Tao Te Ching

The Power of Goodness, the Wisdom Beyond Words
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Abu Yazid al-Bisṭāmī بایزید بسطامی‎‎

804 – 874 CE

Famous Sufi, ”King of the Gnostics,” forefather of ecstatic Islamic mysticism; Abu Yazid disavowed excessive asceticism and changed the course of Sufism by shifting the emphasis from discipline, obedience and piety to direct experience and “self-annihilation in the Divine Presence.” An active shrine to him in Bangladesh was built and has been used since 850 CE and he remains an important lineage holder in thelargest Sufi brotherhood, the Naqshbandi.

Lineages
Islamic Sufi

Eras

Quotes by Abu Yazid al-Bisṭāmī (5 quotes)

“I never saw any lamp shining more brilliantly than the lamp of silence.”

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“For thirty years I sought God. But when I looked carefully I found that in reality God was the seeker and I the sought.”

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“Forgetfulness of self is remembrance of God.”

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“I desire not to desire, for my will is without value, since I am ignorant in any case.”

Themes: Desire

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“This thing we tell of can never be found by seeking, yet only seekers find it.”

Themes: Paradox Wu Wei

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Quotes about Abu Yazid al-Bisṭāmī (0 quotes)

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