The Bowl of Saki Commentary

This is not wrong of itself. For instance, that longing leads to concentration-or rather when it does lead to concentration, when it is strong enough to keep one from flitting hither and thither, that longing cannot be called evil. From this point of view not even passion is wrong if it keeps one concentrating on the same point of passion. It becomes wrong when it leads to unsteadiness, to satisfaction of self, and to lack of consideration toward the object desired.

If all objects are considered as living, whether they are the work of human hands or of God's, already the seed of unity is sown. It is only after one has come to the realization that any particular object will not bring happiness or satisfaction that one is ready for the next step. Therefore the sage may not oppose that which seems to lead toward vice; it is not vice in itself which is vicious, it is the constant tendency toward diversity, the lack of constancy, the absence of any motive or concentration in life which is wrong.

Therefore Sufis always help others to select some ideal, as the others must choose something they desire or love, so as to form a bond of attachment. Then they can learn concentration, collection of powers, gaining a purpose or motive in life. The highest morality, without this concentration, may lead nowhere. But the simplest undeveloped souls, once gaining a purpose and concentration, will advance far on the journey toward the goal, often unaware that they are traveling.