of Nokounam (May His Sacred Soul Rest in Peace) Session 421
The mystical path (sulk) is a journey by which the seeker (slik) is led from outward appearances to the inner essence, and from external indications to the ultimate Reality. Within this itinerary, the station of uns (intimate communion) shines forth as a resplendent gem, conferring a distinguished position that brings the seeker nearer to Divine proximity.
The second degree of uns, namely Uns bi-Nr al-Kashf (communion with the Light of Unveiling), represents a stage wherein the seeker transcends mere familiarity with external divine signs and witnesses the illumination of unveiling manifest upon the heart. This station, characterised by the formidable lat al-haymn (divine might) and the overwhelming mawj al-fan (wave of annihilation), is as wondrous as it is perilous, for without a guide, the seeker is prone to bewilderment and dissolution.
This treatise, relying upon the profound lectures of Nokounam (May His Sacred Soul Rest in Peace) from session 421, elucidates this station, its characteristics, inherent dangers, and the imperative necessity of a spiritual mentors guidance.
In Islamic mysticism, uns denotes closeness to the Truth and intimate communion with the Divine Essence, manifesting in three principal degrees: communion with signs (uns bi-shawhid), communion with the Light of Unveiling (uns bi-nr al-kashf), and communion with the Reality itself (uns bi-l-aqq).
The initial degree, communion with signs, is characterised by three salient features: delight in remembrance (istil adh-dhikr), nourishment through hearing (taghiya bi-s-sam), and attentive observation of subtle indications (wqf al al-ishrt). This stage is analogous to beholding a banner that signals the presence of sustenance, though it is not sustenance itself. Here, the seeker becomes familiar with the tokens of the Truth rather than its essence.
The second degree of uns, Uns bi-Nr al-Kashf, constitutes a distinctive and superior stage. Herein, the seeker passes beyond mere signs and the Divine Light of unveiling manifests vividly upon the heart. This light is neither the Divine Reality itself nor mere signs, but a manifestation of the Divine Light that overwhelms the heart with awe and astonishment. This station is accompanied by lat al-haymn (divine might) and mawj al-fan (wave of annihilation), which subject the intellect and knowledge of the seeker to profound disturbance.
This noble verse from the Holy Quran identifies the Divine Light as the origin of all unveilings and manifestations which become evident to the seeker during Uns bi-Nr al-Kashf.
Uns in the mystical path comprises stations progressing from signs to light, and from light to ultimate Reality. The station of communion with the Light of Unveiling is where the seeker confronts the Divine Light; however, such an encounter is fraught with peril and demands guidance.
Uns bi-Nr al-Kashf is accompanied by lat al-haymn, signifying the overwhelming power and majesty of the Divine. This majesty manifests as an intense light cast upon the existential vision of the seeker, leaving him bewildered and disoriented. The haymn overcomes the intellect, strips patience, and disrupts knowledge to such an extent that the seeker may find himself utterly lost within this station.
Mawj al-fan denotes waves that drag the seeker towards annihilation and dissolution. This wave resembles a raging sea that engulfs the seeker, drawing him nearer to the shore of the sea of annihilation. Without firmness in the path, this wave can disrupt the seekers intellect, knowledge, and even adherence to the Divine Law.
This Quranic verse illustrates the intensity of Divine manifestation which can even shatter a mountain, let alone the heart of the seeker who approaches this light unguided.
The intellect and the Shariah are the seekers two principal assets, both endangered by lat al-haymn and mawj al-fan. The light of unveiling is akin to a sun that can eclipse the lamp of reason. Such disturbance may cast the seeker into confusion and bewilderment, incapacitating his intellect or disrupting his observance of the Shariah.
This Quranic injunction highlights the intellect as a great blessing, the preservation of which is indispensable on the spiritual path.
At this station, the seeker implores the Divine to grant an eager longing for union without detriment or misleading tribulation. This supplication emphasises the preservation of intellect and adherence to the Divine Law, revealing the seekers cognisance of the perils inherent in lat al-haymn.
The station of Uns bi-Nr al-Kashf threatens the seekers intellect and knowledge through lat al-haymn and mawj al-fan. It necessitates prayers for the safeguarding of intellect and Shariah alongside Divine guidance to prevent dissolution.
Mystical progression without a mentor is like voyaging through a tempestuous sea that leads to destruction. The mentor, by regulating the seekers vigilance, nourishment, and rest, shields him from the perils of haymn and mawj al-fan. The mentor acts as a helmsman who steers the seekers vessel safely to the shore of salvation.
Vizt is a prescribed regimen that the mentor issues to the seeker to maintain balance amid the dangers of the spiritual path. Such a prescription may encompass specific disciplines, prayers, or even abstention from certain practices to safeguard the seeker from confusion and disorientation.
This Quranic verse affirms the necessity of following a spiritual guide on the mystical path.
The news-like spiritual progression, understood as an imitative and unsystematic path, inevitably leads the seeker to confusion and dissolution. This type of progression resembles a train that has derailed from its tracks, faltering amidst the twists and turns of the journey. In contrast, the constructive spiritual progression, guided and supervised by a mentor, safely escorts the seeker to the intended destination.
This noble verse from the Holy Quran underscores the essentiality of reliance upon and guidance by authentic knowledge throughout the spiritual journey.
The chapter of intimacy is the very arena where reason, knowledge, and vision engage in a profound struggle. The vision of the light of unveiling (kashf) descends like a fist upon the crown of the seekers intellect and knowledge, rendering them bewildered. Such a confrontation, in the absence of the mentors guidance, may culminate in the seekers dissolution.
Many seekers who enter the chapter of intimacy without a mentor succumb to dissolution, isolation, or disturbances in their quotidian existence. They resemble engines operating at half-capacity, halted in their progress, rendered ineffective against worldly responsibilities.
Intimacy with the light of unveiling is a journey that draws the seeker nearer to the Divine Light; however, this voyage is fraught with the formidable assaults of reckless bravado and the waves of annihilation, threatening the seekers intellect and knowledge. The mentor and supervision function as twin wings that aid the seeker throughout this hazardous path. Reason and sacred law constitute the seekers principal assets, which must be preserved through prayer and guidance. This discourse, by elucidating the station of intimacy with the light of unveiling, emphasises the necessity of systematic and guided spiritual progression, thereby illuminating the path for seekers.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
