My last Sheikh,Abu Qassim Bilkhairi often used a medical analogy for his function as teacher and the process of Sufism.He would say that the Sheikh is like a doctor.He makes a diagnosis and then gives a prescription.The prescription involves medicine and a diet(think diabetes-insulin and a sugar -free diet).
In this analogy ,the spiritual practices are the medicine and avoiding negative actions and attitudes(the Buddhists call them klesas or obstacles).Many spiritual practitioners believe that only the practice is important but that is untrue.Self-control and certain forms of abstinence are definitely required.

Some of the most important and difficult ones are the following:1)avoiding irritable outbursts.Our Prophet saws advised us in a very unambiguous way to not get angry.
2)Avoiding desirous glances.This is not easy in our very immodest society which is provoking us-males and females- on a regular basis.Just think about the fact that the most visited internet sites are those on pornography.Let alone the various states of undress all around us.Now secular society tells us that this kind of street-watching from cafés and “checking out” the opposite sex is fine but religion and real spirituality teaches us otherwise.These desirous glances may include those for expensive cars and spacious houses and even people in higher positions at work.All amount to worldly desires.
3)Unnecessay back-biting.I say unnecessary because there are occasions in which it is necessary to speak negatively about someone in order to understand situations and solve problems.One of the ways you know you are on the wrong track is if you are enjoying it too much.”Dissing others” is a blood sport in some communities.Avoid it!For those who have studied Buddhism,the equivalent directives are there.They call them attachment,aversion and avoiding idle talk and gossip. O.K.That’s a good start.Try it out.Tell me about your progress.