"The mystic is one who comes into this world with the prime purpose of rediscovering this state of union [with God] and then living it," writes Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, author of many books on Sufism. The bond that is established between us and the Beloved colors our days in a variety of ways. But first the ego must be pushed to the side. Or as Abu Yazid put it: "The way to God is but one step, taking one step out of oneself."

Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee then quotes Bhai Sahib: "It is time to make a soul pregnant with God." The birth that takes place is a new life on the journey of love. This being is nurtured by silence, meditation, and dhikr. Best of all, those in a mystical relationship with the Beloved are "slaves of the One and servants of the many." Vaughan-Lee sees the mission of all spiritual communities to spread light and love in the world.

One of the best ways to practice this is by affirming a unitive consciousness. Here's how this stance was delineated by the Sufi saint Jami:

"Neighbor and associate and companion — everything is He.
In the beggar's coarse frock and the king's silk — everything is He.
In the crowd of separation and in the loneliness of collectedness
By God! everything is He, and by God! everything is He."