Lecture Notes: Connecting with the Self and the Divine

Introduction

• Begin with a moment of meditation and self-connection.
• Importance of listening and appreciating our bodies for healing.

Speaking to the Body and Self

• Address organs directly with kindness and appreciation to heal.
• Distinguish between talking to the mind and addressing the self.
• Rarely do people address themselves directly.
  • Importance of naming oneself.
  • Speak to the self, not the higher self, which is always at peace.

The Concept of Self

• There are two parts:
  • The "little self" that is full of fears, needs, and troubles.
  • The "big self" or higher self, which is always in peace and observes.
• Contacting the little self is an act of self-love.
• Realizing that the illusionary self, full of pride, cannot be loved.

The Divine Love

• Love for the Divine is enduring and beyond all earthly attachments.
• Earthly loves (objects, people, achievements) are temporary.
• Love for the Divine is eternal and fulfilling.

Path to Divine Love

• Obedience to values (e.g., don’t steal, lie, cheat) leads to a life of love.
• Spiritual paths advise serving the Divine without seeking personal gain or rewards.
• True love for the Divine leads to unconditional peace and satisfaction.

Love and Light as Pathways

• Light symbolizes divine presence and love.
• Remembering childhood or meaningful moments often involves memories of light.
• Align life with divine light and presence.

Understanding the Self and Ego

• Arabic language does not differentiate between self and soul; both are connected.
  • Different states of the self (ego) evolve into a pure soul.

The Role of Love

• The core issue is lack of love for the source.
• True love for the Divine can transform worldly experiences.

Healing and Transformation

• Transformation involves breaking away from material attachments.
• Problems resolve through divine love and connection.

Conclusion

• Cultivate love for the Divine as a primary goal.
• Together, believers in divine love and presence can bring positive change.
• Encouragement to sing and dance joyfully to attract divine presence.

Final Blessings

• Prayers for protection, guidance, and trust in divine wisdom during turbulent times.
• Collective faith brings about positive transformation.