Critical Thinking Course: Rumi & dealing with Ego

Learning Objectives and Course Requirements

We begin by approaching and asking the question: what do we know about the Nafs (the Ego)?

Is it something that is tangible or abstract; does it have a benevolent or a malevolent disposition?

What relationship do we have with our ego - do we tolerate it or are we in a state of perpetual

confrontation with it?

More importantly, is it even worth exploring and understanding our own Ego?

Before we answer the above, we must first know what the Ego is, how the Ego behaves and how it

shapes our life. Many scholars and academics from various backgrounds - ranging from the

theological, sociological as well as the psychological - have all provided their own notions and

theories when attempting to understand the Ego.

Through his poetry Maulana Rumi has provided an insightful yet extraordinary account of the Ego,

however here in the West we are unable discern and fully appreciate his teachings due to our

inability to interpret classical Farsi as well as the socio-cultural context in which his message was

originally conveyed, as well as concepts grasped from the Quran and Sunnah.

Due to the Western world’s misinterpretation of Rumi, I will attempt to provide a holistic yet,

comprehensive understanding of Rumi’s work on the Ego as well as applying it to contemporary

contexts.

The Aim of the Workshop:

To develop and transfer the knowledge used in order to understand our mind as well as providing

the attendees with a sense of happiness and inner contentment. This workshop contains elements

of self-improvement.

Targeted Audiences:

Although elements of Islam will be discussed in order to provide a reference point for the Ego, it will

not be primary vehicle in conveying this message. Rather, I will attempt to discuss it through the lens

of both Western and Oriental (Middle East) psychology as well as elements of sociology. Students of

all beliefs and cultures are invited to my classes providing they have a good understanding of the

English language and have a sense of maturity.

The course may be of practical benefit for those on the path of a particular Tariqa or interested in

Sufism.

Levels of the Course:

The course is comprised of two levels: The first level for teaching basics and principles; the second

level is set for those who like to take additional steps in observing and nurturing their ego.

The Teaching Method:

The teaching would be focused around a group discussion. At first, I will teach the main idea, define

the terminology and explain the main concept, then in the group, I will get the students to engage in

mini-workshops with the aim of discussing the various facets of the Ego.