On the evening of September 1 2012, the Royal Ottoman Society gathered in Ludwigshafen for a heartfelt sohbet with Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi, son and successor of Seyh Nazım Hz, together with Ayberk Efendi. The atmosphere was charged with reverence as participants listened to the teachers’ words about devotion, service, and the inexhaustible love that lies at the heart of the Sufi path.
The Grand Master’s Self‑Sacrifice
Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi reminded everyone that a true spiritual master never seeks material gain or personal status. He described how the Grand Master gives himself wholly—“he gave, gave, gave”—and that this boundless generosity is a blessing from Allah. This self‑sacrifice creates a foundation of trust for all seekers: when the teacher offers nothing but love and guidance, disciples can devote themselves fully to the journey.
True Love for the Saints
A recurring theme was the distinction between ordinary affection and “true love” for the saints (Awliyā). The teachers emphasized that many people search for love without ever finding it because they look outward rather than inward. True love, they explained, is a drop placed in the heart by the Grand Master; it expands endlessly, never fading. Those who have tasted this love do not wish to let it go, and those who try are “foolish,” because unlike worldly pleasures, spiritual love has no end.
Building on a Solid Foundation
Both speakers warned against constructing one’s practice on shaky ground. They likened spiritual work to building a house: without understanding the essence of a thing—its true reason—the structure will be unstable. By first seeking the “foundation” of every teaching and act, seekers ensure that their inner work stands firm even when external circumstances shift.
Service as an Expression of Love
The sohbet also highlighted service to humanity as a direct expression of divine love. The teachers noted that a person blessed with intellect should use it to help others, echoing the Prophet’s example: “If Allah gave us a brain, we must employ it for the benefit of people.” This ethos resonates in everyday life—whether providing food, work, or compassion—and reflects the Ottoman tradition of generosity and community care.
The Ever‑Growing Bite
A vivid metaphor was used to illustrate how love deepens over time. The first “bite” of spiritual experience is often the most intense, but each subsequent bite becomes richer, like tasting increasingly flavorful morsels. This progression encourages patience: as seekers persist, their love for the divine and the saints grows sweeter and more sustaining.
The gathering left participants with a renewed sense that true love, rooted in selfless service and firm foundations, is the ultimate aim of the Sufi path. For those inspired to deepen this experience, we invite you to join our live meetings and take Bayah under the guidance of Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi: https://royalottomans.com/live-meetings. May Allah keep us united in love and remembrance.
