Preface

This volume, derived from the extensive lecture series on Manzil al-S'irn, undertakes a profound and scholarly examination of the foundational relationship between the badyt (initial principles) and the nihyt (ultimate ends) within the context of the mystical spiritual journey (salk). Session twenty-two, relying on the teachings of , May His Sanctity Remain, accentuates the pivotal principle that the validity of the nihytthe transcendent goals of the pathis intrinsically contingent upon the rectification of the badyt, namely, the initial premises and fundamental principles. Employing philosophical and mystical concepts, this treatise elucidates the role of primordial endowments, environmental factors, and the seekers acquisitions in the formation of the spiritual trajectory. Moreover, it emphasises the crucial importance of sincerity (ikhl), wholehearted obedience, and liberation from any form of greed or ulterior motives throughout this process.

Section One: Theoretical Foundations of the Dependency of the Ultimate upon the Initial

Consensus among Scholars on the Necessity of Rectifying the Initials Scholars and mystics alike stand in unequivocal consensus that the nihyt of the spiritual journeythe sublime goals of attaining the Truthcan only be attained in truth and perfection through the correction of the badyt, the foundational principles and initial premises. This principle functions as a fundamental axiom within mysticism and gnosis, analogous to the relationship between foundation and structure in architecture, whereby the solidity of the ultimate ends depends upon the steadfastness of the origins. Without a firm foundation, the edifice of the spiritual path collapses; and without correcting the badyt, the nihyt deviate into error. This consensus prevails not only within the domain of mysticism but extends universally to any science aspiring towards perfection, as if it were a universal law that binds every movement towards a goal to the robustness of its point of inception.

The Analogy of Initials and Ultimates to Foundation and Structure Just as no building stands firm without a solid foundation, so too does the mystical path fail to reach its destination without the rectification of the badyt, grounded in sincerity. Sincerity, as the axis of rectifying the badyt, constitutes the principal condition for the establishment of the spiritual journey. Absent sincerity, the journey is akin to a structure erected upon unstable soil, destined to collapse at the first storm of worldly attachments. This analogy serves as a mirror reflecting the indispensable necessity of fortifying the premises before the seekers eyes, so that through the purification of heart and intention, a firm basis for their spiritual journey is constructed.

The Necessity of a Foundation for Attainment Every station attained presupposes a foundation; every entity that becomes something was something prior. This foundation exists either as an innate capacity or as an acquired actuality. The seeker, in order to reach the sublime ranks of the spiritual journey, must possess an initial basis within their beingakin to a seed sown in the soil of potentiality, which through actualisation grows into a mighty tree. Without this foundation, the journey resembles a voyage without map or destination, leaving the seeker wandering bewildered in the desert of uncertainty.

The Imperative of Foresight in the Initials The seeker must consider the nihyt within the framework of the badyt, for it is impossible to amend the badyt within the realm of the nihyt. Just as man in this world must plan for the Hereafter, so too must the seeker bear the ultimate goal in mind from the outset of the journey. This foresight functions like a lamp illuminating the path of the seeker and safeguarding them from misguidance amid the vicissitudes of the lower self. Without such an outlook towards the nihyt, the badyt disperse into aimlessness and fragmentation.

Preparation of the Ultimates within the Initials The ultimate goals are shaped within the initial principles, and the badyt as causes determine the nihyt. The seeker must construct and prepare the vessel of the nihyt within the badyt, much like a master architect who meticulously drafts the blueprint before erecting a building. The outcome of the journey manifests within the badyt, which as causes bring forth the goal. This principle underlines the decisive role of the premises in forming the ultimate ends, just as the quality of a fruit is determined at the time of planting its seed.

The Relationship between the Final Cause and the Agent In philosophy, the final causewhich is the nihytgenerates the motive for the agent, thereby rendering the ultimate ends manifest within the initials. The goal is conceived in the mind prior to the agents actualisation, impelling the agent into motion. This philosophical view serves as a key that unlocks the relationship between the initials and ultimates within the mystical journey. The nihyt lie latent within the badyt, just as perfection is inherent in potentiality, and the Hereafter is concealed within this world. This principle emphasises the conceptual precedence of the goal over the agent and demonstrates that the spiritual journey is one commencing from the mind and intention of the seeker.

Section Two: Structure and Classification of the Initials

The Three Divisions of the Initials The badyt are divided into three parts: pre-potentiality, the vessel of potentiality, and the actualisation of potentiality. This tripartite division resembles the three rungs of a ladder guiding the seeker from primordial nature towards human actualisation. The first part is the primordial role, established before the existence of the human and beyond their volition. The second is the vessel of potentiality, shaped by environmental factors such as family and nutrition. The third is the actualisation of potentiality, manifesting through the germ and early growth. These three segments form interlinked chains connecting the journey from origin to destination.

The Primordial Role within the Initials The first part of the badyt is the primordial role, formed prior to human existence and independent of their choice. This role resembles a nature inscribed in eternity upon human existence, guiding them towards a divine destiny. As the poet expresses: I did not come to myself here to return to myself, alluding to the truth that mans origin and destination were determined in the primordial realm, and he is merely a traveller who must journey this path with awareness. This primordial role is akin to a divine map etched within the heart of human existence.

Environmental Influence on Potentiality The vessel of potentiality is shaped by environmental factors such as father, mother, nourishment, and culture. These factors resemble soil wherein the seed of potentiality is planted, determining its quality. The environment, from familial culture to climatic conditions, plays a formative role in the seekers capacities. For instance, one nurtured in a religious milieu differs in jurisprudence and spiritual appetite from one raised in a secular context. These factors function as pigments painting upon the seekers existential canvas.

The Germ as Potentiality and Actualisation The germ, as the initial point of life, embodies both the potentiality for becoming human and the actualisation of itself. It resembles a shell nurturing the pearl of humanity, which through growth attains actualisation. The germ is like a seed harboring the potential for perfection and the initial actualisation of life. This principle underscores the germs pivotal role within the initials and illustrates how any deficiency at this stage affects the spiritual journey.

Conclusion

In sum, the principle of the dependency of the ultimate upon the initial within the Manzil al-S'irn establishes the indispensable primacy of rectifying the foundational premises of the spiritual journey before one can attain the transcendent goals. This treatise has delineated the theoretical foundations of this dependency, presented an analogy rooted in architecture and philosophy, and classified the initial principles into their tripartite form. The path to spiritual perfection is thus a journey from sincerity in the foundational premises to the actualisation of the sublime ends. The seekers awareness of this dependency is the cornerstone of true progress and the safeguard against deviation and error.