Originally published in Sufi Journal Issue 10 (Summer 1991)
Text of a Speech by Dr. Javad Nurbakhsh, Previous Master of the Nimatullahi Order, to a Sufi Gathering
Tonight I would like to speak about ‘constancy’ (esteqāmat). One must walk upon the Sufi Path with the feet of love; and ‘constancy’, or ‘steadfastness’, constitutes the provisions for this journey. As Rumi puts it:
He asked, “Where is the affliction?”
I replied, “In the lane of Your love.”
He asked, “What is your state there?”
I replied, “That of constancy.”
The term, ‘constancy’, is taken from the Koranic passage where God tells His Prophet: “Be constant, as you are commanded” (XI, 112); that is to say, “Be steadfast in what I have told you to do.” In the words of Shabestari:
When he committed himself
to the Way of God, he was firm
In observing the injunction:
“Be constant, as you are commanded.”
‘Constancy’ means to step out of yourself and stand firm in God. Only the chevaliers (javānmards) and the advanced on the Path can practice ‘constancy’ in the lane of love. Feeling hurt, making excuses, getting distracted, being irresponsible, questioning, testing the master, ignoring orders given on the Path, making claims, doing exercises or reciting litanies which are not authorized, all these things serve to block the development of ‘constancy’, or ‘steadfastness’, in the Sufi.
In maintaining ‘constancy’, some great Sufi masters did not even dare appeal to God, they mortified their desires in the crucible of oblivion, to the point where they became oblivious of their very ‘constancy’.
Abu ‘Ali Jawzjāni said, “Practice constancy; do not look for miracles, for it’s your nafs (‘ego’) that wants miracles, while God wants constancy from you.” (RQ 319)
Those who are ‘constant’ declare, “We want God alone. We are standing firm, until we cease to exist and there is only He.”
They also say, “O Lord, we don’t distinguish between Your afflictions and Your blessings. We want whatever You want.”
‘Constancy’ means ‘steadfastness’, that is to say, ‘not seeing anything other than God.’ Stand firm, and do not waver from the Path. Stand firm, and do not take hard the pressures of the Path. Meet the difficulties and afflictions in a manly way. Stand firm, and do not let the challenges of the Path put you down; do not allow yourself to become depressed. If someone treats you badly, you apologize to him! If someone irritates you, be thankful! If affliction visits you, consider it a cure!
‘Constancy’ or ‘steadfastness’, in following the instructions of God and the master is the wayfarer’s true secret of success. Whoever knows this secret and acts upon it will succeed.