In the realm of Sufi literature, a profound concept known as the Commanding Self, or Nafs-i-Ammara, reveals itself as a mysterious intermediary between objective reality and one's authentic self. As Idries Shah eloquently states in The Commanding Self, it is "the key to understanding my entire corpus of work." This captivating concept challenges Sufi teachers to communicate its essence effectively, despite facing accusations of maintaining authority and denying individuals access to higher levels of understanding. The purpose of this essay is to delve into the depths of the Commanding Self, explore its significance in Sufi teachings, and shed light on its relevance to personal transformation and self-realization. By unraveling the layers of the Commanding Self, we can gain valuable insights into the journey of the soul and the path toward inner awakening.

A closer look

"The Commanding Self thrives on convincing individuals that its limitations and distortions are essential parts of their identity." This poignant observation, found in Idries Shah's The Commanding Self, exposes the insidious nature of this parasitic entity. As Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi once wrote, "Pass from names and look at qualities so that qualities may show the way to the essence." This verse urges us to go beyond superficial labels and delve into the essence of our being.

Embarking on the Sufi path

At the heart of Sufism lies the fundamental question of whether the Commanding Self commands the individual or vice versa. As Idries Shah highlights in his works, the Sufi path requires experience, organization, perception, and interpretation. Sufis believe that true knowledge comes from experience, and a Sufi teacher, having gone beyond ordinary limits, can provide invaluable guidance based on their awareness of humanity's general and specific conditions. In the words of Shabistari, "If the Moslem knew what the idol was, he would know that there is religion in idol-worship. If the polytheist were informed on religion, how could he stray in his faith?" This verse challenges our preconceived notions and encourages us to seek deeper understanding.

Sufism as a way of life

"Sufism is not confined to a separate realm but rather coexists alongside an individual's ordinary routine." These profound words from Idries Shah's writings emphasize the integration of Sufism into everyday life. Sufic practice, as described by Shah, involves examining assumptions, avoiding mechanical thought patterns, and distinguishing faith from fixation. As Omar Khayyam wrote, "Since the lot of humankind in this bitter land is nothing but suffering and sadness, happy the heart of whoever quickly leaves the world. Tranquil the person who did not come at all." These verses remind us of the impermanence of worldly pursuits and the pursuit of inner peace.

The power of Sufi teaching

As Idries Shah notes, "Sufi literature aims to strike the mind, enabling it to work in new or different ways." This impactful teaching method, employed by Sufi teachers, seeks to evoke action and emotional responses, thereby instigating transformative experiences. As Ibn Arabi wrote, "Sufi knowledge was adequately represented as enabling people to understand knowledge which they already had, by 'polishing the mirror' of their minds." This metaphorical imagery encourages us to refine our perception and uncover the inherent wisdom within ourselves.

Transcending the illusions

"Sufis emphasize the importance of understanding the distinction between the primary essence or Reality (Haqq) and the secondary realm of appearance or Form (Khalq)." These profound teachings from Idries Shah's works underscore the significance of recognizing and transcending the limitations of the secondary realm. Sufis draw from their own experiences to navigate the complexities of the secondary factors, enabling them to teach others.

Looking beyond appearances

In the words of Idries Shah, "Sufis believe that saintliness or being a saint is not solely about holiness or piety." This insightful observation challenges conventional notions of saintliness and emphasizes the importance of possessing a degree of gnosis or supreme knowledge. When the inner meaning [ma’ana] is reached, peace descends, as expressed by Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi. These verses inspire us to seek the inner essence and find true peace within ourselves.

Nurturing the seed of self-discovery

"The secret of Sufism is that it has no secret at all!" As Idries Shah poetically expresses, this enigmatic paradox encapsulates the essence of Sufism. True understanding and enlightenment can only be attained through personal experience and realization. By nurturing the seed of self-discovery and transcending the influences of the Commanding Self, individuals embark on a transformative journey guided by the profound wisdom encapsulated in the teachings of Sufism. Through this exploration, we aim to uncover the timeless truths and practical insights of the Sufi tradition, offering a roadmap for personal growth, spiritual evolution, and self-realization.

Asad Mian MD, PhD is an ER physician-researcher-innovator at the Aga Khan University and a freelance writer. He writes on topics ranging from healthcare and education to humor and popular culture. He authored 'An Itinerant Observer' (2014) and ‘MEDJACK: the extraordinary journey of an ordinary hack’ (2021)

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