A Transparent Mirror Placed in the Heart
Progressing on the Sufi path and being able to recognize one’s hidden flaws is often not possible alone; for the ego always tends to see itself as justified and flawless. It is at this point that a true guide (murshid) is needed. Geylani (q.s.) describes the reflective role of the perfect human in an immense way: “O son! I am a mirror to you; see me thus. Place me in your heart as a mirror, embed me in your being. Bring your affairs before me. Approach and look. Then you will see many things.” Because the perfect human is completely purified from their own self (ego), the disciple looking at them actually begins to see their spiritual impurities, arrogance, and shortcomings as they are, embodied in the Murshid.
The Deprivation of Distance
To benefit from the clarity of this mirror, the disciple must be present in that gathering with submission and good intentions. If a person criticizes their teacher with pride or stays away from them, they also lose the opportunity to see their own mistakes. “When you stay far from me, you will then see many blessings that you could not otherwise perceive.” The one who distances themselves falls again into the dark pit of their ego and, believing they are on the right path, is actually dragged towards destruction. The conversation and grace in the gathering of a true guide is a divine polish that opens the blind eyes of the disciple.
Leaving the World at Home and Looking in the Mirror
It is necessary to shed worldly attributes, positions, and fame when coming before the Murshid. “Leave the world at your home, and come to me like that. I am the administrator of the other realm… Sit beside me; listen to my words.” If you look into that mirror while harboring love for the world, pride, or objection in your heart, that mirror will only reflect back to you the denial and superficiality within yourself. Those who look at that mirror (the perfect human) with submission, humility, and sincerity ultimately transcend themselves and, through that mirror, attain directly to the luminous court of God.