Contemplation and Action

Imam al-Ghazali (d. 1111) observes that the perfected human being is typically marked by stillness rather than activism. While recognising the sanctity and validity of diverse human callings—whether as activists, contemplatives, or otherwise—Ghazali emphasises that the highest human state is usually achieved by those of a contemplative - rather than active - nature. This may seem strange as the social activist today gains all the attention, applause and accolades  while the quite contemplative remains largely unknown and unacknowledged . All religious traditions would agree that non-action in the form of stillness, detachment and mindfulness are greater than any outward action. As Rene Guenon notes,

“The Eastern doctrines are unanimous, as also were the ancient doctrines of the West, in asserting that contemplation is superior to action..." 

"Be still and know that I am God"

     - Psalm 46.10

"Spiritual realisation is ..the easiest [thing] because it is enough [just] to [sit there and] think of God. It is the most difficult because human nature is forgetfulness of God."
    - Frithjof Schuon
Source: Prayer Fashions Man, p. 179

The ignorant will often attribute laziness to such people because they lack worldly ambition and live a sedentary life chanting scriptures or mantras. They also question the seeming selfishness of spiritual seclusion in a world beset by problems. From a spiritual perspective, we cannot save the world without first turning away from it and traversing the inner Path towards Self-awakening. 

“Your own Self-Realisation is the greatest service you can [offer] the world” 

    - R. Maharshi

Most human beings neglect the inner path, convinced that the real problems lie in the outside world rather than within themselves. We are utterly immersed in the world which means we are divorced from ourselves and those who are divorced from the inner Self cannot heal the outer world. 

Notes

1. Modern Mantra: “Don’t just sit there, do something”
    Ancient Mantra: “Don’t just do something, sit there”

"'Often we tell ourselves [today], "Don't just sit there, do something!" But when we practice [spiritual] awareness, we discover that the opposite may be more helpful: "Don't just do something, sit there!" Sit there, stop, be yourself first, and begin from there.”
    - Thích Nhất Hạnh, Zen Master

2. One of the signs of the end of times, according to Guenon, is the hyper-activism of the age and the complete neglect of the contemplative virtues.