The Sufi Way: Learning from Every Form
In Torkom Saraydarian’s “Teachings of Great Ones,” I found a seed thought from the Sufi tradition that has been particularly helpful recently. It’s a simple teaching about where we can find wisdom.
“The Sufi accepts teaching from whomever or whatever is offering it. For them there is only the One Essence which teaches through every form.”
The teaching is clear: wisdom doesn’t only come from temples, books, or teachers in traditional robes. It can come through any experience, person, or situation we encounter.
When I apply this perspective, difficult relationships become opportunities to learn about my own limitations. Challenging situations help me discover inner strength I didn’t know I had. Even hardship can offer lessons, if I’m open to receiving them.
Practically, this means building inner strength to avoid reacting with anger and criticism. It means showing more openness and accepting mutual limitations, turning conflicts into opportunities for growth. Instead of focusing only on the difficulty, I try to find what I can learn from the experience.
The seed thought has helped me recognize that teaching is present in all forms and experiences. It’s not about finding the right teacher or the perfect situation - it’s about being open to learning from whatever life presents, whether it’s pleasant or challenging.