was properly attuned, nothing could come
in the way of God’s remembrance. One could be engaged physically in
worldly affairs, but mentally one would be near God. However, it was
understood that this worldly engagement should be purely for the purpose
of securing the necessities of life and not aimed at acquiring comforts and
luxuries, for there was no end to greed. One would not be satisfied with
worldly acquisitions till one’s dying day. Thus the Sufi, or spiritual way to
make a living was to earn according to one’s need, and not according to
one’s greed.
Th e Ch i s h t i Or d e r 100
