The Beginnings

Iraqi style
English

The Beginnings

The first word is about the beginnings. Listen, and after that reflect. Know them as awakening, repentance, and self-reckoning, then comes contemplation, so the truth grows clear. After this comes remembering yourself, and then taking hold of God and fleeing toward Him. Then spiritual discipline, and a listening beyond compare; with the beginnings, the whole path is complete.
Explanation: The poem lists the early stations of the Sufi path. 'Sama' here means the contemplative listening or spiritual audition practiced by Sufis.

Original · Persian

بخش ۴ - قسم بدایات

از بدایات اولست سخن بشنو و بعد از آن تأمل کن
یقظه و توبه و محاسبه دان پس تفکر بود برای عیان
بعد ازین خود تذکرست،آنگاه اعتصام و فرار تا الله
پس ریاضت،سماع بی اشباه در بدایت تمام گردد راه