Excerpts from the Lectures of Nokounam, May His Sanctity be Preserved (Session 393)
In mystical progression, resolve functions as a steadfast pillar, guiding the wayfarer from the dispersions of the self towards unity and perseverance. The present lecture, derived from Session 393 of Manzil al-Sirn, elucidates the second degree of resolve and delineates, through profound discourse, the stages of immersion (istighrq), illumination (istanrah), and consolidation (istijm) along the path to the direct witnessing of the Divine Reality. This treatise provides a meticulous examination of the ranks of resolve, critiques preceding interpretations, and explicates pivotal concepts such as the arat al-mashhd and the subat wajh al-mashq, thus offering a scholarly and mystical framework that guides the seeker toward ultimate truth.
Resolve, as an intrinsic spiritual force, fortifies the will of the seeker on the path of Truth and liberates them from the distractions and dispersions of the nafs (self). This spiritual power consummates the act and precludes any state of incompletion. Within the lecture, resolve is metaphorically described as the key that unlocks the gates to the reality: When resolve is established, the work is completed; there is no half-finished task.
This expression presents resolve not merely as an impetus to commence but as the guarantor of consummation and perfection of action.
In mystical discipline, resolve unfolds in three distinct degrees, each manifesting a stage in the seeker's spiritual maturation:
The second degree of resolve, which constitutes the central theme of this lecture, involves immersion in Divine observations and the illumination of the paths light, connecting the wayfarer to the arat al-mashhd. This degree acts as a bridge leading the seeker from the death of the nafs towards perfection and purity.
The second degree of resolve commences with istighrq f lawi al-mushhada (immersion in the manifestations of witnessing). Like a profound submersion in the boundless ocean of Divine Majesty, this immersion empties the wayfarer of selfhood and saturates them in the light of Divine Attributes. This process refines the nafs and prepares the seekers existence to become a clear mirror reflecting the Divine Light.
At this stage, the seeker attains connection with the arat al-mashhd, which signifies reaching the realm of determinate Divine Attributes, not the Supreme Essence itself. This distinction prevents confusion of mystical concepts and illuminates the path of spiritual progression. The lecture critiques expositors who equate the arat al-mashhd with union in the Divine Essence, underscoring that the seeker here perceives the Divine Attributes.
The second degree continues with istanrah iy al-arq (illumination of the light of the path). This light serves as a torch dispelling the shadows of the nafs and elucidating the way of Truth for the seeker. Illumination safeguards the seeker from darkness and error and guides them toward the attainment of Reality. At this juncture, by lifting the veils of the nafs, the seeker is renewed and their being is polished with Divine light.
<Istijm>, described in the lecture as al-istijm huwa al-istiqmah (the gathering of faculties for steadfastness), is the stage where the seeker concentrates all their energies on the Divine path. This process is akin to focusing scattered rays of light into a single point, harmonizing all apparent and hidden forces of the seeker and directing them toward a unified goal.
The lecture elucidates istijm through everyday analogies such as driving at high speed or an athletes leap over an obstacle. Just as a driver must firmly grasp the steering wheel with both hands to avoid deviation, so too must the seeker consolidate their faculties to prevent dispersion of the nafs.
The lecture further describes inkhiru-hu bikulliyyatihi f maslak al-tawajjuh nahwahu as the stage of complete concentration of all faculties toward the Divine direction. This is akin to threading a needle with utmost precision and focus, requiring full integration. At this point, the seeker is emancipated from wandering amid desires and perceives solely the goal.
The driving metaphor clarifies this: while one may steer with one hand at low speeds, higher velocities demand both hands and full concentration. Correspondingly, in the second degree of resolve, the seeker must marshal all faculties to attain the Divine Reality. Inkhr thus guides the seeker from dispersion and distraction toward unity and certainty.
The lecture associates steadfastness with al yaqn min al-wul (certainty of arrival). Certainty acts like a brilliant star illuminating the seekers path, protecting them from doubt and dispersal. At this stage, the seeker employs all faculties to witness the subat wajh al-mashq with full assurance as they advance toward the Truth.
This certainty prevents the wastage of existential capital, as the lecture explains with the metaphor of cheque issuance: just as one must be cognizant of their account balance before issuing a cheque, the seeker must consolidate their faculties and proceed with assuredness along the path of Truth.
The lecture defines subat as branches of Divine Light: We call the fractured lights subat, which means branch by branch of the Light of Truth.
These subat represent the manifestations of the Beloveds face, perceived as emanations of light due to the limitations of human perception. Just as the sun appears to humans not as a celestial body but as fractured rays of light, the subat are Divine manifestations seen by the seeker in the station of witnessing.
This notion elucidates the restriction of human perception when confronted with Divine grandeur. At this stage, the seeker observes not the Supreme Essence but the manifestations of Divine Attributes, which guides them toward the removal of veils and the purification of their being.
Referring to irtafi al-ujub wa ish'rq subat wajh al-mashq (lifting of veils and the effulgence of the manifestations of the Beloveds face), the lecture explains that connection to the arat al-mashhd secures the seeker from error and actualizes the attainment of Truth within them. The removal of veils is akin to unveiling the mirror of the seekers being, preparing them to reflect Divine Light.
This process polishes the seekers existence and guides them toward purity and luminosity. The lecture, emphasising this point, likens the seeker to a lamp whose light becomes ever more radiant as the veils are lifted.
The lecture identifies psychological dispersion as a significant impediment to resolve: Human beings breathe through dispersion and multiplicity of the self.
This scattering, akin to a sparrow fluttering from one branch to another, hinders the traveller from reaching the intended goal. Through vivid analogies drawn from quotidian lifesuch as wandering aimlessly in the street or the erratic flight of a sparrowthe lecture portrays this dispersion and exhorts the seeker to concentration and full engagement.
Dispersion is the consequence of desire and the absence of resolute determination. To emancipate oneself from this fragmentation, the seeker must marshal all faculties steadfastly upon the path of Truth and abstain from roaming within the realm of base inclinations.
A central tenet of the lecture is the emphasis on the completion of actions: One of humanitys chief dilemmas lies in unfinished deeds.
Determination obliges the seeker to the fulfilment of tasks, liberating them from incompleteness and scattering. The lecture censures those who flit from one occupation to another or abandon endeavours half-done, underscoring the necessity of perseverance upon a single course.
This completion of action resembles the meticulous and steadfast construction of a building, guiding the seeker towards perfection. Through this metaphor, determination is heralded as the guarantor of success and deliverance from failure.
The lecture, with a critical eye on time wastedparticularly during extended holidayshighlights its immense value: Four months is a century.
This expression introduces time as a precious jewel to be harnessed for spiritual development and the completion of virtuous deeds. Employing analogies from daily experiencesuch as the anxious wait for a childs return or tension in critical momentsthe lecture conveys that every instant may hold the worth of a century.
This critique summons the seeker to exploit time as a means to approach the Truth. Emphasising this point, the lecture regards squandering time as a significant obstacle on the spiritual path, insisting on its optimal utilisation.
By way of analogiesranging from the anxiety of anticipation, urgent necessity for resources, to pivotal moments of examinationthe lecture depicts the preciousness of time. These comparisons manifest that every moment in life can be as valuable as a century, especially along the spiritual journey, where each moment offers an opportunity for proximity to the Divine.
The lecture of Manzil al-Sirn (Session 393) presents the second stage of resolve as a pivotal phase in the mystical path. This stage involves immersion in divine visions, the illumination of the spiritual path, and the gathering of faculties to endure steadfastly, thereby connecting the seeker to the arat al-Mashhd (the Presence Beheld). This station, by removing veils and radiating the splendours of the Beloveds Face, safeguards the seeker from misguidance and guides towards ultimate Truth.
Critiques of psychological dispersion, emphasis on action completion, and valuation of time constitute essential themes within this lecture, encouraging the seeker to focus, persevere, and judiciously harness opportunities.
