Articles
Interfacing With The Divine
Salãh (Prayer) or interfacing with the Divine is the first step in self realization of the Divine who cannot be perceived by the physical human eye on the spiritual path. In the beginning of the Holy book “al-Quran “ it is mentioned that to be guided and successful on the path one of the five requirements of the individual is to establish “salãh” or spiritual connection on a daily basis. This is done by a conscious effort to raise the heart above the crown (head).
On the physical level the benefit is that there is a full flow of oxygenated blood and energy (chi), to relax the mind and refresh the power of thinking and analyzing. It also, empties the heart of concerns and anxiety and brings about tranquility.
It is an instrument to control the animal appetites of the spirit and allow the innate divine nature to surface. Salãh (prayer) is the means to make the Divine a living force in our earthly life and to serve humanity in humility. Salãh is the tool to burn away depression and to raise self esteem. By constancy in salãh the individual form healthy relationships and is able to live and work in harmony with oneself and others.Certain times of the day are very vital for charging the spirit with Divine energy. The work day is divided into five sections, i.e. dawn, mid afternoon, late afternoon, sunset and evening. Each section or module is begun with lowering the crown and raising the heart or interfacing with the Divine.
It is specifically stirring 17 times the 70% waters of our body. The method of prayer is traditional time, space, and sound oriented requiring chanting of passages from the Holy Quran. The specific passage that is chanted is “al-Fatiha—the Opening.”It is the plea for guidance and help to deal with the next section/module of the day without falling off the spiritual path. The chant is voiced loud during dawn, sunset and evening modules and quiet during the afternoon.Similar to the oceanic tide the movements of the prayer are a wave. It begins with standing erect chanting the “al-Fatiha”, then aligning head and back at hip level with hands resting on both knees pausing for 30 seconds chanting a formula that ends with the sound “mmm” (adheem) which opens the crown, then gently rising back to the upright position to fall down gracefully to rest the crown 60 to 120 seconds on the ground, balancing on the forehead, nose, palms, knees and toes all facing straight ahead, once again rising to a kneeling position then to lay the crown on the ground a second time. Each time repeating a prescribed formula ending in the sound “aaaa” (al ‘alaa) this opens the heart to receive the Divine energy for guidance and help that is requested at the beginning standing position.
The spaces required is clean, 2/4 sq. feet, quiet, perfumed any where at work, home, or play. Cooling the mouth, face (including the ears), neck, forearms, and feet with water are essential for the interchange with the Divine. If the above is not carried out with consciousness and intention for the closeness with the Divine it is only an act of limited benefit. If salãh is done with consciousness and with sincerity the blessings are limitless.
To order the salãh book contact: greenmountainschool.org
Amr Rasheed