Thought for the Week: Don’t complain!

John Lampen reflects on habits of mind that may stand in the way of spiritual growth

by John Lampen 6th January 2017

I learnt recently that Rabia Basri, the female Sufi saint of the eighth century, warned us not to complain. This advice spoke to my heart, but I had to think carefully about it. Did she want to stop us challenging injustice and disrespect? No. Judging by other sayings she did not mean ‘Don’t protest’, nor even ‘Don’t write a letter of complaint’. So, what was she telling me?