In Sama (Sufi Ceremony), the main concept revolves around controlling “Nafs” – to overcome the worldly material desires. In Arabic, the word “Nafs” signifies the Soul or Inner-self of any individual. There are seven stages of self-control that are depicted in the Sufi Sama ceremony. Those seven stages detail the journey of a Soul to control material desires. This journey leads to the highest stage of contentment, happiness, and enlightenment. True light resides within.

Th Buddhism, the similar concept to Islamic ideology around controlling one’s worldly desires is “Kleshas” or “Defilements”. Kleshas is concept of mental state in which it is confused or blurred to carry out immoral actions. Those states are categorized in three categories including Greed, hatred and delusion. Buddhism emphasizes conquering these three states through meditation. Ethical awareness and actions will lead to spiritual enlightenment. They bring freedom from any worldly suffering.

We live in the era of Artificial Intelligence. With easy access to a vast pool of information, individuals face numerous opportunities. These opportunities come with their accompanying repercussions. The receiver bears the cost of easy access to enormous amounts of information. This includes the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence. They face mental struggles, competitive pressures, and the exploitation of temptations. Hence attaining the state of contentment, happiness and enlightenment by giving up on worldly material desires have become increasingly challenging.

Historically, humankind has been subject to worldly temptations in different forms present during each era. However, there have been examples of individuals who showed character by abstaining from those worldly temptations. Figures such as Prophets, Mother Teresa, and Mahatma Gandhi are notable examples. Therefore, even during current times, abstaining from those allurements is achievable.

One can attain those by incorporating the definitions and simple yet effective ways described and encrypted in Buddhism and Sufism. Few examples include;

1. Mindfulness and Meditation – regular meditation will develop the discipline and provide you insight into your own thoughts, thereby providing you a window to master them,
2. Practice Gratitude – listing down what you are grateful for on a daily basis can shift your focus from being unhappy to content and attitude of appreciating what is there resulting in ultimate happiness,
3. Limit exposure to temptations – limit your exposure to media consumption by mindful choices which can help in reducing the external impact on your mind and choices you make,
4. Seek spiritual guidance – Practice and engage yourself in developing knowledge from different school of thoughts to attain detachment. It will help you in understanding the deeper meaning of life.
5. Engage in selfless service – participate in volunteering activities. This will help you shift your attention from self-fulfilling desires to selfless acts. Working on those will help you in developing inner satisfaction and happiness.
6. Set clear intentions – define your purpose driven by values and goals. It will help you resist those temptations, and
7. Simply your life – practice minimalism approach by limiting and reducing the unnecessary possessions. It will help you to focus on what truly matters and meaningful ways of living.

“Health, contentment, and trust are your greatest possessions, and freedom your greatest joy” – by Buddha

“Why are you so enchanted by this world, when a mine of gold lies within you” – by Rumi