Words That Fell Upon the Qalb (the heart) from Hacı Bayram-ı Veli
The wisdoms of Hacı Bayram-ı Veli are a selection of short sayings that touch upon a person's qalb (the heart), character, and inner discipline. Although each saying may appear as a simple note on its own, behind it lie fundamental matters such as the discipline of the nafs (the lower self), awareness of fanāʾ (annihilation in God), knowledge, adab (proper conduct), and maturity of the qalb (the heart).
01
“Do not disclose the faults and shortcomings of your friends and neighbors that you have seen. For these secrets you have witnessed are a trust (amāna) to you. To betray a trust is an ugly act.”
02
“Anger and rancor blind the eyes that see realities. Wrath narrows and misleads sound thinking.”
03
“If you wish to lighten and free yourself from the sorrows of the world and the constriction of the nafs (the lower self), visit the graveyards frequently.”
04
“Do not belittle any sin; work hard. Those who idle about, even if they are wealthy, have the devil as their companion, and their qalb (the heart) becomes the devil's abode.”
05
“If you wish to be saved from the tribulations of people, do not frequent the markets and bazaars.”
06
“Safeguard the trust (amāna). For both the religion and your body are a trust (amāna) to you.”
07
“Arrogance is like a stone tied to the waist; with it, one can neither swim nor fly.”