Levels of Spiritual Realities

The realities encompass three stages: unveiling (nafsic vision), observation (heart vision), and inspection (spiritual vision). Unveiling is an instantaneous vision and the sword of essence, which pertains to the self. Observation is the heart’s vision of the essence, occurring with the removal of egoic veils. Inspection is the direct spiritual vision that leads the seeker to complete witnessing of the Divine essence. These stages act as steps that elevate the seeker from limited perception to full vision of the essence.

Key Point

The stages of spiritual realities include unveiling (nafsic vision), observation (heart vision), and inspection (spiritual vision), guiding the seeker toward the full vision of the Divine essence.

The Quranic Perspective

The Holy Quran in Surah An-Nur, Ayah 35 states:

“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within a glass, the glass as if it were a shining star, lit from a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills and Allah sets forth parables for mankind; and Allah is All-Knowing of everything.”

This verse affirms the light of vision of the essence in inspection.

Unveiling: Nafsic Vision and the Sword of Essence

Unveiling is an instantaneous vision pertaining to the self, in which the seeker perceives the sword of essence rather than the essence itself. This vision is like a spark that briefly illuminates the darkness of the self but has not yet penetrated the depth of the essence.

Key Point

Unveiling is the instantaneous vision of the sword of essence in the self, guiding the seeker toward deeper insight. This spark resembles a flame that indicates the path but does not fully reveal the destination.

Observation: Heart Vision and Removal of Veils

Observation is the heart’s vision of the essence, occurring with the removal of egoic and heart veils. At this stage, the seeker’s heart is illuminated by the light of the essence, bringing them closer to inner witnessing. Observation is like a mirror reflecting the Divine essence.

Key Point

Observation is the heart’s vision of the essence, achieved through the removal of veils, illuminating the seeker’s heart with divine light. The mirror, polished from the rust of the self, becomes ready to receive the full light of the essence.

Inspection: Spiritual Vision and Direct Witnessing

Inspection is the direct spiritual vision of the essence, occurring in the hidden realm. Here, the seeker perceives the truth with the eye of the spirit, attaining the peak of witnessing the essence. Inspection is like a door opening onto the boundless ocean of the Divine essence.

Key Point

Inspection is the direct spiritual vision of the essence, guiding the seeker toward complete witnessing. This ocean immerses the seeker’s heart and spirit, drawing them closer to unity with the Divine.

Contraction and Expansion in the Journey of Realities

Contraction in inspection occurs due to the intensity of manifestation. The seeker is overwhelmed by the divine presence, a natural response of the self and heart to immense light. Without divine expansion, this contraction may lead to misguidance or ruin. Contraction is like a storm overpowering the vessel of existence.

Key Point

Contraction in inspection results from the intensity of the manifestation, requiring divine expansion to restore balance.

The Quran, Surah Al-A’raf, Ayah 143 states:

“And when Moses came to Our appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said, ‘My Lord, show me so that I may look at You.’ He said, ‘You will not see Me, but look at the mountain; if it remains firm, you will see Me.’ When his Lord manifested upon the mountain, He made it crumble, and Moses fell unconscious.”

This verse illustrates the intensity of divine manifestation and the resulting contraction.

Caution in the Seeker’s Journey

Lovers, who reach the levels of realities through effort, must proceed cautiously from unveiling to observation and inspection. Hastening may lead to permanent contraction or misguidance. The guide restrains the seeker to achieve divine expansion, acting as a shield against the dangers of overwhelming manifestations.

Key Point

Seekers must advance carefully from unveiling to inspection, as hastening may cause permanent contraction or misguidance.

The Quran, Surah Al-Kahf, Ayah 110 states:

“Say, ‘I am only a human being like you; it is revealed to me that your God is one. So whoever hopes to meet his Lord, let him do righteous deeds and not associate anyone in worship with his Lord.’”

This verse emphasizes the necessity of righteous action and caution in spiritual progression.

Expansion and Balance in the Journey

After contraction, divine expansion brings balance, enabling the seeker to interact with creation while remaining connected to the Divine. Expansion allows the seeker to attain the rank of equilibrium, engaging harmoniously with both the Divine and creation. Expansion is like a gentle breeze restoring peace after the storm of contraction.

Key Point

Divine expansion restores balance, allowing the seeker to harmoniously engage with both the Divine and creation.

The Quran, Surah Al-Imran, Ayah 159 states:

“By the mercy of Allah, you were gentle with them; and if you had been harsh or hard-hearted, they would have dispersed.”

This verse underscores the necessity of gentleness toward creation following expansion.

Ecstasy and Bewilderment in Expansion

Expansion brings ecstasy and bewilderment of the essence, distinct from the bewilderment of conditions. Ecstasy arises from the intensity of joy or sorrow, bringing the seeker to the threshold of unity. Ecstasy is like a wine immersing the heart in the ocean of the essence.

Key Point

Ecstasy and bewilderment in expansion stem from the intensity of divine manifestation, drawing the seeker closer to unity.

The Quran, Surah Qaf, Ayah 15 states:

“Have We grown weary of the first creation? Rather, they are in doubt concerning a new creation.”

This verse reflects the state of bewilderment before divine manifestations.

Awakening and True Connection

Following ecstasy, the seeker attains awakening, reaching true connection, where the self perceives itself as aligned with the Divine and the Qur’an, yet remains separate from both realms. Awakening is like clarity following intoxication, bringing full awareness of the truth.

Key Point

Awakening is the awareness following ecstasy, guiding the seeker to true connection while remaining separate from dual realms.

The Quran, Surah Az-Zumar, Ayah 3 states:

“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is pure.”

This verse affirms sincerity in true spiritual connection.

The Spirit: Beyond Self and Heart

The spirit is a reality beyond the self and heart, associated with the hidden realm. Through divine breathing, the seeker attains capability and direct vision. The spirit acts like a light emanating from the Divine, connecting the seeker to creation.

Key Point

The spirit is a hidden reality, through which divine breathing allows the seeker to attain capability and direct witnessing.

The Quran, Surah Ash-Shura, Ayah 52 states:

“And thus We inspired to you a spirit from Our command.”

This verse affirms divine breathing and the hidden station of the spirit.

Divine Breathing and Creation

Divine breathing, described in the Quran as “I breathed into him of My spirit,” exists in human nature but does not actualize in all individuals. The seeker, upon reaching…