Love, Creation, and the Art of Knowing Thyself
Written By Osama Janakat
In the rich tapestry of Sufism, there exists a profound utterance that encapsulates the very essence of existence, creation, and self-realization. This saying, known as a Hadith Qudsi and attributed to the Divine through the Prophet Muhammad, states:
“I was a hidden treasure and loved to be known, so I created the world so that I would be known.”
This simple yet profound statement opens a gateway to understanding the intricate dance between Love, Being, Creating, and Knowing. It invites us to explore not just the nature of the Divine, but also our own journey of self-discovery and self-knowledge. Crucially, it points us towards a deeper understanding of Love — not as an emotion, but as a state of Being in the Truth of the Moment.
The Hidden Treasure: The Primordial State of Being
The concept of a “hidden treasure” speaks to a state of potentiality, a wellspring of infinite possibilities yet to be manifested. In the context of the Divine, it suggests a state of Absolute Unity and Completeness, existing beyond the realm of time and space. But this concept isn’t limited to the Divine alone; it resonates deeply with our human experience as well.
Each of us carries within us this Hidden Treasure — our true Essence. Like a seed containing the blueprint of a mighty tree, this hidden treasure is our primordial state of Being, existing before any act of creation or expression.
Love: The Catalyst for Creation and Presence
The Hadith continues with a crucial element: love. It wasn’t mere existence that prompted creation, but love — the desire to be known. This introduces a dynamic element to the static state of being. Love, in this context, is not just an emotion or a force of connection. It is, fundamentally, a state of Being in the Truth of the Moment.
To love is to step into a state of wakeful presence, both inwardly and outwardly, in the Here & Now infused with the desire to be known. It’s an acute awareness of the present moment, a complete inhabitation of one’s being. This state of love-as-presence is the catalyst that transforms the hidden treasure of our being into the manifest reality of our lives.
In our personal lives, this love manifests as the conscious choice to be fully present, to engage with life from a place of wakeful awareness. It’s the force that pushes us out of our habitual patterns and into the vivid reality of the present moment, compelling us to create, to share, to grow from this space of presence.
Creation: The Act of Becoming Through Presence
The response to this love, this desire to be known, is creation. “I created the world,” the Hadith says, pointing to the manifestation of the physical universe as we know it. But creation isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process, a continuous unfolding of potential into reality through the act of being present.
For us, creation takes many forms. It’s not limited to artistic endeavors, though these are certainly powerful modes of self-expression. Every choice we make, every action we take, when done from a place of wakeful presence, is an act of creation. We are constantly creating our reality, our relationships, our very selves through our thoughts, words, and deeds — all stemming from our capacity to be fully present in the moment.
This perspective reframes our daily lives as a canvas for self-expression through presence. The way we mindfully interact with a colleague, the care and attention we put into preparing a meal, the focused effort we invest in learning a new skill — all of these are acts of creation, ways in which we manifest our inner essence in the outer world from a state of love-as-presence.
The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Presence
As we engage in this ongoing process of creation from a place of presence, we embark on a journey of self-discovery. This journey is not about finding something entirely new or separate from ourselves. Rather, it’s about uncovering and recognizing aspects of our being that have always been present but perhaps hidden from our conscious awareness.
Through our creative acts — our choices, our expressions, our interactions — all done from a state of wakeful presence, we begin to see reflections of our true nature. We might discover hidden talents, unacknowledged fears, or deep-seated values. Each creation becomes a mirror, showing us different facets of who we are in the present moment.
This process of self-discovery is often surprising and sometimes challenging. We may uncover aspects of ourselves that don’t align with our self-image or societal expectations. The key is to approach this discovery with the same love-as-presence that initiated it, recognizing that each revelation is a step towards a more complete understanding of our true selves.
From Self-Discovery to Self-Knowledge Through Love
While self-discovery is about uncovering what already exists within us, self-knowledge takes this process a step further. Self-knowledge is an active, ongoing process of formation and realization, deeply rooted in our capacity to love — to be present in the truth of the moment.
As we create and discover from this state of presence, we begin to see patterns in our behaviors, preferences, and responses. We start to understand the ‘why’ behind our actions, not just the ‘what’. This deeper understanding allows us to make more conscious choices about how we want to express ourselves and interact with the world, always grounded in the present moment.
Self-knowledge also involves acceptance and integration. It’s about embracing all aspects of ourselves — the parts we’re proud of and the parts we might prefer to hide — with the compassionate presence that defines true love. As we come to know ourselves more fully through this lens of love-as-presence, we can work on aligning our outer expressions more closely with our inner truth.
The Cycle of Creation and Knowledge Through Love
Here’s where the process becomes cyclical and self-reinforcing. As we gain self-knowledge through presence, our acts of creation become more intentional and authentic. We create from a place of deeper understanding and alignment with our true selves, always rooted in the present moment. These more authentic creations then provide us with even clearer reflections of who we are, leading to even deeper self-knowledge.
This cycle mirrors the cosmic dance described in the Hadith. The Divine creates to be known, and through that creation, manifests self-knowledge. Similarly, we create to express ourselves, and through that expression, come to know ourselves more fully — all through the lens of love as wakeful presence.
Love as the Guiding Force of Presence
Throughout this entire process, love — understood as being in the truth of the moment — remains the guiding force. It’s not just the initial spark that sets the process in motion, but the ongoing energy that sustains it. Love, in this context, is the force of connection through presence — connection with ourselves, with others, with the world around us, all anchored in the Here and Now.
When we create from this place of love-as-presence — whether it’s presence in the act of creation itself, presence with those we’re creating for, or presence in our own growth and expression — our creations are more powerful and authentic. They resonate more deeply with others and provide us with clearer insights into ourselves.
Moreover, this understanding of love allows us to approach the journey of self-discovery and self-knowledge with compassion and acceptance. It enables us to embrace all aspects of ourselves, even those we find challenging or uncomfortable, because we’re meeting each moment with wakeful awareness.
Practical Applications: Living the Process of Love and Presence
Understanding this cosmic dance of creation and self-knowledge is one thing; living it is another. How can we apply these profound concepts to our daily lives? Here are some practical suggestions:
1. Self-Observation: Practice observing your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with detachment and without judgment. This practice helps you become more aware of your patterns and tendencies, identifying areas for growth. Approach this observation from a place of loving presence.
2. Self-Remembrance: Regularly bring yourself back to a state of mindfulness and awareness of the present moment. This practice cultivates a constant connection with the divine and with your true self.
3. Self-Witnessing: Witness your experiences, both internal and external, with detachment and without identification. This practice helps cultivate a sense of detachment from the ego and deepens your understanding of reality, all from a place of wakeful presence.
4. Mindful Creation: Approach your daily activities as acts of creation, done from a state of loving presence. Whether you’re writing, cooking, or conversing, do it with full awareness of the present moment.
5. Align Action with Presence: As you gain deeper self-knowledge, strive to align your actions more closely with your true self, always acting from a place of wakeful presence.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Symphony of Self in the Present Moment
The Hadith Qudsi we began with speaks of a cosmic process, but it’s one that plays out in each of our lives every day. We are all hidden treasures, containing within us infinite potential. Driven by love — the desire to know and be known through presence — we engage in constant creation, manifesting our inner essence in the outer world.
Through this process of creation, rooted in the love that is wakeful presence, we embark on a journey of self-discovery that leads to profound self-knowledge. This journey is not a destination but an ongoing symphony, each act of creation a note in the grand composition of our lives, played in the eternal present.
As we continue this dance of Love, Being, Creating, and Knowing, we come closer to fully embodying our true selves in each moment. We contribute our unique notes to the cosmic symphony, expressing the divine spark within us through our presence.
So, as you go about your day, remember: every action, every choice, every creation is an opportunity for self-expression and self-knowledge through presence. Approach life with love — be in the truth of each moment. Create with intention and presence, and remain open to the revelations that await in the Here & Now. In doing so, you honor the hidden treasure within you and participate in the grand, cosmic dance of creation and self-realization.
What will you create today from this place of loving presence? How will your actions, rooted in the Here & Now, reflect your Essence?
