the Lectures of Nokounam (May His Secret Remain Sanctified) Session 520
The chapter of Haymn, within the exalted spiritual stages delineated in Manzil al-S'irn by Khwajah Abdullah Ansari, represents a distinguished station in the path of mystical wayfaring. It is at this locus that the seeker confronts a divine attraction (jazbah) and consequently loses the self in the face of the grandeur of the Truth (al-aqq). This station unfolds through three distinct degrees, beginning with a spark of divine grace, ascending amid the tumultuous waves of the ocean of investigation, and ultimately culminating in absolute annihilation (fan) within the witnessing of the Essence of the Truth.
Haymn denotes a state wherein the seeker, under the overpowering influence of divine attraction, relinquishes the self and becomes submerged in the boundless ocean of the Truth. This condition resembles a mist that descends upon the mountainous terrain of the heart, rendering the seeker utterly lost to themselves. Haymn manifests in three degrees: first, a spark of divine grace that dazzles the heart like lightning in the dark night; second, a turbulence within the waves of the ocean of inquiry, immersing the seeker in the fruits of righteous deeds and divine knowledge; and third, absolute annihilation in the very act of standing (ayn al-qadam), wherein the seeker becomes effaced from selfhood and creation through the witnessing of the Divine Essence.
In the initial degree, the seeker encounters a spark of divine grace which shines like a flash of lightning in the sky of the heart. This spark mesmerises the heart and leads the seeker to apprehend the majesty of the Truth alongside their own insignificance. Two fundamental elements are requisite at this stage: the perception of the grandeur and majesty of the Truth, and the feeling of the paucity and smallness of the servant. The seeker, akin to a mere particle before an infinite ocean, perceives their own triviality, and this cognition propels them towards Haymn.
This degree inaugurates the mystical journey, where the seeker pursues the path of truth illumined by a divine light. Divine grace acts as a key that unlocks the hearts barriers and directs the seeker towards the ultimate goal.
The second degree of Haymn is characterised by turbulence within the waves of the ocean of investigation, whereby the seeker is immersed in the sea of righteous action and divine gnosis. This degree is accompanied by the emergence of proofs, the continuity of wonders, and the nights of illumination. The ocean of investigation is a sea of knowledge and righteous deeds arising from the sincerity and purity of the heart. Here, the seeker transcends the spark and lightning of the first degree, submerging themselves in the waves of witnessing, tasting, and the fruits of pure action.
This ocean resembles an immense sea that enfolds the seeker, guiding them through waves of gnosis and action towards the shore of truth. It is a receptacle for the tasting of reality, wherein the seeker experiences the fruits of their deeds as a delicious nourishment.
In this degree, righteous deeds serve as nourishing food that grants the seeker spiritual vitality. Prayer, remembrance, and supplication manifest tangible effects that illumine, enliven, and satiate the heart. Unlike common deeds which merely yield reward without impact, righteous acts at this stage polish the heart like pure water. The seeker, upon performing prayer, is satiated as one who tastes exquisite food; deprivation leads to a palpable spiritual hunger.
This effect instills fervent longing in the seeker to remain immersed in worship and remembrance. The saints, whose feet were swollen from frequent prayers, engaged in these acts not for reward, but out of love and spiritual delight. This ardour is akin to a fire that inflames the heart and draws the seeker toward the Truth.
The proofs of investigation are the palpable effects of righteous deeds that manifest in the seekers remembrance and worship. When the seeker utters Allhu Akbar, they perceive the response Labbayk from the Truth. This proof is not a logical argument but a living, tangible experience that inspires ardour within the seeker. This divine response resembles a breeze blowing across the desert of the heart, guiding the seeker toward their goal.
Wonders are divine marvels that manifest during the seekers worship and remembrance. When the seeker utters Subbun Qudds, they perceive the response of the Truth, and divine wonders manifest within their heart. These wonders are like jewels shining within the oyster of the seekers heart, immersing them in ecstasy. In this state, the seeker becomes so engulfed in the ocean of wonders that they lose themselves.
The nights of illumination are the radiance of the Truth manifesting within the seekers heart during remembrance and worship. When the seeker pronounces Al-amdu lillhi rabbil-lamn, the divine realms array themselves before them, and the light of the Truth illuminates their heart. This light acts as a torch dispelling the darkness of the ego and guiding the seeker toward the Truth.
The second stage of Himan is accompanied by a revelation of intuition an unstable vision situated between wakefulness and sleep. This revelation is akin to a dawn wherein the seeker perceives the truth, albeit imperfectly. In contrast to the Uynyah (manifest vision), which is a complete, waking perception, the revelation of intuition serves as a prelude to the total immersion in the third stage.
Religious sciences possess intrinsic wisdoms and aspects often overlooked by conventional scholars. These wisdoms are unveiled exclusively to sincere practitioners who engage in righteous deeds with pure intention. True knowledge is the heritage of virtuous action, emerging from the purity of the heart and the sanctification of the self. This knowledge flows like a spring bubbling forth from the seekers core, rendering wisdom articulate upon their tongue.
This verse alludes to a profounder faith born from righteous deeds and piety.
Sincerity in action purifies the seekers inner being and polishes their insight with the light of Divine guidance. When the heart is cleansed from carnal impurities, the rivers of knowledge flow abundantly toward the seekers understanding. The noble tradition states, "مَنْ أَخْلَصَ لِلَّهِ أَرْبَعِينَ صَبَاحًا جَرَتْ يَنَابِيعُ الْحِكْمَةِ مِنْ قَلْبِهِ إِلَى لِسَانِهِ"
Whoever is sincere to God for forty mornings will have the springs of wisdom flow from his heart to his tongue.
This purity of heart is like a mirror reflecting the Divine light and guiding the seeker toward knowledge.
With a purified heart, wisdom flows spontaneously from the seekers tongue without the need for deliberate thought or methodology. This wisdom is akin to tears flowing from a burnt heart, transporting the seeker beyond themselves. The Divine saints utter wise words in this state which astonish even themselves, for such speech emerges from the celestial spring of the unseen realm.
The second stage of Himan is a turbulence within the ocean of inquiry that immerses the seeker in the waves of righteous deeds and Divine knowledge. Such deeds enliven and illuminate the heart with tangible effects. Arguments, marvels, and Divine lights inspire enthusiasm, while the revelation of intuition prepares the seeker for the third stage. True knowledge and wisdom arise from sincerity and purity of heart, flowing like a spring to manifest Divine insight upon the seekers tongue.
The third stage of Himan entails absolute annihilation in the perpetual presence, the inspection of the Eternal Sovereign, and immersion in the ocean of unveiling. At this level, the seeker transcends the confines of selfhood and temporal existence, utterly losing themselves in the witnessing of the Divine Essence. This state resembles drowning in an infinite ocean wherein the seeker dissolves entirely from both self and creation.
This verse alludes to the Majesty and Sovereignty of the Divine, which humbles the seeker to the utmost degree before the Divine Grandeur.
In this stage, the seeker perceives Gods Majesty and Wrath, rather than Mercy and Compassion. This vision is analogous to facing a magnificent sun, before which the seeker perceives their own nothingness. The majestic names, such as The One, the Prevailing, manifest within the seekers heart, humbling them before Divine Might.
Immersion in the ocean of unveiling represents the seekers dissolution and annihilation in the presence of witnessing the Divine Essence. In this state, the seeker becomes oblivious to the conditions of creation and their own senses, extinguished within the Divine Reality. This immersion is like a fog or avalanche engulfing the seeker, erasing their existence.
The intensity of Himan in the third stage may induce involuntary and irregular movements in the seeker. These behaviours resemble dust dancing amid the storm of Divine attraction, lifting the seeker beyond normal states. Such movements are markers of the purity of Himan, not signs of deficiency or illness.
At this stage, the seeker must withdraw from society to prevent potential complications for themselves and others. This seclusion is akin to retreating to a mountain cave, safeguarding the seeker from the tempest of Divine ecstasies. The mentor advises maintaining distance from gatherings to avoid misunderstandings and disruptions in service to creation.
Himan is spiritual intoxication, not unconsciousness or fainting caused by illness. Divine saints, immersed in Divine attraction, remain conscious and present before God, indicating their spiritual health. This intoxication resembles the lovers dance in the presence of the beloved, rendering them self-forgetful yet fully aware.
The third stage of Himan is absolute annihilation in witnessing the Divine Essence, where the seeker disappears from selfhood and creation. The inspection of the Eternal Sovereign with Majesty and Wrath and immersion in the ocean of unveiling submerge the seeker in the Divine Reality. Unusual movements and the necessity of seclusion characterize this stage, while spiritual intoxication leads Divine saints to unity with the Divine Essence.
The gateway of Himan constitutes a lofty station within the mystical path, guiding the seeker from the spark of Divine grace toward absolute annihilation in witnessing the Divine Essence. The second stage, turbulent within the ocean of inquiry, immerses the seeker in waves of righteous deeds, arguments, marvels, and Divine lights, while wisdom flows from the spring of sincerity. The third stage, marked by complete annihilation and the vision of Divine Majesty, unites the seeker with the Divine Essence. This journey is a passage from the darkness of the carnal self to the sanctified light, traversed through sincerity and righteous action. The Divine saints, reaching spiritual intoxication at this station, shine as stars in the sky of mysticism, guiding fellow seekers.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
