In this heartfelt sohbet, Ayberk Efendi invites us to contemplate the nature of the spiritual journey and the responsibilities that belong to every traveler on the Sufi path. He begins by reminding us that every seeker has a direction — a “yön” — and a destination to reach. Without such a goal there is no reason to set out, just as a merchant would not leave home without a purpose.
Staying Focused on the Goal
Ayberk Efendi stresses that the true traveler must keep moving forward toward the intended target. If we stray from the route, the certainty of our destination dissolves. He likens distraction to a shopper who, intending only to buy parsley, becomes sidetracked by an apple and returns home empty‑handed. In the same way, countless whispers—“from every side, sixty thousand directions”—seek to pull us away from the straight path. The remedy is simple yet profound: look ahead.
“Look ahead” means turning our gaze away from sideways glances, from past regrets and future anxieties, and fixing it on the purpose that set us on the road. The Qur’an, the Hadith, and the counsel of the saints become a “road map,” pointing out where cliffs, pits, or bandits lie, and showing exactly which steps to take. When we honor these signs, the route becomes clear, the traveler remains steady, and the journey retains its momentum.
The Necessity of Intention
Even with a clear road, the traveler can falter if intention (niyet) is weak. A wavering niyet causes us to drift from one path to another, leaving us stuck in limbo. In Sufi terminology, the “tarikat” itself is the road to Allah; entering it is a blessing that must not be surrendered back to the devil through negligence.
Ayberk Efendi cautions against premature titles such as “mürid” (disciple) because true discipleship implies having already reached the goal—a state no one has yet attained. We are all still candidates, walking, learning, and testing our resolve. The journey ends only when the seeker either reaches the divine destination or remains forever on the road without progress.
The Guide’s Role
A central theme of the talk is the indispensable presence of a guide (rehber). The guide knows where the abyss lies, where hidden traps await, and how to navigate safely. Ignoring this guidance in favor of shortcuts only leads to further deviation. As Sheikh Efendi often says: “Give a way, open a way, or step aside.” Finding a trustworthy guide who continuously opens doors toward the ultimate goal is therefore essential for every traveler.
Knowledge as Motion
Learning (ilm) is not static; it becomes a journey when applied in practice. The knowledge we acquire must be set into motion—shared, lived, and transmitted—so that it itself travels toward its Divine source. In this sense, every piece of wisdom is also a traveler, returning to Allah, the ultimate “owner” of all truth.
Ayberk Efendi’s reflections remind us that the spiritual path demands constant vigilance, steadfast intention, and reliance on authentic guidance. May we each keep our eyes fixed ahead, nurture sincere niyet, and walk together under the light of true mentors.
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