My Dear, Loyal Brothers!
A pious person in Kastamonu said by way of complaint: “I have declined; I have lost my former spiritual state, lights, and illuminations.”
I told him: “Perhaps you have progressed so that you have left behind your illuminations and revelations, which flatter the ego, give a taste of the fruits of the hereafter while still in this world and encourage self‑centredness. By giving up egotism and not seeking fleeting pleasures and through self-abasement, you have perhaps flown to a higher station.”
Yes, an important divine bounty is not making the person who has given up his egotism perceive the bounty so that he does not become proud and conceited.
My brothers! In consequence of this truth, those who think similarly to that person or who take into account the brilliant stations that the good opinions of others give, look at you and among you, see the students who appear in the garment of humility and self‑abasement and service to be common, ordinary people, and they say: “Are these the heroes of reality who challenge the whole world? Alas! Who are they? Where are the people who are striving to perform this sacred service, before which even the saints remain impotent at this time?” If they are friends, they experience disappointment, and if opponents, find their opposition justified.
Said Nursi