Question: Sufi teachers often say that one should not engage in spiritual exercises on one's own. They also say that those teachers who force everyone to do the same exercises are ignorant, and these exercises can cause harm. Why is this so if these exercises are believed to be part of all religious systems?
Answer: Firstly, exercises are not part of all religious systems. This is part of all systems only at the stage when exercises degenerate and move from correct application to automatism. Even the “teachers” don’t know about this. In fact, Sufis prohibit it because it brings harm, obsession and fantasy instead of enlightenment. But you won't recognize it until you try the alternative. You will have to rely on the correct information. Listen to the story:
Once upon a time there was a mosquito who wanted to kill a proud horse. He said:
- If someone kills you, the strongest animal, will he become stronger than you?
The horse replied:
- Of course. But it is impossible to kill me.
Then the mosquito bit him. But for the horse it was like a pin prick. Komar did not lose his ambitions, but could not understand what to do next. “Let me go to the hare,” he thought, “he is wise and they say that he can help you achieve what you want.”
The hare said:
- Collect all the mosquitoes there are, act together, feel sorry for the horse, and you will succeed.
The mosquito called all his brothers. They heard the hare's words and were inspired to fight the horse. They gathered in a huge swarm and bit the horse to death. Of course they were happy about their success. Returning to the hare, they told him and all the animals about their victory, and they were so amazed by the hare’s wisdom that they signed up to become his disciples. No one, of course, asked what they achieved with this victory.
After that, every mosquito began to imagine itself as a hero. They scattered in all directions and stung everyone who got in their way. But until today, they have not been able to kill anyone with their sting alone.
Sometimes a swarm of mosquitoes kills an animal. Only this confirms the legend that something can be achieved with a sting and that the mosquito is the strongest animal in the world - after the hare, of course.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru