Beyond the Skin: A Sufi-Inspired Guide to Realizing Our Cosmic Identity

Written By Osama Janakat

Introduction

“I wrapped myself in flesh and bone, and appeared as Yunus.”

These profound words from Yunus Emre, the 13th-century Turkish poet and Sufi mystic, invite us to contemplate a deep truth about our existence. Yunus suggests that we are, at our core, The One — a universal consciousness or essence — gently clothing ourselves in the soft garments of individuality.

This concept, both ancient and revolutionary, challenges our conventional understanding of selfhood and identity. It proposes a reality where we are simultaneously unique individuals and expressions of a unified whole. As we delve into this idea, we embark on a journey of self-discovery that has the potential to transform our perception of ourselves and the world around us.

In this exploration, we’ll traverse the landscapes of philosophy, spirituality, science, and personal experience. We’ll grapple with paradoxes, seek understanding through metaphors, and consider the practical implications of embracing this perspective in our daily lives. Ultimately, we’ll be invited to listen to the whispers of the Infinite within our own being and consider how this awareness might shape our role in nurturing a transforming world.

The Nature of Consciousness and Being

Throughout history, philosophers, mystics, and spiritual teachers have grappled with the nature of consciousness and being. Many traditions speak of a universal consciousness or essence that underlies all of existence. This concept appears across cultures and epochs, suggesting a universal human intuition about the nature of reality.

In Hinduism, this universal essence is referred to as Brahman — the ultimate, unchanging reality that is the source and ground of all being. The Upanishads, ancient Hindu texts, declare “Tat Tvam Asi” or “Thou Art That,” asserting the fundamental unity between the individual self (Atman) and the universal self (Brahman).

Buddhism, while not positing a universal self in the same way, speaks of Buddha-nature — the innate potential for awakening that exists in all sentient beings. This concept suggests a shared essence that connects all of life, even as it manifests in myriad forms.

In the mystical traditions of the Abrahamic religions, we find similar ideas. Sufi mystics like Rumi and Ibn Arabi speak of wahdat al-wujud, or the unity of Being. Christian mystics like Meister Eckhart explored the concept of the divine spark within each individual. In the Kabbalah tradition of Judaism, the concept of Ein Sof represents the infinite, unknowable essence of the divine that permeates all of creation.

These spiritual and philosophical traditions offer us a view of reality that is both unifying and diversifying. They suggest that while we experience ourselves as separate individuals, there is a deeper truth of interconnectedness and shared essence.

Interestingly, modern science has begun to explore ideas that resonate with these ancient wisdom traditions. Quantum physics, for instance, has revealed a world of interconnectedness and non-locality that challenges our classical notions of separate, independent objects.

Some scientists and philosophers have even proposed theories of consciousness that align with the idea of a universal or fundamental consciousness. For example, the theory of panpsychism suggests that consciousness might be a fundamental property of the universe, present to some degree in all matter. While these ideas remain controversial in scientific circles, they demonstrate how cutting-edge scientific thought is grappling with questions that have long preoccupied spiritual and philosophical traditions.

The neuroscientist Christof Koch has proposed an integrated information theory of consciousness, which opens the possibility that consciousness could be a fundamental aspect of reality, similar to space, time, or mass. Meanwhile, the physicist David Bohm suggested a theory of implicate and explicate order, where the visible world (explicate order) emerges from a deeper, underlying reality (implicate order) — a concept that bears striking similarities to mystical ideas of manifestation from a unified source.

While these scientific theories are far from conclusive, they offer intriguing parallels to spiritual and philosophical concepts of unity and diversity in consciousness and being. They invite us to consider that the ancient intuitions about the nature of reality might have a basis in the fundamental structure of the universe itself.

The Paradox of Individuality

As we consider these ideas of universal consciousness or shared essence, we inevitably encounter a profound paradox. Each of us experiences life as a distinct individual, with our own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. We have unique personalities, preferences, and life stories. Our sense of self feels solid and real, separate from others and the world around us.

Yet, if we accept the idea of a universal consciousness, we must also grapple with the paradox that we are both individual and universal simultaneously. We are waves on the ocean of consciousness — distinct in form, yet inseparable from the vast sea from which we arise.

Imagine our boundless Essence taking form, like morning mist condensing into dewdrops. Each of us emerges as a unique expression of the Infinite, a whisper of the universal becoming particular. We are, perhaps, both the dreamer and the dream.

This paradox can be both liberating and challenging. It invites us to honor our unique experiences and perspectives while also recognizing our deep connection to all of existence. It suggests that our individuality is real and valuable, but not ultimate or separate from the whole.

The tension between our sense of individual selfhood and our intuition of a deeper unity is a common theme in spiritual and philosophical traditions. The Buddhist concept of anatta or “no-self” challenges the idea of a permanent, separate self while still acknowledging the conventional reality of individual experience. The Advaita Vedanta tradition in Hinduism speaks of the realization of non-duality as the highest truth, even as it recognizes the apparent duality of everyday experience.

In our daily lives, we might experience this paradox in moments of deep connection or transcendent experience. Have you ever felt a sense of oneness with nature while walking in a forest or gazing at the stars? Have you experienced a dissolution of self-boundaries in meditation or prayer? These experiences offer us glimpses of a reality beyond our usual sense of separate selfhood.

At the same time, our individual experiences and perspectives are undeniably real and important. Our unique combination of genetic inheritance, life experiences, and choices shapes who we are and how we interact with the world. Our individuality allows for the rich diversity of human culture, art, and innovation.

The challenge — and the opportunity — lies in holding both these truths simultaneously. Can we fully embrace our individuality while also recognizing our fundamental unity? Can we act in the world as distinct individuals while maintaining an awareness of our shared essence?

This paradox invites us to a more nuanced and flexible understanding of identity. Rather than seeing ourselves as fixed, separate entities, we might come to understand our individuality as a dynamic expression of a universal essence. Like actors playing roles on a stage, we can fully inhabit our individual characters while knowing that, at a deeper level, we are all part of the same grand performance.

Metaphors for Understanding

To grasp these complex concepts of unity and individuality, Sufi mystical poetry offers a rich tapestry of metaphors and imagery. These poetic expressions serve not only as beautiful works of art but also as vehicles for profound spiritual truths, particularly the ideas of Fana’ (annihilation of self), the realization of Oneness, and Baqa’ (subsistence in this life as the individuation of that Oneness).

Sufi poets, with their mastery of language and deep spiritual insights, have long used metaphors to bridge the gap between the ineffable experience of the Divine and the limitations of human understanding. Their poetry invites us to see beyond the veil of apparent reality and glimpse the underlying unity of all existence.

Consider these lines from the 13th-century Persian poet, Rumi:

“I am not this hair, I am not this skin,

I am the soul that lives within.”

Here, Rumi draws a clear distinction between the physical, individual self and the deeper, universal essence within. This metaphor invites us to look beyond our surface-level identities and recognize the eternal soul that animates our being.

The concept of Fana’, or the annihilation of the self, is beautifully expressed in another of Rumi’s poems:

“This is love: to fly toward a secret sky,

to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment.

First, to let go of life.

In the end, to take a step without feet.”

The imagery of flying toward a secret sky and veils falling away metaphorically represents the process of Fana’, where the individual ego dissolves into the vastness of divine reality. The paradoxical idea of “taking a step without feet” points to a state of being beyond individual identity.

The 14th-century Sufi poet Hafiz offers another powerful metaphor for the realization of Oneness:

“I am a hole in a flute

that the Christ’s breath moves through —

listen to this music.”

This metaphor beautifully captures the idea of the individual as a conduit for the divine. The flute maintains its unique form, yet the music that emerges is the breath of the divine moving through it. This speaks to both our individuality and our essential unity with the Divine.

The concept of Baqa’, or subsistence in the Divine while maintaining individual existence, is often depicted through the metaphor of the ocean and the drop. As the 20th-century Indian Sufi master Hazrat Inayat Khan expressed:

“The drop has not become the ocean,

but the ocean has become the drop.”

This paradoxical statement encapsulates the mystery of Baqa’. The individual (the drop) maintains its form and existence, yet is fully permeated by and conscious of its unity with the Divine (the ocean).

The 12th-century Sufi poet Ibn Arabi, known for his doctrine of the Unity of Being (Wahdat al-Wujud), offers this profound metaphor:

“I believe in the religion of Love

Whatever direction its caravans may take,

For love is my religion and my faith.”

Here, love becomes a metaphor for the all-encompassing divine reality that transcends individual forms and beliefs. The “caravans” represent the diverse paths and expressions of this universal truth.

These poetic metaphors serve as gateways to understanding the complex interplay between individuality and unity. They invite us to see ourselves as unique expressions of a universal reality, much like how different musical instruments in an orchestra maintain their distinct tones while contributing to a unified symphony.

Through these metaphors, Sufi poetry encourages us to embrace the journey of self-annihilation (Fana’), the realization of our essential oneness with the Divine, and the subsequent state of subsistence (Baqa’) where we live in the world as individuated expressions of that Oneness. It reminds us that our individual selves are not obliterated in this process, but rather transfigured and illuminated by the recognition of our deeper, universal nature.

As we contemplate these poetic metaphors, we’re invited to see our own lives through this lens of unity in diversity. We may begin to recognize ourselves as both the instruments and the music, both the waves and the ocean, both the individuals on a journey and the all-encompassing love that is the destination itself.

Practical Implications

Understanding ourselves as both individual and universal has profound implications for how we live our lives. It’s not merely an abstract philosophical concept, but a perspective that can transform our day-to-day experiences and interactions.

When we recognize the shared Essence that connects all Being, while also honoring the unique way this Oneness expresses Itself through each of us, we open ourselves to greater compassion, creativity, and purpose.

In our relationships, this understanding can foster deeper empathy and connection. If we see others not as separate entities, but as unique expressions of the same consciousness that we are, it becomes easier to practice compassion and understanding. Even in conflicts, we might recognize that we are, in a sense, arguing with another aspect of ourselves. This doesn’t mean we always agree, but it can help us maintain respect and openness even in disagreement.

This perspective can also transform our approach to personal growth and self-improvement. Rather than seeing ourselves as fixed entities that need to be forcibly changed, we might understand personal growth as a process of allowing our true nature to express itself more fully. Like a sculptor revealing the statue hidden within a block of marble, we might see personal development as a process of uncovering and expressing our innate, universal essence.

In our work and creative endeavors, embracing this dual nature can be incredibly empowering. It allows us to value our unique skills, experiences, and perspectives, while also tapping into a sense of universal creativity and inspiration. Many artists and innovators have described their creative process as a feeling of connecting to something larger than themselves, allowing ideas to flow through them rather than from them.

This understanding can also guide our decision-making, encouraging us to consider the broader impact of our choices on the whole. If we truly internalize the idea that we are interconnected with all of existence, it becomes natural to consider how our actions affect not just ourselves, but the larger web of life. This can lead to more ethical, sustainable choices in our personal lives and in our roles in society.

On a societal level, widespread adoption of this perspective could lead to more harmonious communities, sustainable practices, and a deeper sense of global interconnectedness. Imagine a world where people consistently acted from an understanding of their fundamental unity, even as they celebrated their diverse individual expressions. How might this change our approach to conflict resolution, resource distribution, or environmental stewardship?

In our spiritual or personal growth practices, this understanding can help us navigate the sometimes confusing terrain of self-improvement and self-transcendence. It offers a middle way between rigid self-importance and self-negation, inviting us to fully inhabit our individual selves while also recognizing them as expressions of something larger.

For example, in meditation or mindfulness practice, we might observe our thoughts and feelings with both acceptance and non-attachment. We can fully acknowledge our individual experiences while also recognizing that we are more than just our thoughts and emotions. This can lead to a sense of spaciousness and freedom in our inner lives.

In our engagement with the world, this perspective can help us balance assertiveness with humility. We can confidently express our unique gifts and perspectives, knowing that they are valuable expressions of universal consciousness. At the same time, we can remain humble, knowing that our individual view is just one refraction of a much larger truth.

This understanding might also transform our relationship with nature and the environment. If we see ourselves as individual expressions of the same consciousness that manifests as trees, rivers, and mountains, it becomes natural to treat the natural world with respect and care. This perspective aligns with many indigenous worldviews that see humans as part of, rather than separate from, the natural world.

In facing life’s challenges and sufferings, this perspective can offer both comfort and resilience. While fully acknowledging individual pain and struggle, we can also tap into a sense of our larger, universal nature that transcends temporary conditions. This doesn’t negate our individual experiences, but it can provide a broader context that helps us navigate difficulties with greater equanimity.

Ultimately, embracing our dual nature as both individual and universal can lead to a life of greater authenticity, compassion, and purpose. It invites us to fully express our unique selves while remaining connected to the vast, interconnected web of existence from which we emerge.

Exercises for Self-Reflection

To explore these concepts in your own life, consider the following exercises. These practices can help bridge the gap between intellectual understanding and lived experience, allowing you to explore the dance of individuality and unity in your own being.

1. Mindful Observation: Spend time in nature, observing how individual elements (leaves, insects, clouds) are part of larger systems. Notice the uniqueness of each leaf or insect, while also observing how they are integral parts of the ecosystem. Reflect on how this mirrors your own existence as both an individual and part of a larger whole.

2. Meditation on Unity: Sit quietly and focus on your breath. As you inhale, imagine drawing in universal energy or consciousness. As you exhale, envision expressing your unique self. Notice how these two aspects coexist within you. After several minutes, expand your awareness to include the space around you, then your community, the earth, and beyond, sensing your connection to the larger whole.

3. Journaling: Write about a time when you felt deeply connected to something greater than yourself. This could be a moment in nature, a peak experience, or a time of profound connection with others. Describe the experience in detail. How did it feel in your body? What thoughts or insights arose? How did this experience shape your sense of identity? Reflect on how you might bring more of this sense of connection into your daily life.

4. The Mirror Exercise: Stand in front of a mirror and look into your own eyes. As you do this, alternate between focusing on your unique individual features and imagining that you’re looking into the eyes of universal consciousness. Notice how it feels to shift between these perspectives. Can you hold both simultaneously?

5. Compassion Practice: Choose someone you find difficult or challenging. Spend a few minutes imagining that this person, like you, is an individual expression of universal consciousness. Visualize the shared essence beneath your apparent differences. Notice if this shift in perspective changes your feelings toward this person.

6. Creative Expression: Create a piece of art (a drawing, poem, song, dance, etc.) that expresses your understanding of yourself as both individual and universal. Let this be an intuitive process, allowing your creativity to flow without judgment.

7. Daily Awareness Practice: Throughout your day, set reminders to pause and reflect on your dual nature. In various situations — at work, with family, alone — take a moment to sense both your individual self and your connection to the larger whole. Notice how this awareness might change your experience or behavior in subtle ways.

8. Nature Communion: Find a quiet spot in nature. Close your eyes and sense the boundary of your skin. Gradually expand your awareness beyond your body, feeling your connection to the air, the earth, the plants and animals around you. Imagine that the same essence that flows through you flows through all of nature. Open your eyes and observe your surroundings from this expanded perspective.

9. Contemplation of Interconnectedness: Reflect on the vast web of interconnections that support your individual existence — the air you breathe, the food you eat, the countless people involved in creating the clothes you wear and the technology you use. Spend some time tracing these connections, marveling at how your individual life is supported by the whole of existence.

10. Gratitude Practice: Each day, express gratitude for both your unique individual qualities and your connection to the universal. Thank the universe for expressing itself through you in your particular way, and also for all the ways it supports and connects you to the larger whole.

Remember, these exercises are not about achieving a particular state or experience. Rather, they are invitations to explore and contemplate your own nature. Approach them with curiosity and openness, allowing whatever arises to be part of your journey of self-discovery.

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Conclusion

As we come to the end of this exploration, we find ourselves at a new beginning. In this delicate dance between unity and individuality, we may discover our subtle power to nurture a transforming world. By embracing both our unique personal qualities and our connection to the universal, we open ourselves to a more expansive way of being and acting in the world.

Consider how this perspective might change your daily interactions. How might you treat others differently if you truly saw them as unique expressions of the same consciousness that you are? How might your approach to challenges shift if you viewed them through the lens of both your individual experience and your universal nature?

This understanding invites us to live with greater authenticity and purpose. It encourages us to fully express our individual gifts and perspectives, knowing that they are valuable and unique manifestations of the universal. At the same time, it reminds us of our profound interconnectedness, fostering compassion, empathy, and a sense of responsibility to the whole.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, this ancient wisdom offers a path to balance and integration. It allows us to honor our individual experiences and identities while also recognizing the deeper unity that connects us all. In doing so, it provides a foundation for addressing personal and collective challenges with wisdom, creativity, and care.

Remember the words of Yunus Emre: “I wrapped myself in flesh and bone, and appeared as Yunus.” As you go about your life, wrapped in your own unique form, listen for the whispers of the Infinite within your own being. Allow your actions to flow from the quiet wellspring of your authentic self, which is both individual and universal.

In embracing this paradox — that we are both distinct individuals and expressions of a unified whole — we open ourselves to profound personal and collective transformation. We become more fully ourselves while also recognizing our essential unity with all of existence.

So, as you close this article and return to your day, carry with you this question: What whispers of the Infinite do you hear in the quiet of your own being? How might you dance your unique dance while staying attuned to the universal rhythm that moves through all things?

In this awareness lies the potential for a life of deeper meaning, greater compassion, and more authentic self-expression. It holds the promise of a world where diversity is celebrated even as unity is recognized — a world transformed by individuals who understand their connection to the whole.

May our journey of self-discovery continue to unfold, revealing ever new facets of our individual beauty and universal essence. And may this understanding inspire us to play our unique part in the grand symphony of existence, contributing our distinctive notes to the music of a transforming world.