ONE WHO SERVES BECOMES THE MASTER : LIFE LESSONS FROM HAZRAT NIZAMUDDIN

India has produced some of the
world?s greatest religious leaders, sages, saints, philosophers, and
spiritual thinkers. They were monks, nuns, and renunciates, nationalists, and
reformers. No one religion had a Monopoly on them. They range from Mahavira and
Buddha, who lived over 2, 500 years ago, to medieval saints like Chishti,
avvaiyar, and Guru Nanak, to more recent philosophers and religious icons
such as Vivekananda, Ramakrishna, saint Teresa, and many others. The
spiritual and philosophical heritage they left behind is India?s gift to all
Indians and the world. In the ?life lessons? series we publish the essential
teachings of some of India?s best-known spiritual teachers, along with
commentaries and biographical notes. Each book will be a handy companion to
help the reader along the difficult pathways of life. * Nizamuddin Auliya
(1238?1325), also known as Hazrat Nizamuddin, is one of the most revered of
the Sufi saints in the subcontinent and the founder of the Chishti nizami
order. Born in Badaun in great poverty, he chose to dedicate his life to the
Sufi vision of love and peace and service to the poor. At the age of twenty,
he became a disciple of the Sufi saint known as Baba farid (of ajodhan), and
eventually took over as his spiritual successor. Renowned for his simplicity,
he emphasises that love and service to humanity was the way to realize God.
Nizamuddin auliya?s religious vision was imbued with a strong sense of
plurality. He believed in the unity of mankind and decried all distinctions
based on social or economic inequalities. His life was marked by a disregard
for religious orthodoxy and political hegemony. He left an indelible mark on
the city where he lived and his disciples spread the message of Sufism all
over the world. Centuries later, his teachings continue to inspire his
followers who flock to his dargah in Delhi in search of solace and guidance.
Edited by Bela Upadhyay, this volume collects together some of Hazrat
Nizamuddin?s core teachings.