Sohbet
There is prayer, and a step from that is meditation, and a step from that is sohbet, the mystical conversation. — Coleman Barks
The literal meaning of the word sohbet is conversation. In Sufism, sohbet is an essential spiritual practice by which mystical knowledge and devotional love are exchanged in attempts to go beyond the knots of the rational mind and directly connect in the heart. Sohbet is a spiritual transmission, an emptying of soul in unification to an endless conversation ranging from the metaphysical to the physical. It is invoked by words, but originates beyond and without words.
We talked through the door.
I claimed a great love and that I had given up
what the world gives to be in that love.
Then you asked, “Where have you been most comfortable?”
“In the palace.”
“What did you see there?”
“Amazing things.”
“Then why is it so desolate?”
“Because all that can be taken away in a second.”
“Who can do that?”
“This clear discernment.”
“Where can you live safely then?”
“In surrender.”
“Is there no threat of disaster?”
“Only what comes in your street, inside your love.”
— Rumi