The Door of Taste: The Stages of Perception and Proximity in Mystical Sufism

of Nakoonam

Preface

In the realm of mystical asceticism, "The Door of Taste" is akin to a crystal-clear spring...

Third Stage: The Taste of Separation and the Flavor of Union

Essence of the Taste of Separation

The third stage of spiritual perception, known as the taste of separation, represents the pinnacle of mystical
journeying, emanating from the complete detachment of the seeker from all except the Divine. This stage leads the
seeker to the experience of union, gathering, and direct witnessing. The teachings of this stage are described through
three distinct flavors:

Flavor of Union: The experience of Divine union through observation and connection, as indicated
in the verse "فَتَدَلَّى فَکَانَ قَابَ قَوْسَیْنِ أَوْ أَدْنَى" (Surah An-Najm: 9) "Then He drew near and
came down, so that He was at a distance of two bows lengths or nearer" .
Flavor of Gathering: The perception of the unity of all beings within the presence of the Divine
Essence.
Flavor of Direct Witnessing: The direct perception of the truth of the Divine through intimate
communion and dialogue.

In this stage, the seeker reaches annihilation (Fana) in the Divine oneness, liberated from all obstacles and
distinctions. It is akin to an infinite sea that engulfs the seeker, guiding them to the Divine Presence.

Key Insight: The taste of separation leads the seeker to union, gathering, and direct
witnessing of the Divine Truth, inviting them to annihilate in the Divine Oneness.

The Role of Determination in the Taste of Separation

Determination, the intense and unwavering will directed towards the Beloved, without consideration of the other,
guides the seeker to union and unity. The teachings emphasize that determination requires courage, generosity, and
strength. The seeker, through determination, frees themselves from fear, avarice, and weakness, surrendering wholly to
the Divine. Determination is like an arrow that directs the heart of the seeker towards the Beloved, removing all
barriers. When determination reaches its peak, the seeker experiences the delight of being in the Divine Presence.

Key Insight: Determination, with courage and generosity, frees the seeker from fear, greed, and
weakness, guiding them to union and unity.

Communion and Direct Witnessing in the Flavor of Direct Witnessing

Intimate dialogue (Musa'amarah) with the Divine requires direct witnessing (Mu'ayanah). The teachings stress that
true communion is not mere supplication, but an intimate and loving conversation with the Divine, which occurs within
the state of annihilation. In this state, the seeker witnesses the Divine and is liberated from otherness. This
communion is akin to a passionate conversation in the presence of the Beloved, guiding the seeker to direct
witnessing of the Divine Truth and annihilation in the Divine Oneness. Referring to the phrase "عمیت عین لا تراک" (The eye is blind that cannot see You), the teachings regard
witnessing as the prerequisite for true communion.

Key Insight: True communion is the witnessing of the Divine and a passionate dialogue with
the Beloved, which liberates the seeker from otherness and leads to annihilation in the Divine Oneness.

Entering the Realm of Wilayah (Saintship)

The taste of separation opens the door to the realm of Wilayah, the most exalted and supreme of the stages in
spiritual journeying. Wilayah, whether in jurisprudence or mysticism, requires the negation of selfhood and
otherness. The teachings emphasize that the Wali (Saint) of God, with a sacred disposition, attains the station of
"the hand of God", a purifier, and a confidant of the Divine. This station manifests in the infallible saints
(Ahlul-Bayt) as the synthesis of all divine stations (prophethood, leadership, jurisprudence, and mysticism). Wilayah
is like a peak that the seeker reaches after traversing the mountains and barriers, at which point selfhood and
otherness are removed.

Key Insight: The taste of separation leads the seeker into the realm of Wilayah, where negation of
selfhood and otherness leads to the station of the "Hand of God" and closeness to the Divine.

The Challenges of the End Times

The teachings caution that in the end times, titles of knowledge and spiritual stations become trivialized and
meaningless unless the seeker, with determination, pursues at least one branch of knowledge (remembrance, mysticism,
jurisprudence, or power) to perfection. This challenge arises from the weakening of adherence to the meanings of the
Gods saints. The seeker must, by respecting the boundaries of spiritual stations, prevent their trivialization. This
warning serves as an awakening bell, urging the seeker to commit seriously to their spiritual path and preserve the
sanctity of divine knowledge.

Key Insight: In the end times, it is the duty of the seeker to preserve the sanctity of knowledge
and spiritual stations, ensuring they are not trivialized or diminished.

Conclusion

"The Door of Taste" in the stages of the journey is a station that guides the seeker from knowledge to closeness, and
from closeness to union and annihilation in the Divine. The first stage (Taste of Certainty) with the flavor of Divine
promises frees the seeker from greed, logical desires, and vain imaginations. The second stage (Taste of Willingness)
with the flavor of intimacy protects the seeker from distraction, transient concerns, and division. The third stage
(Taste of Separation) with the flavor of union, gathering, and direct witnessing leads the seeker to annihilation in
the Divine Oneness and entry into the realm of Wilayah. Determination, courage, and generosity are the keys that
liberate the seeker from obstacles. In the end times, preserving the sanctity of knowledge and spiritual stations
becomes a serious duty, urging the seeker to walk the path with dedication and reverence for divine teachings.

With the sincere supervision of Sadegh Khadami