Lecture Series of (May his soul rest in peace) Session 432
In mystical journeying, the path of the traveller (s'ir) is akin to a voyage that leads them from the external to the internal, from outward appearances to the essence, and from selfhood to the Divine. Within this journey, the stage of intimacyparticularly the Third Intimacy (انس ثالث)holds a unique and elevated position. It is a precious gem that guides the seeker to the contemplation of the divine radiance and the unveiling of truth, without the need for symbolic pointers. This article, drawing upon the lecture series of (May his soul rest in peace), in session 432, offers a profound and scholarly explanation of the Third Intimacy, its characteristics, and its pivotal role in mystical pathwork. The Third Intimacy is a state wherein the traveller transcends the limitations of symbolic guidance and attains a direct apprehension of the divine majesty. However, the blending of this state with the essence itself may lead to conceptual confusion. This text, through the critique of narrow perspectives (as exemplified by the "Karmi" view) and the advocacy of a holistic perspective (as represented by the "Mhi" view), provides an epistemological framework for a deeper understanding of the mystical journey.
The Third Intimacy, as outlined in the lectures, is described as the unveiling of the divine radiance without any symbolic reference, because it has no limit and cannot be pointed to directly. This definition introduces the Third Intimacy as a transcendent stage of the journey, where the seeker, free from any form of defined or restricted reference, directly witnesses the divine grandeur. The divine radiance (سبحات جلال) represents the majestic manifestations of the Divine that purify the heart of the traveller from attachment to anything other than the Divine.
Key Point: The Third Intimacy is like a window through which the seeker beholds the infinite light of divine majesty directly, without the intermediary of symbols or limitations.
The lecture series critiques the conflation of intimacy (انس) and truth (حقیقت), stressing that the core focus should be on intimacy rather than truth itself. This critique highlights the necessity of logical order in the elucidation of mystical stages. Truth, as a general and overarching existence, encompasses all beings, while intimacy is a specific stage of perception and closeness to the Divine. Confusing these two concepts leads the traveller to conceptual fragmentation and deviation from the proper path.
And whomever is granted wisdom has been given an abundant good. (Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:269)
This sacred verse underscores the significance of wisdom in maintaining intellectual order and avoiding the conflation of concepts.
Intimacy in the mystical path comprises various stages, beginning with intimacy through symbols, progressing to intimacy through the light of revelation (نور الکشف), and culminating in the Third Intimacy, which leads directly to the witnessing of the divine radiance. The Third Intimacy is a stage where the traveller transcends the limitations of symbolic references and definitions, achieving direct perception of the divine grandeur. This stage is distinct not only from intimacy through symbols, but also from intimacy through the light of revelation, as it signifies the travellers liberation from any epistemic intermediary.
Summary: The Third Intimacy is a transcendent stage in the mystical path, guiding the seeker to the direct perception of divine grandeur without the need for symbolic reference. The distinction between intimacy and truth maintains the intellectual coherence of the mystical framework and prevents conceptual fragmentation. This stage occupies a pivotal place within the system of mystical stations and requires a precise and systematic understanding.
The lecture series critiques reductionist methods of textual analysis in mystical literature, asserting that critique should focus on fundamental errors (such as distinctions between the letters "Sd" and "Sn") rather than superficial details or exaggerated expressions. This perspective presents a pragmatic approach to textual critique, rescuing the study from unnecessary length and fragmentation. By focusing on the central themes, the seeker is guided toward a deeper understanding.
Key Point: Mystical text analysis is akin to polishing a precious gem; it must address the substantial flaws, not trivial surface scratches.
The lecture series rejects the claim that truth or intimacy is without boundaries. Instead, it emphasizes that beings possess degrees, rather than limits. Boundaries are attached to specific essences, while degrees refer to the existential and epistemic determinations. The Third Intimacy, as a defined degree, is subject to unveiling and reference, unlike truth, which transcends boundaries and definitions.
Beings possess both creational degrees (determinations of the Divine) and epistemic degrees (intellectual and psychological perceptions of these manifestations). In this framework, the Third Intimacy is an epistemic degree, leading the traveller to witness the divine radiance.
The lecture series deems claims like "cannot be pointed to" and "cannot be grasped in essence" for intimacy as erroneous. Intimacy, as a defined degree, is indeed subject to both reference and perception, in contrast to truth, which exceeds limits and essence. This critique underscores the importance of focusing on the main subject (intimacy) and avoiding discussions unrelated to the essence.
The lecture series critiques the claim "when it appears, nothing remains except it," asserting that while God is the manifest One, the creations continue to exist. The notion of otherness (غیر) is not one of estrangement, but rather refers to the divine manifestations. This perspective, rooted in the doctrine of the unity of existence (وحدت وجود), explains the relationship between the Divine and creation as one of appearance and reflection.
He is the Manifest and the Hidden. (Quran, Surah Al-Hadid, 57:3)
This verse emphasizes the appearance of the Divine in the world and the continued existence of creations as divine manifestations.
The lecture series, doctrine of the unity of existence, considers the world as devoid of any true otherness. Creation is the manifestation of the Divine, not an independent entity. This principle provides a philosophical framework for understanding the Third Intimacy, wherein the witness perceives this unity in the realm of divine grandeur.
