Life and the Alchemy of Meanings - The Prophet(pbuh), music and messrs rock and roll

I Cannot Be More Than This

I cannot be more than this,

A man dressed in the humanly attributes

Of weakness, shamefulness and error.

I cannot be more than this,

A sinner hidden by a veil,

A jester in a court…

But who’s court?

Playing and dancing for a king,

But who is the king?

I cannot be more than this,

To have feelings of success and disappointments,

To be weary sometimes, to be strong sometimes,

And I am ashamed to ask for anything

When I am asking only

To be nothing,

… or so I claim.

I cannot tell you what to do

I cannot tell you what not to do,

I am only a gold digger,

A hobo with a pan in my hand

Scouring the world for

Signs of God in

The earth

Of Man.

You speak to me of your worry

...But I cannot understand,

For just now I heard my Master

Tell me of the Beauty of God

And the blessings for Man,

You tell me of the signs, the names

The words and the secret numbers

Of Djinns and Demon Kings,

But I must be forgiven for taking

My indiscretions a step further -

For I do not care for such meanings,

Looking for the dictionary of the dictionaries,

Looking for the hidden meanings behind the meanings,

For I change the world

With every breath I take,

With every good or bad

That possesses my being

I give meaning

to everything.

………………

This morning my friend arrived from the mountain bearing some grave news, and upon his furrowed brow I saw discontent and worry.

He was worried about his way in life, about responsibilities and knowledge, about effort and sacrifice. I told him not to worry too much, for to be honest, I have always believed him to be a fine and upstanding fellow. A gentleman cut from a fine beautiful jewel, and one whom I am honoured to call a bosom buddy. 

Then he spoke to me of a shirt I made and gave to him many, many years ago. On it was emblazoned the heading 'We Rock 4 Mustafa', a phrase that made me extremely happy, in reference to some presumptuous love we have for Mustafa a.k.a. the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Now I am informed that the phrase is wrong. I should have not used the word 'rock' in relation to the Prophet. Because it appears that the word 'rock' as in 'rock and roll' is actually the name or title of a pair of Djinn Demon lords who conspired for rock & roll to be the name of their dastardly new musical form, intended with the sole purpose of corrupting mankind. Yes, I remember the shock that engulfed humanity when American TV first aired Elvis Presley and his gyrating hips. Cunning, these Djinn Bosses.

Well, I cannot please everyone, nor is it my intention. I am not 'a Sufi', though I love them all (both the sober and the drunkards), and my admiration for the Masters is I believe sincere. I do believe in the existence of Djinns, though I see them not. I have not acquired (nor do I want) the talent to see these foul creatures. But then again I also do not see God nor His Angels, yet I believe in Him and the Angels, and I believe in the teachings of the Prophet(pbuh) and the Saints.

Of the Djinns and Demons..? Let them play their part. And let those who fight such creatures do their noble duty. But if there is a stout little Djinn out there (and no... not Dwayne Johnson) who connived to have his name glorified as Rock (or Roll) through some hedonist and soul-corrupting genre of sexually pulsating melodies, well... we are taking your name and changing it for our own purpose. We can do this, you see, and not just to words or names, but also to  sounds and music, symbols, signs and any other visual or audio depictions that the Djinn mind can conjure. If you knew the extent of our mischief in this regard, you would be scandalized. 

This is a technical posting, sunshine, that may be of interest to some but possibly an utter drag for others. We will revert to our normal programming tomorrow.  

wa min Allah at-taufiq

Hate has no place in Islam

Love will show the Way

The Door of My Soul - Hu is behind it?

The Door of My Soul

We do not question God,

We question ourselves,

Raising awkward inquiries

And intimate questions

Bound to raise the blushes

Of the most hardened rake

Amongst us.

We do not question God,

But put ourselves through

The grinding windmill

Of our own complexity

And confusion.

We do this,

Time and again,

Until finally, tired and worn,

We reply,

"Enough! I cannot answer thy questions anymore,

Cast thy impertinent interrogation on the Door of my Soul,

And see now Hu will answer thee!"

...............................

I am away from the city, in the hill-side of Janda Baik (literally, The Good Widow), a rural hill village in the state of Pahang, about one hour from my home. I am here with my friend, Moses, taking a break from the city-scape for some green jungle and cool evening breeze. It is in fact very cold here now, because as the sun came down, a torrential downpour also arrive to soak this quiet little retreat.

Moses agreed to follow, which is fortunate, because we are the only paying customers in this little guest house. Apart from us there are only two or three resident staff staying here. I also brought along Imam Ghazali for company, in his slim volume entitled The Alchemy of Happiness. Am I searching for happiness? I am, just like everyone else. And I have a sneaky feeling that my happiness is in finding out who is behind the Door of my Soul.

Oh dear, the rain is starting again. I better go dry up. God bless you and have a wonderful day.  

Take care, sunshine.

wa min Allah at-taufiq

Hate has no place in Islam

Love will show the Way

The Philosopher's Stone & the Hidden Etiquette of Your Soul - Some observations of the True Alchemy

7. Philosopher’s Stone

In my lover’s hand

I felt Midas’s touch,

In his eyes

I saw the Philosopher’s Stone,

From his lips, I heard

The confessions of Alchemy;

The science,

The art,

The gift,

Of turning

Base events

Into Mercies.

Man is an equation. A formula. And each one of us has some common elements and some distinguishing variables which makes me, me. And you, you. There is nothing controversial or provocative about this observation. We know this to be true already.

The Masters. But there are some people out there who are even more different than normal. Their equation is beautiful in its balance and symmetry. And in their personality is a divine formula that can work out any problem to find the perfect solution for you. And the solution may differ from one person to the next. Sufis call such people Shaykhs (Masters) or Grand Shaykhs (Grand Masters). They are gems of light, vessels of profound humility and servanthood. But my only suggestion is this - whatever idea or preconceptions you may have of the Masters... dispel such notions from your heart. They are unlike what we ever conceive them to be. 

They are thin and fat, tall and short. Some are quiet and serious, while other Shaykhs are bright and humourous. But however is their outer aspects, their soul hum with a hidden power, resonating with the very pulse of the natural world, so much so that sometimes the very trees and plants bow in their presence. And your own soul bows in respect before them, and you would know this IF you are familiar with the behaviour and hidden adab (etiquette) of your own soul. Me? I am not very familiar with my own soul, and I leave it to its own devices. Happily my soul is not so indifferent to me, and not a moment passes in a day when my soul is not praying for my salvation. I bet your soul works the same for you too - That infinitely larger part of 'you' which is even now in the Divine Presence of the Lord.

While you are reading this, somewhere physically far but spiritually near, your soul is conversing with my soul. And I bow and sit beside your soul, to learn of you and your many beautiful lights which this physical world hides from me. In the Divine Presence, there is no veil.

Live this day beautifully, sunshine. One day, we will meet to confirm what is written here.

wa min Allah at-taufiq.

Hari Malaysia Poem 2011 - The Alchemy of Malaysia

The Alchemy of Malaysia is...

The Art of uniting people

Of different racial, religious, ethnic,

Economic, cultural, and political background

Into a Golden Realm.

Hehehe. We are far from being a Golden Realm. But since 16.09.1963, when Sabah and Sarawak joined the Federation of Malaya (which earlier gained its independence in 1957) to create Malaysia, we have stumbled and grumbled our way through 48 years of general amity with glitches of disunity.

It is okay to dream. In fact I think there is nothing wrong at all thinking that Malaysia can be better. We may not be golden, and we have become a little rusty and rough around the edges. But I was born from a kindly family, just as my Indian, Chinese, Iban, Kadazan, Orang Asli etc... were all sprung from a noble heritage. 

I think that in the pursuit of unity in diversity, we must always remember our heritage and traditions. For that is what makes any country as rich in diversity as Malaysia unique. To step forward holding hands, we should know how we got here in the first place, yes?

But before I leave you to enjoy our Friday, I must share with you a posting by Aida Tourer entitled the Alchemy of Colors (CLICK HERE), which made me think about my country and its own alchemy. Thank you, Aida. 

From Malaysia, to the rest of the world, our greeting of peace, love and also beauty. Beauty because we are really damn good looking (okay... hehehe. Just kidding).

wa min Allah at-taufiq

Flower on Fire, Glory of the Garden,

FLOWER ON FIRE

Flower on fire,

Flaming white,

Soul in desire

Lost in pride.

Flower on fire,

In plain sight,

A secret nightingale

Born in flight.

Flower on fire,

Burning at night,

Love and potion,

Pride has died.

Flower on fire

In burning alchemy,

Calling man to God

With living poetry.

Flower on fire,

Mercy to creation,

Glory of the garden,

Prose of compassion.

'tis a beautiful Sabbath, sunshine. Enjoy your day.

wa min Allah at-taufiq

I am Alchemy, I turn base events into gold. - Prose of Ramadhan Part 72

I met a Truth. She was called Alchemy. (Ramadhan Verses 38)

I was walking in the Quadrangle of Souls, when I met a truth. She said that her name was Alchemy. I asked her, "Wow! If I get to know you, will I be able to turn base metal into gold?"

"Oh, I am not THAT alchemy. I am another. Are you interested in her?" She replied.

"Well, I think that is what most people are interested in. But I am curious to know you. Your truth."

She smiled saying, "My truth is simply a story. Sit down." So we sat on a stone bench, beside which was a fish pond.

"Are you aware of the Day of Promises?" She asked me, and I nodded.

And this is how she continued her story. "So on that day all souls were gathered in the Divine Presence and asked this question - Are you willing to accept the trust (and challenges) that no other being in creation, not the suns, not the moons, not the planets not the Angels themselves are willing to carry? To which all souls answered yes. So you know the story that far, yes?

But now let me ask you this, mortal - Were the souls, indeed, were you yourself aware of the trust and tests that will come your way by taking this solemn oath before God? Did God actually show you the events and some pretty dire challenges that will face you in your life?

I pondered for a while, thinking about my own life and some of the sorrowful events that I had to muddle through... my mother's illness and death, my divorce, my own illness, and so I said "No. I reckon that God will not show us everything that would befall us. For He knows us and He will know that we are essentially weak creatures and would refuse the trust had we actually known what we are getting ourselves into."

The truth glittered with light and surprise, she was not angry but she was not entirely happy with my reply. "Oh mortal, how can you accuse God of being unfair!? For that is what you are accusing him of!" Then her light dimmed and she continued. "God showed you all, mortal. From the moment you were born, right to your own death."

"But surely I would not have accepted the trust if I had known I would face some pretty appalling events in my life, o' truth!" I argued.

She replied in the gentlest voice I have ever heard, and to this very moment I can recall her words, which made me shed tears. This was what truth answered. "Oh you did, mortal. For I was there, as I was there for each soul that has ever walked upon the soil of earth since the time of Adam. You said yes. They all said yes. None rejected the trust. And you must accept, mortal, that your own little life is blessed and little evil or pain of fate has befallen upon you. Some souls saw even worse calamities that would test their mortal existence and courage."

"So why did they... why did I accept the trust?"

The truth stood up, and she became taller than the highest heaven and her wings spread further than the furthest stars, she was aglow with the Light of Truth and I could hear music in her answer - "You were in love with the Lord, mortal! You and all your human brethren were so in love! God could have shown you hell itself, which by the way He did, and you still accepted the trust. Have you yourself not experienced in your own existence on earth, how you would say the most insane of things, promise the world and more, solely because of love?! How you would take the hand of your lover, promise her your undying and eternal faith and affection? How you say that you would face anything for her happiness? How you would swim an ocean of fire, climb the highest mountain in pursuit of her and for her sake alone? All this and more, you promised God. Don't you recall?

"I am sorry, I do not."

"Then remember now, since God has given you the happy chance of meeting me."

I looked up at truth, and she was smiling. She placed her hand upon my heart and her wings embraced me. I thought she looked utterly beautiful. "Oh, and by the way, mortal. You never asked me which Alchemy am I? Don't you want to know?"

I replied on behalf of myself and for those who may read this words. "Yes, of course. Who are you?"

She did not answer, for her lips did not move. But I heard her reply just the same, in a profoundly beautiful corner of my heart. She echoed like a timeless song, "I am Alchemy, and I turn base events of your life into gold."

....................

I hope you enjoyed the story, sunshine. May God give you the truth and wisdom to see how all that is fated for you, is all good.

wa min Allah at-taufiq.

Footnote: There are other postings on alchemy and the Day of Promises recorded in this almanac. You may click on the labels cloud which is located on the right panel of the blog. Salams!

The Two Secrets of Alchemy

8. Philosopher’s Stone II
Deceived and tricked,
They rest their hopes
In transmutation,
Drowning in complexities,
Drifting into conjecture.

Not knowing that
Alchemy is the quest
For gold,
But without the ‘L’.

ALCHEMY is known as the science, or better still the attempt (since nobody has been able to do it!) to turn base metal into gold. Is it going to happen? Well, maybe, who knows? But the fact of the matter is, what happens if you do find the chemical formula to turn iron, tin, copper or bronze into gold? I will tell you what will happen, in a few months time there will be hundreds of factories in China manufacturing gold, and of course, gold itself will lose its value. So that is why I believe that true Alchemy is not the pursuit of the secret of Gold, it is the pursuit of the Secret of God.

THE SECRET. And to save you all the trouble of polishing up on your chemistry, I will share with you today that 'Secret' - Once you are able to replicate or duplicate something unique - then that thing is unique no longer, and the value of that which you perceive and idolize diminishes. And it diminishes not a little, but it diminishes to the point of nothing. So do not think of God in multiples. For God is only One. And the moment you act as if there is more than one God (most normally when we obey our internal devious 'god' - our conniving ego), then that God you worship is not God anymore. For God, like you, sunshine, is Absolutely Unique., So you know... you can go on trying to turn your iron bars into gold ingots, as a form of academic exercise. For the real meaning of alchemy you already know today. Hehehe. No need to thank me.

ANOTHER SECRET. And here's another 'Secret' for you to ponder over breakfast - Whether you are a Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist alchemist, there is only but One God that you will ever find in the formulae and furnace of your laboratory. But you know this already, sunshine!

That's why I love you. Have a perfect Sabbath.

Pax Taufiqa.

Postscript  27th August 2011 - By happy chance, I met Alchemy herself and wrote what transpired. Click here for posting entitled I am Alchemy. I turn base events into gold.