First Few Chillahs : Some General Conclusions

Obviously these are not set in stone.

That Islam is a continuation albeit a less distorted one of the Judaea -Christian tradition. The Quran being relatively  more preserved is more reliable than the several editions of the other holy books.

Ahmed Hulusi's understanding of Islam that it is not worshipping another god 'out there' but the divinity within  provided a major 'aha' moment.

Ervin seals explanation of worry = shirk  helped clarify the need to depend on A , ergo be full of faith.

Mental focus principles and zikr have same origin

Connections between Salat and yoga asanas having a striking similarity, perhaps similar origins? This means that yoga could have a distinct benefit.

Understanding that the journey is the key and the quality of the destination will depend the journey.

Heaven and earth  and hell are dimensions in this multidimensional universe. Many will be in purgatory simply because on earth  all we do is just 'hang out'

Understanding 'paradigm concepts'. This world is what we make of it. Outside of accepted paradigms  what is there to guide us: a new paradigm of our own making?

Thinking but not truly understanding the 'whereof' of Salat, Dua, Zikr, Sawm, Haj, Zakat

How pure is the Islam we practice today? Why did M say that in the later years here will be none who practice as  do. What did he do that was different? I often feel we have the empty shell of the religion and not really its spirit and soul.

Is Islam also a cult like thing now: there is so much insistence on following, not questioning, not thinking, how can this give rise to free thinking peoples? Has it too become all about unquestioning obedience, fear, resource control, individual agendas?

If I were to apply the principles of mentalism and other hermetic principles to Islam what would it look like ?

Shirk is worry, disconnection with self, looking outside, doubt, thinking that power is outside of us, 

No external deadlines, when student is ready teacher will appear, let go and let God, go downstream, life is all holograms, how will you act if this is truly so?

Being wary of ego tricks