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Having to move reluctantly, I had to throw away stuffs which tells a lot of my "previous life".
Bought these blank masks a few years ago to play with my son. I would ask him to tell me what to draw on the faces and did it in front of him. It was great fun with lots of laughters. Other times, I would draw something inspired by Damien Hirst or other classic paintings, or simply drew something out of the blue. Search Google for "Chinese Opera Masks" to see how colorful they can be!
I remember a time in my secondary school years when my parents forbade me to be a photographer, artist, musician or painter. My Dad's home was filled with great Chinese paintings and he talked a lot about these painters. Under the radar, I had to secretly borrow a camera to take pictures, signed up for a Chinese painting class from a well known master and bought these pigments and brushes, etc. Why this conflicting practice from my parents? My Dad loves Chinese paintings and he made a living buying and selling them. He spent a lot of time studying painters' life and how they evolved, authenticating them, putting them to auctions in Christie's and Sotheby's. In his words "great painters lives terrible lives and only after they are dead do people take advantage of their talents". Painstakingly sad and most of the time truthful. I must show you some of my previous Chinese paintings later on. These dishes and pigments are really important to me even though I haven't touched them for over 15 years. They are the past but the image is forever.
My little brother brought a sand block for sculpture and he only crafted the word JULY on it, it was also like 15 years ago. After reading an English novel with a tag line "It's like touching fantasy" I took this sand block and crafted something out of it. It was then placed in my Macquarium for a long time. Wow, it was over 10 years ago since I made the Color Classic Forever web site and "blogged" about my creation and mis-fortunes. New York Times even told my little story:
Exerpt of the New York Times article printed on August 24, 2000
Patrick Ng, an Internet executive in Hong Kong, has taken his obsession to more lyrical heights. A vice president at PacificDotCom, Mr. Ng has documented his self-diagnosed case of "CCFS" (Color Classic Fixation Syndrome) on his amusing Web site, Color Classic Forever (grus.hkstar.com /patrickn/colorclassic). The story began in October 1998, when Mr. Ng saw a photo of the Color Classic. He alerted a newsgroup to his quest for one and visited several shops until he found a dirty nonworking model.
After giving it a scrub, Mr. Ng rhapsodized in a diary entry on his site: "I now see the uncompromising beauty and elegance of CC even more obviously, it simply shines. As this mystic discovery continues, my super-ego seems to warn me the danger of the game, the emotional attachment to a physical object."
On New Year's Eve, while others were partying, Mr. Ng was otherwise occupied, as a later diary entry showed: "I embraced the dusted classic during the countdown. The rest of that night, perhaps I should say the rest of the millennium, I gradually slipped away and fell into a deep trance, everything went blurred except a single point of vision, I naturally put that point on the shining Color Classic."
He then decided that he wanted the machine to carry his child, "to give her life," he wrote. As it turned out, Mr. Ng's "child" is his Siamese fighting fish, Faust, who now swims in an aquarium installed in the Color Classic's chassis.
Cured of his obsession, Mr. Ng now keeps his Macquarium in his office, which overlooks Hong Kong. "I receive e-mails from all over the world asking about Faust," he said. "He's doing fine."
If you want to create a Macquarium, check out my version 1.1 and version 2.0instructions. Hmmmm.... want to see me naked with Color Classic? Here it is "Born Naked With Color Classic.
It was important to me and part of them still is. Notes from my Psychology/physiology/research method classes and my Philosophy classes. I particularly had a tough time in Philosophy classes being the only Chinese student there, unable to verbalize my thoughts and participate in discussions, I often got below average marks. I enjoyed the late night studies particularly, there is a point when you give up trying to get pass and start to study for the real meaning of life. Super fun! Unforgettable!
I couldn't throw away my blackboard though. I love the rawness, the sound of chalk on board reminds me of school life, the perfect circle my secondary school math teacher drew..... it is the essence of learning to me. Simple tools to pass along knowledge.
More on Scription blog: moleskine.vox.com/library/post/throwing-away-parts-of-my-...
Photography by Hernandez Imaging for Jauregui Architects. To see more of our work or to contact us, visit www.hernandezimaging.com
created with lego digital designer for the luptario (canadian) team and the "deep freeze" level of "lego universe". we had grandiose ideas and huge models, but for the final version of the game, we had to scale our entries down to a minute universe with penguins, moose, snowmen and fishing shacks.
Entry into the Manjolai Estates. Entry Fee - Rs 70. There is a small outlet at the entry that sells freshly processed tea. 3 Varieties of tea are available - Manjolai CTC Tea, Organic Tea and Otthu Organic Green Tea
Exit Manjolai at 1630 Hrs as per their rules
www.dongardner.com/plan_details.aspx?pid=2695
Promoting easy living, this home combines character with low maintenance. Doubled columns and stone accents create architectural interest, and the deck accommodates outdoor living. Double doors open into the study/bedroom, while art niches, fireplaces, a handy pass-thru in the kitchen and built-in cabinetry add beauty and convenience throughout.
Coffee and Pie
Where was I??? Oh yes, I was about to come down the car to go into a nice restaurant in Merida, all in doubt, fear and excitement. But I was there, it was my opportunity to do a more normal activity, and so I went out the car.
The walk to the restaurant, trying to pull myself together, It is nice to have the doors open for me. and there the first face to face to other people. The entry man at the restaurant, and a waiter standing there.
I saw them looking toward us (yes they have to see the new clients) I know they said something , but couldn't properly distinguish what. All I saw was the hand of one of them pointing towards the tables.
As we walked toward the designated table, we passed 2 tables with people, first one they didn't look, they were happy eating, next one indeed the man sit there took a look at us three.
Which side of the table to sit down?? should I sit on the one facing the door, where everyone entering would see my face, but I would be abel to see people enter?????, or should I chose the one giving my back, where only the very few who walked to the very last table would see me, but also I would not see much????. I decided to be able to see people ocme inside the place :D
My friend sit next to me, and the host left us there. I wanted to turn my face to see if he had any reaction once he left away, but that would have been so obvious, so I didn't.
Then came a boy, to leave the menu, for what I could notice, he barely looked at us. I looked through it, and find they served lemon pie, yumiii, me likes it. AS I was looking my friend asked me what I wanted. I think she probably wanted to tell the waiter the order for both of us.
I could have let that be the case, easier to pass if I didn't talk, but then I would be a mute girl. SO I asked my friend, "can I order myself???".
A waitress arrived then (a really cute girl) My friend ordered, and then it was time for me to talk. The girl looked towards me, and I, trying to lower my voice, started saying, "A lemon pie and a cofee", hoping my voice was not too hard (to sound so boyish), hoping my voice was not too low (that she couldn't hear me, and I had to talk again).
But she was able to hear me, as she repeated what we ordered. Then she left, with no reaction I could notice. Was I really passing??? Or was I so nervous that I couldn't notice???. Later she returned to leave what we ordered, being all nice.
My friend and I were talking, a really nice chat, and also a bit of an important one, about one part of Jessica and telling someone about.
Then a family (couple and a little boy) and the waitress were walking toward us, I was nervous, would they have a reaction to me?? but they just walk by next to us (the woman indeed look toward us) and sit in the table next to us (the one to my back).
That put me into a thought, either they didn't notice, or they didn't care, or they were too lazy to walk to a table far away from me.
The waitress returned later, with another girl, to let us know that her shift was over, that the new girl was now our waitress.
Then came time to go away, ask for the bill, my friend left me alone for a little moment, and then to go to the cashier to pay, and back outside. By then it was already night time.
So how that part of the adventure went, except from the beginning when I was too nervous, I enjoyed the rest of it.
Didn't notice any reaction of the few people that saw me, or talk to me.
And I had a really nice time talking to my friend. I really liked doing this.
Was it possible that I indeed passed as a girl??? or I waas just unaware of any reaction and so I didn't notice??? Or the people just didn't care,???
My friend later told me that she indeed looked to see if the waitress had any reaction once she left the table, and said she didn't saw any.
Kisses
Jessica
Is there more to this adventure, or did it end there????
Pay y cafe
Donde estaba??? Oh si, les decia que estaba a punto de bajar del coche para dirigirme al agradable restaurante en Merida, llena de dudas, miedo, y emocion. Era mi oportunidad de hacer una actiidad normal, asi que sin mas, baje del auto.
Y caminar hacia el restaurante, tratando de mantenerme en orden. Es agradable cuando me abren la puerta, jejeje. Y entonces ahi el primer encuentro cara a cara con otras personas. El cuate que te recibe en el restaurante y un mesero ahi parados.
Y ahi los vi, mirandonos (si ya se que tienen que ver a todos los clientes nuevos, pero aun asi, da cosa que se te queden viendo), se que dijeron algo, pero con el nervio no upde distinguir que, solo vi que con la mano hacian un gesto apuntando hacia las mesas.
Mientras caminabamos a la mesa que nos asignaron, pasamos por 2 mesas con gente, en la primera no note que nos observaran, estaban felices comiendo. En la otra, si vi que el señor volteo a vernos a los tres.
Decisiones. Que lado de la mesa elegir para sentarme??? debiera sentarme de cara a la puerta, donde todo el que entrase podria ver mi rostro, con la ventaja de igual yo ver a todo cuanto entrase???. O quiza mejor sentarme de espaldas, de forma que solo los pocos que caminaran a la mesa mas alla pudiesen verme, claro sin yo poder ver mucho realmente??? DEcidi que era mas divertido ver a la gente que pudiera llegar a entrar :D
Mi amigui se sento a mi lado, y el anfitrion no dejo. Realmente queria voltear mi cara para ver si al irse tenia alguna reaccion, pero como que hubiera sido demasiado obvio, asi que no lo hice.
Luego vino un muchacho a dejar los menus (se escribe asi???), Y por lo que pude notar, casi ni nos observo. Me puse a ver el menu, y encontre que tenian pay de limon, yumiii, me gusta el pay de limon. Mientras veia, mi amigui me pregunto que queria. Creo que pensaba en ser quien pidiera la orden por las dos.
Pude haber dejado que fuera asi, mas facil pasar y no delatarme si no hablaa, pero entonces seria como la niña muda, asi que le pregunte a mi amigui Fernanda, "puedo yo pedir lo mio???"
Una mesera llego despues (una chica muy linda por cierto). Mi amigui ordeno, y luego fue mi moento para hablar. La chica volteo a verme y yo, tratando de hablar con mi voz suave y bajita, empece a decir "yo quiero el pay de limon y un cafe", esperando que mi voz no fuera demasiado fuerte (que sonara totalmente de niño), esperando que tampoco fuera demasiado suave (no me escuchara y tuviera que repetir todo).
Pero si pudo escuchar lo que dije, pues la chica repitio mi orden. Y tras anotar y revisar lo ordenado, se fue, sin reaccion aparente. ¿¿Realmente estaba pasando como niña??? o era que de lo nerviosa ni me daba cuenta de las reacciones???. La chica regreso mas de rato para traer nuestros alimentos, toda amable.
Mi amigui y yo, no la pasamos hablando, una charla muy padre, y en cachitos un tanto importante, sobre Jessica y eso de que como que quiero contarle a alguien de ella.
Entonces una familia (pareja y un chiquillo) y la mesera caminaban hacia nosotros. que nervio, tendrian alguna reaccion hacia mi???, pero solo pasaron a nuestro lado (la señora si volteo a vernos) y se sentaron en la mesa al lado de nosotros, a nuestras espaldas.
Eso me pone a pensar, es que no me notaron, o no les importo si lo notaron, o no vieron, o les dio flojera caminar a otra mesa lejos de mi???
La mesera regreso despues con otra chica, para avisarnos que su turno terminaba, y que la nueva chica iba a ser nuestra nueva mesera, Nuevamente sin reaccion evidente.
Llego el momento de partir, pedir la cuenta, mi amigui me dejo por unos momentos solita, luego a la caja a pagar y de nuevo al exterior, a un sitio sin tanta gente. Para esa hora ya se habia vuelto de noche.
Asi que como creo que me fue en esta parte de la aventura, pues exceptuando al inicio que si estaba que me moria de los nervios, pues el resto, la disfrute mucho.
No note reaccion alguna de la gente que me vio o que me escucho hablar.
Tuve una muy agradable conversacion con mi amigui. REalmente me encanto haberlo hecho.
Es posible acaso que si haya pasado como niña??? o simplemente no pude percatarme de las reacciones y no note que ocurria?? O a la gente simplemente no le importo??
My amigui mas tarde me dijo que si volteo a ver a la mesera una vez para buscar alguna reaccion posterior, y que no noto tampoco reaccion alguna.
Kisses
Jessica
Hay mas partes de esta aventura, o termino ahi????
Mexican farmer María Gerónima Santana Zúñiga, with her entry in the annual competition for the world's longest maize ear, in Jala, Nayarit, on the Pacific coast of Mexico, August 2007.
Jala is proudly home to the Jala maize landrace, which produces the largest ears in the world, and is valued locally for use in traditional dishes. Maize is an essential part of the local culture, and each year the town enjoys a two-week Feria del Elote, or maize ear festival. Since 1981 this has included a competition for the year's longest ear, established in order to celebrate Jala's unique maize and to encourage farmers to keep growing it.
Santana has a small plot of land, and unlike many farmers in the valley only grows Jala maize. "It is important for tortillas, and many traditional uses," she says. "Every year I sell my ears, but this year I decided to come to the competition for the first time—for the tradition."
Santana also remembers that some years ago the Jala maize was bigger. This is because Jala maize has outcrossed with modern improved varieties, which yield more and have largely displaced landraces in the Jala valley. The height, ear length, ear thickness, and growing season of Jala maize have all therefore diminished over the last century. In 1907 a visiting scientist recorded ears 60 cm long, whereas in 2007 the longest ear measured 36 cm.
CIMMYT safeguards samples of Jala maize seed in its germplasm bank, and has contributed seed to efforts to restore its lost size by Mexican scientist J. Arahón Hernández Guzmán, a research professor at the agricultural institution Colegio de Postgraduados.
Photo credit: Eloise Phipps/CIMMYT.
For more about Jala maize, see CIMMYT's August 2007 e-news story "Pride and pragmatism sustain a giant Mexican maize," available online at: www.cimmyt.org/newsletter/63-2007/180-pride-and-pragmatis....
Santa's coming to town a little faster this year, thanks to his new Global Entry membership.
You too can enroll by visiting your nearest Global Entry Enrollment Center.
Photos by: Josh Denmark
I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the outcast.
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Allah’s peace be upon Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), the glorious Prophet of Islam, and on his Companions and his followers.
TASAWWUF
"There is no doubt that Tasawwuf is an important branch of Islam. The word itself may have been derived form the Arabic word "Soof" (Wool) or from "Safa" (cleanliness), but its foundation lies in one’s personal sincerity in seeking Allah’s nearness and trying to live a life pleasing to Him. Study of the Quran, the Hadith, and the practical life of the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and his faithful Companions provide unmistakable support to this reality." (Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A)
SUFISM, AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ISLAM
Doubts exist not only in the minds of the Muslim faithful but also among the Ulema, notably the exoteric about Tasawwuf and its votaries. Often they lead to misunderstanding, as if Shariah and Tariqah were two separate entries, or that Tasawwuf was some obscure discipline foreign to Islam, or that it was altogether above the established laws and injunctions of our Religion. To help remove these misgivings and to reassure seekers, as well as scholars, our Sheikh Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A), Sheikh Silsila Naqshbandia Awaisia, wrote Al-Jamal Wal Kamal, Aqaid-O-Kamalaat Ulmai-e-Deoband, Binat-e-Rasool (S.A.W), Daamad-e-Ali (R.A), Dalael-us-Salook, Ejaad-e-Mazhab Shia, Hayat-un-Nabi (S.A.W), Hayat Barzakhia, Ilm-o-Irfan, Niffaz-e-Shariat Aur Fiqah-e-Jaferia, Saif-e-Owaisi, Shikast-e-Ahdai Hussain and Tahkeek Halal Haram books.
BIOGRAPHY
Sheikh Allah Yar Khan was born in Chakrala, a remote village of Mianwali District of Pakistan, in 1904. He completed his religious education in 1934. The very year, he met Shaykh Abdul Rahim, who took him to the shrine of Shaykh Allah Deen Madni. By Divine Will his spiritual connection was right away established with the saint of the 10th century Hijra (sixteenth century) and he started receiving spiritual beneficence. His sublime education in Sufism, signifying progressive spiritual growth and advancement, continued for about twenty-five years. In 1962 he was directed to carry out the propagation of Prophetic blessings - a noble mission that he accomplished with singular enthusiasm and devotion for a period spanning half a century. Anybody who visited him was duly rewarded with a share of spiritual bliss as per his/her sincerity and capacity. Shaykh Allah Yar Khan's mission produced men and women of deep spiritual vision and distinction.
Although Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A) have lived a major portion of his life as a scholar, with the avowed mission of illuminating the truth of Islam and the negation of fallacious sects, and this would appear quite removed from Tasawwuf, yet the only practical difference between the two, namely the use of the former as a media to expound the truth, and the latter to imbue people with positive faith. Nevertheless, people are amazed that a man, who until the other day, was known as a dialectician and a preacher of Islam, is not only talking of Mystic Path, but is also claiming spiritual bonds with the veteran Sufi Masters of the Past. This amazement is obviously out of place in the view of Quranic injunction: This is the bounty of Allah which He gives to whom He wills. (62:4)
THE PURIFICATION OF THE SOUL
The purification of the soul always formed part of the main mission of the Prophets; that is, the dissemination and propagation of the Devine Message. This responsibility later fell directly on the shoulders of the true Ulema in the Ummah of the last Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), who, as his genuine successors, have continued to shed brave light in every Dark Age of materialism and sacrilege. In the present age of ruinous confusion, the importance of this responsibility has increased manifold; of the utter neglect of Islam by Muslims has not only driven them to misery, but also grievously weakened their bonds of faith in Allah and His Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). The decay in their belief and consequent perversion in their conduct has reached a stage that any attempt to pull them out of the depth of ignominy and the heedless chaos of faithlessness, attracts grave uncertainties and apprehensions rather than a encouraging will to follow the Shariah, to purify the soul and to reform within. The Quranic Verse: Layers upon layers of darkness… (24:40) provides the nearest expression of their present state.
SHARIAH & SUFISM
Any action against the Sunnah (Prophet’s way of life) cannot be called Sufism. Singing and dancing, and the prostration on tombs are not part of Sufism. Nor is predicting the future and predicting the outcome of cases in the courts of law, a part of Sufism. Sufis are not required to abandon their worldly possessions or live in the wilderness far from the practical world. In fact these absurdities are just its opposites. It is an established fact that Tazkiyah (soul purification) stands for that inner purity which inspires a person’s spirit to obey the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). If a false claimant of Sufism teaches tricks and jugglery, ignoring religious obligations, he is an impostor. A true Sheikh will lead a believer to the august spiritual audience of the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). If you are fortunate enough to be blessed with the company of an accomplished spiritual guide and Sheikh of Sufism, and if you follow his instructions, you will observe a positive change in yourself, transferring you from vice to virtue.
ISLAM, AS A COMPLETE CODE OF LIFE
Islam, as a complete code of life or Deen, was perfected during the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). He was the sole teacher and his mosque was the core institution for the community. Although Islam in its entirety was practiced during that blessed era, the classification and compilation of its knowledge into distinct branches like ‘Tafsir’ (interpretation of the Quran), Hadith (traditions or sayings of the holy Prophet- SAWS), Fiqh (Islamic law), and Sufism (the soul purification) were undertaken subsequently. This Deen of Allah passed from the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) to his illustrious Companions in two ways: the outward and the inward. The former comprised the knowledge defined by speech and conduct, i.e., the Quran and Sunnah. The latter comprised the invisible blessings or the Prophetic lights transmitted by his blessed self. These blessings purified the hearts and instilled in them a passionate desire to follow Islam with utmost love, honesty and loyalty.
WHAT’S SUFISM
Sufism is the attempt to attain these Barakah (Blessings). The Companions handed down Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) teachings as well as blessings to the Taba’een. Their strong hearts were capable of infusing these blessings into the hearts of their followers. Both aspects of Islam were similarly passed on by the Taba’een to the Taba Taba’een. The compilation of knowledge and its interpretation led to the establishment of many schools of religious thought; famous four being the Hanafi, the Hanbali, the Maliki, and the Shafa'i, all named after their founders. Similarly, in order to acquire, safeguard and distribute his blessings, an organized effort was initiated by four schools of Sufism: The Naqshbandia, the Qadria, the Chishtia, and the Suharwardia. These schools were also named after their organizers and came to be known as Sufi Orders. All these Orders intend to purify the hearts of sincere Muslims with Prophetic lights. These Sufi Orders also grew into many branches with the passage of time and are known by other names as well. The holy Quran has linked success in this life and the Hereafter with Tazkiyah (soul purification). He, who purified, is successful. (87: 14) Sufi Orders of Islam are the institutions where the basics of Tazkiyah (soul purification) and its practical application are taught. They have graded programs in which every new seeker is instructed in Zikr-e Lisani (oral Zikr) and is finally taught the Zikr-e Qalbi (Remembrance in heart).
ZIKR-E QALBI
However, in the Naqshbandia Order, Zikr-e Qalbi is practiced from the very beginning. Adherence to the Sunnah (Prophet’s way of life) is greatly emphasized in this Order, because the seeker achieves greater and quicker progress through its blessings. The essence of Zikr is that the Qalb should sincerely accept Islamic beliefs and gain the strength to follow the Sunnah with even greater devotion. ‘If the heart is acquainted with Allah and is engaged in His Zikr; then it is filled with Barakaat-e Nabuwwat (Prophetic blessings) which infuse their purity in the mind and body. This not only helps in controlling sensual drives but also removes traces of abhorrence, voracity, envy and insecurity from human soul. The person therefore becomes an embodiment of love, both for the Divine and the corporeal. This is the meaning of a Hadith, “There is a lump of flesh in the human body; if it goes astray the entire body is misguided, and if it is reformed the entire body is reformed. Know that this lump is the Qalb”.’
PAS ANFAS
Recent History Khawajah Naqshband (d. 1389 CE) organized the Naqshbandia Order at Bukhara (Central Asia). This Order has two main branches – the Mujaddidia and the Owaisiah. The former is identified with Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi, known as Mujaddid Alif Sani (literally: reviver of the second Muslim millennium), a successor to Khawajah Baqi Billah, who introduced the Order to the Indo- Pakistan sub-continent. The Owaisiah Order employs a similar method of Zikr but acquires the Prophetic blessings in the manner of Khawajah Owais Qarni, who received this beneficence from the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) without a formal physical meeting. The Zikr employed by the Naqshbandia is ‘Zikr-e Khafi Qalbi’ (remembrance of Allah’s Name within the heart) and the method is termed ‘Pas Anfas’, which (in Persian) means guarding every breath. The Chain of Transmission of these Barakah, of course, emanates from the holy Prophet- SAWS.
SPIRITUAL BAI’AT (OATH OF ALLEGIANCE
It is necessary in all Sufi Orders that the Sheikh and the seekers must be contemporaries and must physically meet each other for the transfer of these blessings. However, the Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order goes beyond this requirement and Sufis of this Order receive these Barakah regardless of physical meeting with their Sheikh or even when the Sheikh is not their contemporary. Yet, it must be underscored that physical meeting with the Sheikh of this Order still holds great importance in dissemination of these Barakah. Sheikh Sirhindi writes about the Owaisiah Order in his book ‘Tazkirah’: ‘It is the most sublime, the most exalted, and the most effective…and the highest station of all others is only its stepping stone.’ By far the greatest singular distinction of the Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order is the honor of Spiritual Bai’at (Oath of Allegiance) directly at the blessed hands of the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
SHEIKH HAZRAT MOULANA ALLAH YAR KHAN (R.A)
The Reviver Sheikh Allah Yar Khan was born in Chikrala, a remote village of Mianwali District of Pakistan, in 1904. He completed his religious education in 1934. The same year, he met Sheikh ‘Abdul Rahim, who took him to the shrine of Sheikh Allah Deen Madni. By Divine Will his spiritual connection was immediately established with the saint of the 10th century Hijra (sixteenth century CE) and he started receiving spiritual beneficence. His sublime education in Sufism, signifying progressive spiritual growth and advancement, continued for about twenty-five years, after which he was directed to undertake the propagation of Prophetic blessings - a noble mission that he accomplished with singular zeal and dedication for a period spanning half a century. Anybody who visited him was duly rewarded with a share of spiritual bliss commensurate with his/her sincerity and capacity. Sheikh Allah Yar Khan’s mission produced men and women of deep spiritual vision and eminence. He authored eighteen books, the most distinguished being Dalael us-Sulook (Sufism - An Objective Appraisal), Hayat-e Barzakhiah (Life Beyond Life) and Israr ul- Haramain (Secrets of the two holy Mosques). He was undoubtedly one of the most distinguished Sufi saints of the Muslim Ummah and a reviver of the Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order. He passed away on 18 February 1984 in Islamabad at the age of eighty.
THE CHAIN OF TRANSMISSION OF NAQSHBANDIA OWAISIAH
1. Hazrat Muhammad ur-Rasool Allah (Sall Allah-o Alaihi wa Sallam), 2. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (Radhi Allah-o Unho), 3. Hazrat Imam Hassan Basri (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 4. Hazrat Daud Tai (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 5. Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 6. Hazrat Ubaid Ullah Ahrar (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 7. Hazrat Abdur Rahman Jami (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 8. Hazrat Abu Ayub Muhammad Salih (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 9. Hazrat Allah Deen Madni (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 10. Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi).
THE SPIRIT OR RUH
The spirit or Ruh of every person is a created reflection of the Divine Attributes and it originates in Alam-e Amar (Realm of Command). Its food is the Light of Allah or the Divine Refulgence, which it acquires from the Realm of Command through the holy Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s choicest favors and peace be upon him), whose status in the spiritual world is like that of the sun in the solar system. The Quran refers to him as the ‘bright lamp’. Indeed, he is the divinely selected channel of all Barakah. All Exalted Messengers themselves receive these Barakah from him.
LATAIF
The human Ruh also possesses vital organs like the physical body; through which it acquires its knowledge, food and energy. These are called Lataif (singular Latifah: subtlety). Scholars of various Sufi Orders have associated them with specific areas of the human body. The Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order identifies these Lataif as follows. First - Qalb: This spiritual faculty is located within the physical heart. Its function is Zikr. Its strength increases one’s capacity for Allah’s Zikr. Second – Ruh: The site of this Latifah, which is a distinct faculty of the human Ruh, is on the right side of the chest at the level of Qalb. Its primary function is concentration towards Allah. Third – Sirri: This is located above the Qalb and functions to make possible Kashf. Forth – Khaffi: This is located above the Ruh and functions to perceive the omnipresence of Allah. Fifth – Akhfa: This is located in the middle of chest, at the centre of the first four Lataif and makes it possible for the Ruh to perceive the closeness of Allah, Who is closer to us than our own selves. Sixth – Nafs: This Latifah is located at the forehead and functions to purify the human soul. Seventh – Sultan al-Azkar: This Latifah is located at the top centre of the head and serves to absorb the Barakah of Allah into the entire body, so that every cell resonates with Zikr.
FIVE EXALTED MESSENGERS OF GOD
There are Five Exalted Messengers among the many known and unknown Messengers of Allah. They are Hazrat Muhammad, Hazrat Nuh (Noah), Hazrat Ibrahim (Abraham), Hazrat Musa (Moses), and Hazrat Esa (Jesus), peace be upon them all. Hazrat Adam is the first Prophet of Allah and the father of mankind. Each Latifah is associated with a particular Prophet. The Barakah and lights from Hazrat Adam (peace be upon him), descend on the first Latifah Qalb; its lights are reflected from the first heaven and are yellowish. The second Latifah is associated with Hazrat Nuh and Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon them). Its lights descend from the second heaven and appear as golden red. The lights descending upon the third Latifah are from Hazrat Musa (peace be upon him) and are white. One the fourth Latifah, the lights of Hazrat Esa (peace be upon him) descend from the fourth heaven and are deep blue. The fifth Latifah receives its Barakah directly from the holy Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s choicest favors and peace be upon him). The lights associated with this Latifah are green, descend from the fifth heaven, and overwhelm all the first four Lataif. The Lights descending upon the sixth and seventh Lataif are the Divine Lights, whose color and condition cannot be determined. These are like flashes of lightening that defy comprehension. If Allah blesses a seeker with Kashf, he can observe all of this. The vision is slightly diffused in the beginning, but gradually the clarity improves.
SULOOK
Stages of the Path After all seven Lataif of a seeker have been illuminated with Divine Lights through Tawajjuh of the Sheikh and his Ruh has acquired the ability to fly, the Sheikh initiates its journey on the sublime Path of Divine nearness. The Path is known as Sulook, and its stages are not hypothetical imaginations but real and actually existing stations on the spiritual Path. These are also referred to as Meditations, because a seeker mentally meditates about a station while his/her Ruh actually ascends towards it. The first three stations that form the base of whole Sulook are described as; Ahadiyyat, a station of Absolute Unity of Divinity. It is above and beyond the seven heavens. It is so vast a station that the seven heavens and all that they encompass are lost within Ahadiyyat as a ring is lost in a vast desert. Its lights are white in color. Maiyyat station denotes Divine Company, ‘He is with you, wherever you might be.’ This station is so vast that Ahadiyyat along with the seven heavens beneath are lost within it as a ring is lost in a desert. Its lights are green in color. Aqrabiyyat station denotes Divine Nearness, ‘He is nearer to you than your life- vein.’ Again, Aqrabiyyat is vast as compared to Maiyyat in the same proportion. Its lights are golden red and are reflected from the Divine Throne. It is indeed the greatest favor of Almighty Allah that He blesses a seeker with an accomplished Sheikh, who takes him to these sublime stations. The final station that a seeker attains to during his/her lifetime becomes his/her Iliyyeen (blessed abode) in Barzakh and his/her Ruh stays at this station after death.
ZIKR
Why is Zikr Necessary for Everyone? Allah ordains every soul in the Quran to Perform Zikr. This not only means reciting the Quran and Tasbeeh but also Zikr-e Qalb. It is only through Zikr-e Qalbi that Prophetic Lights reach the depths of human soul and purify it from all vice and evil. Zikr infuses a realization of constant Divine Presence and a seeker feels great improvement in the level of sincerity and love towards Allah and the holy Prophet- SAWS. Such levels of sincerity, love and feelings of Divine Presence can never be obtained without Zikr. It would be a mistake to believe that Zikr may be a requirement only for the very pious and virtuous people. Zikr provides the Prophetic blessings which are in effect the life line of every human soul. It transforms even the most corrupted humans into virtuous souls by bringing out the best in them. The fact is that Zikr is the only way to achieve true contentment and satisfaction in life. The holy Quran has pointed to this eternal fact that it is only through Zikr Allah that hearts can find satisfaction. Such satisfaction and peace are the ultimate requirements of every person, regardless of religion, race and ethnicity. Practicing Zikr regularly removes all traces of anxiety and restlessness, and guides the human soul to eternal bliss and peace.
KHALIFA MAJAZEEN
Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A), during his life time in 1974, presented a nomination list to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), during Maraqba, of expected Khalifa Majazeen for Silsila Naqshbandia Awaisia. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) approved some names, deleted some of the names, and added down the name of Major Ghulam Muhammad as also Khalifa Majaaz of Silsila Naqshbandia Awaisia (which was not previously included in the list)
The approved names at that time included:
1. Mr. Muhammad Akram Awan Sahib,
2. Mr. Sayed Bunyad Hussain Shah Sahib,
3. Mr. Major Ahsan Baig Sahib,
4. Mr. Col. Matloob Hussain Sahib,
5. Mr. Major Ghulam Muhammad Sahib of Wan Bhachran Mianwali,
6. Mr. Molvi Abdul Haq Sahib,
7. Mr. Hafiz Abdul Razzaq Sahib,
8. Mr. Hafiz Ghulam Qadri Sahib,
9. Mr. Khan Muhammad Irani Sahib,
10. Mr. Maolana Abdul Ghafoor Sahib,
11. Mr. Syed Muhammad Hassan Sahib of Zohb.
These Majazeen were authorized to; held Majalis of Zikar (Pas Anfas) in their respective areas, arrange Majalis of Zikar in neighboring areas, train them on the way of Sulook, prepare them for Spiritual Bai’at (Oath of Allegiance), and present them to Sheikh Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan for Spiritual Bai’at at the Hand of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), in the life of Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A), and were all equal in status as Khalifa Majaaz of Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A).
Presently we are following Hazrat Major ® Ghulam Muhammad Sahib, Khalifa Majaaz of Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A).
Rct. Daquan V. Hye, Platoon 1025, Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, clears his gas mask Feb. 23, 2016, on Parris Island, S.C. Hye, 21, from Oceanside, Calif., is scheduled to graduate April 15, 2016. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 19,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for approximately 50 percent of male recruits and 100 percent of female recruits in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron Bolser)
An RAF Parachute Jump Instructor, checks over the kit fitted to a member of the Pathfinders before carrying out a training parachute descent.
Soldiers from the British Army’s Global Response Force will conduct Joint Theatre Entry (JTE) parachuting exercises with the UK’s world-class air and maritime support on its shoulder.
The exercises, with partner forces, will link in with the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) as it transitions from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean on Operation Fortis.
The troops, from 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA), will conduct a number of mission rehearsals in Cyprus, where UK Defence has bases which maintain a permanent military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, helping to support regional security and allowing force projection when needed.
2 PARA comes under 16 Air Assault Brigade, based in Colchester, and is the most deployable and ready formation in the British Army.
The Pathfinders, trained in specialist airborne insertion techniques and capable of conducting offensive action tasks at very short notice, are the advance force for 16 Brigade and will also play a part in the JTEs.
Their key role is identifying drop zones and landing zones where the main body of troops can be parachuted in by altitude or landed by helicopter.
All troops deployed to Cyprus have to follow stringent health protection measures and prove negative tests when arriving, in tandem with Cypriot and local military requirements.
Photographer:
Cpl Danny Houghton
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Brick Covered Entry. Tuscany, Italy. Color photography by Donna Corless.
Prints and notecards are available for purchase from my site at PhotosAndArt.com from the Italy in Color Gallery.