lectures of Nikoonam, may his soul rest in peace (Session 306)
The station of Modesty (Haya) is one of the great stations in the mystical journey (suluk) that guides the seeker from self-awareness towards the direct witnessing of the Divine Truth. This station, as elucidated in the lectures of Nikoonam may his soul rest in peace, during a session titled "The Door of Modesty," serves as a bridge between human self-consciousness and the divine presence. In this framework, Haya is not merely an ethical shyness but a spiritual state arising from the awareness of divine observation, manifestation, and ultimately, the very essence of the Divine Truth itself.
In the mystical journey, Haya is divided into three distinct stages: Psychological Modesty (Haya Nafsani), Love Modesty (Haya Hubbi), and True Modesty (Haya Haqi) (sometimes referred to as Divine or Love Modesty). These stages represent the gradual progression of the seeker from self-awareness towards the realisation of the Divine Truth. Each stage is akin to a rung of a ladder, drawing the seeker closer to the summit of knowledge and divine witnessing. These stages not only depict an advancement in knowledge but also illustrate a transformation in the seekers perception and relationship with the Divine.
The stages of Modesty indicate the seekers journey from awareness of divine observation (Psychological Modesty) to witnessing the manifestations of the Divine (Love Modesty), and ultimately reaching the essence of the Divine (True Modesty). These stages, like a ladder, guide the seeker towards the unity of existence.
In the first stage, Psychological Modesty (Haya Nafsani) manifests, where the Divine observes the seeker, but the seeker is yet unable to witness the Divine essence. This form of Haya stems from the seekers awareness of the divine observation, preventing them from committing sins. It is like a child, who, in the presence of their parents watchful eyes, refrains from error. In this stage, the seeker corrects their actions, guided by the awareness of the Divine presence. This modesty marks the beginning of the spiritual journey, directing the seeker toward spiritual self-awareness.
In the second stage, Love Modesty (Haya Hubbi) emerges, where the seeker begins to witness the radiance and manifestations of the Divine and becomes aware of their closeness to God, even though they have not yet achieved a complete vision of the Divine essence. This stage is akin to seeing the rays of the sun through thin cloudswhile the seeker perceives divine glimpses, the absolute truth remains beyond reach. Love Modesty originates from the seekers love for the Divine and propels them toward a deeper understanding.
The third stage, True Modesty (Haya Haqi), is where the seeker not only perceives the divine radiance but directly witnesses the essence of the Divine. In this stage, both the Divine and the seeker look upon each other, much like a lover who embraces their beloved without intermediaries. This form of Haya arises from the direct vision of the Divine Presence and is accompanied by a majestic awe that empties the seekers heart of all but the Divine.
True Modesty represents the pinnacle of the mystical journey, where the seeker witnesses the Divine essence and, through the awe and beauty of the Divine, attains unity with the Divine and annihilation in God.
The stages of Modesty, like the steps of a spiritual journey, guide the seeker from self-awareness to the witnessing of the Divine. Psychological Modesty begins with the awareness of divine observation; Love Modesty deepens with the witnessing of the Divines manifestations; and True Modesty culminates in the realisation of the Divine essence. These stages not only map the seekers progress but also reflect the transformation in the seekers relationship with the Divinefrom faith to direct vision and experience.
To illustrate the differences in the stages of Modesty, an analogy is presented: in the stage of Love Modesty, the seeker is like someone who sees the rays of a lamp from a distance, whereas in the stage of True Modesty, they witness the lamp itselfi.e., the Divine Truth. This analogy beautifully illustrates the difference between indirect witnessing (manifestations) and direct witnessing (the Divine essence). It is like a traveller who sees the light of a city from afar and then steps into its heart, where the seeker in True Modesty attains the absolute truth.
True Modesty is accompanied by an awe that arises from the direct witnessing of the Divine Presence. This awe is the vessel of Gods majesty, while Modesty itself is the vessel of Gods beauty. The combination of both overwhelms the seeker and makes them absent from the world of creation. It is akin to a lover who, in the presence of their beloved, is struck dumb by their grandeur and beauty. In this station, the seeker is absorbed in the awe and beauty of the Divine.
In the stage of True Modesty, the seeker reaches the state of annihilation (fana) and union (liqa), where they no longer perceive anything other than God and dwell in divine proximity. This station is akin to a drop dissolving in the ocean, where the seeker sees themselves as one with the Divine essence. In this state, duality and separation vanish, and the seeker attains unity with existence.
True Modesty leads the seeker to annihilation in God and the realisation of divine union, where duality ceases, and unity of existence prevails.
In the stage of True Modesty, the seeker perceives creation as the manifestation of the Divine and no longer views creation as independent. This absence from creation is the result of witnessing divine unity, liberating the seeker from duality. It is like someone who, looking in a mirror, only sees the reflection of their beloved. In this state, the seeker views everything as a manifestation of the Divine.
In the station of True Modesty, the seeker perceives everything as the Divine. This state is like a lover who searches for their beloved in every face. This analogy refers to the doctrine of Unity of Being, where the seeker perceives all of creation as a manifestation of the Divine and transcends duality.
Another analogy presented in the lecture is that of a lost child, who believes every woman they encounter is their mother. In the stage of True Modesty, the seeker, in the same manner, sees everything as the Divine because their heart and vision are filled with divine witnessing. This analogy demonstrates the intensity of divine witnessing that renders the seeker incapable of distinguishing anything other than the Divine.
The Divine Presence, in this lecture, is defined as the first level of direct witnessing of the Divine, where the seeker directly beholds the Divine. This presence is akin to a gateway that transitions the seeker from indirect perception to unmediated divine vision. It is a turning point in the spiritual journey, guiding the seeker towards unity and closeness to God.
The lovers (muhibbin) see the Divine through effort and spiritual striving, whereas the beloved (mabubin) attain this direct vision by grace, without movement, and from an earlier realm. This distinction is akin to the difference between a traveller who reaches their destination on foot and one who arrives through celestial means. The beloved, due to Gods special grace, reach this station swiftly.
The distinction between lovers and the beloved lies in the method of reaching the Divine: lovers attain it through effort and striving, while the beloved receive it through divine grace.
In the state of **true modesty** (Haya Haqqi), the perception of the Divine is so dominant that the seeker sees nothing but the Divine, much like the overwhelming scent of one fragrance which obscures all others. This analogy is like a painter who applies only one colour to their canvas, rendering all other colours obsolete. The perception of the Divine in this state fills the heart and vision of the seeker, guiding them towards pure unity.
An experience from being amongst the martyrs, as recounted in a lecture, illustrates the dominance of one perception (the scent of the martyrs) over all other sensory experiences. This experience serves as a metaphor for the predominance of the Divine perception over all other perceptions in the state of true modesty. In this state, the seeker sees everything in the light of the Divine and does not perceive anything other than Him.
In the state of **true modesty**, the states of perception manifest as illuminations (luminous flashes) within the soul of the seeker, guiding them towards inherent vision and certain knowledge. These illuminations are like sparks of light in darkness, steering the heart of the seeker towards deeper knowledge.
The **Divine Presence** in the state of true modesty leads the seeker to profound spiritual transformations. The Divine Presence, akin to the gate of direct perception of the Divine, takes the seeker from division towards unity. The differences between the lovers and the beloved, the predominance of Divine perception, and the manifestation of illuminations all underscore the depth of this station in mystical journeying.
The lecture refers to a sacred verse from the Qur'an, which serves as the Qur'anic foundation for the perception of Divine Unity in the state of true modesty:
This verse affirms the testimony to Divine Unity and guides the seeker towards the certainty of direct perception.
In the state of true modesty, the seeker reaches the Unity of Existence, a station where creation is perceived as the manifestation of the Divine, and division disappears. This state is akin to gazing at an ocean where all waves are expressions of a singular, unified truth. In this state, the seeker perceives everything as a manifestation of the Divine and is liberated from duality.
The sacred verse Allah bears witness that there is no deity except Him serves as the Qur'anic foundation for the perception of Divine Unity, guiding the seeker towards certain knowledge and liberation from division.
The verse of Divine testimony to Unity forms the Qur'anic basis for the state of true modesty, which leads the seeker to the perception of Divine Unity and liberation from division. This station, through the elucidation of the Unity of Existence, guides the seeker towards certain knowledge and the annihilation in the Divine.
In the spiritual journey, Allah interacts with the seeker like a game of Dali, with continuous manifestations drawing them toward closeness and union. This allegory is akin to a dance of light and shadow, constantly calling the seeker toward the truth. Divine grace and love, in this game, guide the heart of the seeker towards deeper perception.
Divine love grants vitality and strength to the seeker, much like scholars who, with knowledge and love, lead long lives filled with spiritual vitality. This love is like a spring that nourishes the soul of the seeker, guiding them toward spiritual perfection.
The seeker should engage in acts of goodness before consuming the Divine blessings, so as to increase their spiritual life and blessings. This advice is akin to planting a seed, whose spiritual fruits will lead the seeker towards perfection. Doing good prevents self-centeredness and guides the seeker towards unity with both creation and the Divine.
The perfect mystic sees creation as a manifestation of the Divine and interacts with it with love and respect. This mystic is like a mirror that sees the reflection of the Divine in every face, avoiding neglect or disregard towards creation.
The perfect mystic sees creation as a manifestation of the Divine and interacts with it with love and respect, rather than with neglect or disregard.
Allegories and practical recommendations serve as lights that illuminate the path of the seeker. The Dali game, Divine love, doing good deeds, and the behavior of the perfect mystic with creation all guide the seeker toward Divine closeness and union.
The station of **modesty** (Haya') is one of the key milestones in the mystical journey, guiding the seeker from self-awareness towards the direct perception of the Divine truth. The three stages of modesty (self, love, and truth) outline the gradual progression of this journey, from awareness of the Divine gaze to witnessing the manifestations and ultimately reaching the essence of the Divine. **True modesty** brings the seeker to Divine Unity, the annihilation in the Divine, and the disappearance from creation. The sacred verse Allah bears witness that there is no deity except Him forms the Qur'anic foundation of this station, affirming the perception of Divine Unity. The allegories of light and truth, such as the game of Dali and the experience in the battlefield, beautifully illustrate the depth and impact of Divine perception. The perfect mystic, at this station, sees creation as a manifestation of the Divine and interacts with it with love and respect. With sincere guidance,
**Sadegh Khademi**
