The concept of Latif became increasingly refined and complex and was used to explain psychological and spiritual progress of the spiritual aspirant toward annihilation (fanna) or subsistence (baqd) in the Divine Essence. Lattif's have been translated by "subtlety," "tenuous body," "subtle point," or "subtle essence." I prefer to refer to them as "subtle spiritual centers.” although the concept of "center"is not necessarily to be understood from the term itself. Although some of the are sometimes described as being located in specific areas of the body (liver, heart, or mind), they are not to be understood as identical with the organs located there. "Thus the distinction is clearly to be made between the physical flesh of the heart and the latfa which is named 'Heart' (qalb). Rather, the lattices are taken to be local manifestations of identically named parts of a higher realm of the cosmological structure which is above the realm of created things. Spiritual healing is another spiritual practice that is shared across faiths. The lata’if, or the Nine Points of the self, are related to the chakras of Kundalini Yoga, which is a central part of both Hindu and Buddhist mysticism, and to the nodes of the Tree of Life, a key concept in Jewish Kabalistic spirituality. The lata’if are points of maximum energy intake and are instrumental in maintaining the body’s energy balance. Sufis believe that illnesses can be treated by activating the appropriate lateefa. The spiritual dimension of Islam is manifested in Islamic mysticism or Sufism. Sufism is the science of unlocking esoteric meanings of the faith, and engaging in a process of self-purification and self-realization. It is difficult to precisely define Sufism because there is no single, systematic approach to Sufi teachings, and only a few of its metaphysical teachings can be communicated in words. It has been defined by its adherents as the essence or fruit of Islam, the path inwards towards purification of the self, and the vehicle through which one can develop their relationship with God. Its etymology is equally enigmatic. Sufism is derived from the Arabic word, Tasawwuf, literally, “the process of becoming a Sufi.”
I leave you here with an insightful poem by Rumi:
"Everything you see has its roots
in the unseen world.
The forms may change,
yet the essence remains the same.
Every wondrous sight will vanish,
every sweet word will fade.
But do not be disheartened,
The Source they come from is eternal-- growing, branching out,
giving new life and new joy.
Why do you weep?-- That Source is within you, and this whole world
is springing up from it.
The Source is full, its waters are ever-flowing;
Do not grieve, drink your fill! Don't think it will ever run dry-- This is the endless Ocean!
From the moment you came into this world, a ladder was placed in front of you
that you might transcend it.
From earth, you became plant, from plant you became animal.
Afterwards you became a human being, endowed with knowledge, intellect and faith.
Behold the body, born of dust-- how perfect it has become!
Why should you fear its end?
When were you ever made less by dying? When you pass beyond this human form, no doubt you will
become an angel and soar through the heavens! But don't stop there.
Even heavenly bodies grow old.
Pass again from the heavenly realm and plunge into the ocean of Consciousness.
Let the drop of water that is you become a hundred mighty seas."
