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Stages of the Spiritual Journey: A Journey into the Realm of the Heart and Revelation

of (May His Soul Rest in Peace), Session 569

Introduction

The mystical journey of an individual towards perfection begins from the external aspects of existence and leads towards the inner reality of truth. In this journey, the heart, as a luminous jewel at the centre of human existence, is the vessel for receiving divine truths and the abode of witnessing the unseen. The present lecture, derived from Session 569 of *Manazil al-Sa'irin*, explores two existential vessels of man, the role of the heart in receiving revelation and mystical visions, the infallibility of the Prophets, and the distinction between *tadani* and *tadalli* in the mystical path.

Section One: The Two Existential Vessels of Man

The Vessel of Ordinary Perfection

Human beings journey through two existential vessels. The first is the vessel of ordinary perfection, which encompasses the senses, potentials, and both material and spiritual interests. This vessel is common to all humans, whether they are divine friends (awliya') or ordinary people, whether they are believers or non-believers. The senses act as gateways to the external world, connecting the individual to the material realm and its needs. The potentials are like seeds hidden in the soil of existence, enabling growth and blossoming, while the interests act as winds that steer the ship of existence towards various goals, thus determining the direction of the individual.

The Vessel of Special Perfection

The second vessel is the vessel of special perfection, which refers to the heart or the rational soul (*nafs al-natiqa*). This vessel, like a polished mirror, is the place for receiving divine truths and witnessing the unseen. The heart, not the physical organ responsible for regulating bodily functions, is the transcendental reality of the human being, endowed with the capacity to understand and perceive higher truths. The Qur'an describes the heart in different ways: sometimes it is described as being incapable of understanding: They have hearts with which they do not understand (Al-A'raf: 179), and sometimes it is considered the vessel for understanding and insight: They have hearts with which they understand (Al-Hajj: 46). This difference corresponds to the existential stages of man: one who lives in the vessel of the senses is deprived of the vision of divine truths, but one who enters the vessel of the heart attains a level of perfection that transforms them into the second human, the *human of the heart*.

Key Point: Man exists in two vessels: the vessel of ordinary perfection, which is common to all and depends on the senses and potentials, and the vessel of special perfection, which is the heart or rational soul and is the place for witnessing divine truths.

The Role of the Brain and the Physical Heart

In the physical structure of human beings, two key organs serve as vessels: the brain and the physical heart. The brain, like a wise commander, oversees the management of the senses and sensory perceptions, while the physical heart, like a regulating wheel, organizes the body's constitution and life. However, in mystical terms, the heart refers to the rational soul (*nafs al-natiqa*), the transcendental essence of the human being. This heart is a portal to the unseen realm, capable of receiving divine and celestial truths.

Summary of Section One

Human beings are dual-faceted creatures, living in the vessel of the senses for their ordinary life, and in the vessel of the heart for their journey towards transcendental perfection. The heart, as the rational soul, is not only superior to the senses but also the centre of human perfection and the abode for witnessing divine truths. This distinction forms the foundation for many mystical discussions and paves the way for understanding the heart's role in receiving revelation and mystical visions.

Section Two: The Heart, the Vessel of Revelation and Mystical Vision

The Heart as the Subject of Revelation

In Qur'anic teachings, the heart is the vessel for receiving divine revelation. The Qur'an, in describing the descent of revelation upon the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), states:

"The Trustworthy Spirit descended with it upon your heart, that you may be one of the warners." (Ash-Shu'ara: 193-194)

This verse explicitly designates the heart as the vessel for revelation. Unlike the senses, which are connected to the external world, the heart, due to its transcendental nature, is capable of receiving divine truths without intermediaries. Revelation is not transmitted through the ears or eyes, but through the heart, and it is the heart that serves as the recipient and channel for divine knowledge. Before his prophethood, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was devoid of worldly knowledge and teaching, yet with the command "Recite in the name of your Lord who created" (Al-Alaq: 1), his heart became the channel for divine revelation.

The Difference Between Revelation and Mystical Vision

Revelation, the highest level of receiving the unseen, is exclusive to the Prophets and is infallible due to their sinlessness. Mystical vision, on the other hand, refers to the general perception of the unseen, which may be subject to error. Special revelation, which is unique to the Prophets and infallible beings, is free from any imperfection, while mystical vision, due to its dependence on the mystic and their stages of spiritual progression, may be subject to fault. The Qur'an uses the term "revelation" in various contexts, including the revelation to the mother of Moses, to the bees, and even to the devils, but special revelation, which is exclusive to the Prophets, differs from inspiration and mystical visions.

Key Insights on Prophetic Revelation and Mystical Experiences

Key Point: Revelation vs. Mystical Experience

The concept of revelation is protected from any distortion or fault due to the infallibility of the prophets, while mystical experiences, due to the potential for error, are considered of a lower rank. The heart, as the primary vessel for receiving revelation, operates without the mediation of the senses.

The Levels of Prophetic Infallibility

Infallibility of the prophets is defined in four aspects:

  • Infallibility in Reception: Prophets are immune from error when receiving revelation from the unseen.
  • Infallibility in Conveying: In transmitting the revelation to the community, they deliver exactly what they have received without any omission or addition.
  • Infallibility in Action: Prophets are immune from sin and disobedience and do not err in their actions.
  • Infallibility in Senses: The senses of the prophets are free from error and mistake, even in the physical world.

These four dimensions of infallibility demonstrate the prophets perfection across all aspects of their existence. Just as stars in the sky guide the way, prophets are flawless not only in receiving and transmitting revelation but also in their actions and sensory perceptions.

Critique of Sadoughs View on Prophetic Forgetfulness

Sadough, in his discussion of prophetic forgetfulness (sahw al-nabi), has suggested the possibility of error in the senses of prophets. This viewpoint is critiqued because one who is immune from error in receiving and transmitting revelation cannot be subject to error in their senses. Infallibility, as a pervasive flow throughout all aspects of a prophets being, encompasses the senses as well. Just as a skilled driver is incapable of misjudging the road, a prophet, in all their high and low stations, remains free from any fault.

Miracle and Acceptance of the Truth

A miracle is a divine sign that transcends the senses and human knowledge, leading people towards accepting the truth. Accepting a miracle is akin to accepting a gateway to the unseen realm, signifying acceptance of the divine message, revelation, and the truth of God. A miracle does not arise from human knowledge nor depend on ordinary means; it is a divine gift issued from the heart of the prophet, guiding the hearts of people toward the truth.

Second Conclusion

The heart, as the primary vessel for receiving revelation, plays a unique role in mystical progression. Revelation, due to the infallibility of the prophets, is distinguished from mystical experience and remains immune from any distortion. The infallibility of the prophets in receiving, conveying, acting, and sensing demonstrates their perfection. The miracle, as a divine sign, paves the way for guiding people towards the truth. These discussions establish theoretical foundations for understanding mystical experience and its place in the mystical journey.

Section Three: Mystical Experience, Adherence, and Falling

Definition of Mystical Experience

Mystical experience is akin to an intimate, internal encounter between two friends, a secret exchange between two inner beings, in which a truth from the unseen realm is revealed without any veil. This vision occurs in a realm beyond the material, without the need for physical presence. Mystical experience means "becoming non-existent and reaching a state of unveiling," just as the seeker, with the eye of the heart, attains the vision of divine truths beyond the veil of knowledge. The Qur'an describes this state by referring to the heart as the vessel of understanding: Have they not traveled through the land, so that they may have hearts by which they understand? (Al-Hajj: 46).

Mystical Experience between Creator and Creation, or Between Two Humans

Mystical experience may occur between the Creator and the created, or between two individuals. This connection is formed in a non-material realm, where the inner beings, like two mirrors facing each other, reflect one another and exchange secrets. The seeker, with their heart, is capable of hearing voices, receiving news, and achieving direct insight into divine truths.

Key Point: Mystical experience is the unveiling of truths without any veil, occurring through a secret exchange between two inner beings in a non-material realm. This insight guides the seeker to divine truths beyond the veil of knowledge.

Adherence and Falling: Two Stages of the Mystical Path

The mystical journey encompasses two distinct stages: adherence (tadani) and falling (tadalli). Adherence is the veiled stage, dependent on the world of imagination. At this stage, the seeker may witness superficial forms, but these forms, like shadows in Plato's cave, are far from the truth. Adherence, due to its connection to the material world, often obstructs progress, diverting the seeker from their true path, much like a child distracted by toys. However, falling (tadalli) is the stage of complete unveiling, where the seeker, like a bird released from its cage, reaches direct vision of divine truths. This stage, which represents the return from unity to distinction, sees the seeker transcend the veil of knowledge and attain the station of direct vision. Falling is the stage in which the divine saints reside, having reached complete unveiling.

Obstacles in the Mystical Path during Adherence

Adherence, because of its dependence on the world of imagination, often hinders the seeker from continuing their journey. The apparent forms in this stage, like mirages in the desert, deceive the seeker, causing them to become stagnant rather than progressing. The seeker may, out of excitement, claim spiritual stations or, like a self-proclaimed guide, attempt to lead others. However, the divine saints avoid such traps and refrain from making claims. They remain silent and unwavering, like a steadfast mountain, giving witness to divine truths without assertion.

Vision of Fixed Divine Realities

Mystical experience encompasses not only the vision of the fixed divine realities in the essence of truth but also the ability to receive information from all divine realms. The seeker can receive truths from the eternal tablet, the clear book, or other realms of existence. This vision, like celestial observation, may originate from any station or realm. Mystical experience, as a mode of informational transmission, guides the seeker towards direct, unveiled guidance, while falling represents the pinnacle of this unveiling.

Third Conclusion

Mystical experience, as a unique form of vision, guides the seeker towards direct reception of divine truths without any veil. Adherence, due to its connection to the world of imagination, acts as an obstacle, while falling leads the seeker to the stage of complete unveiling and direct vision. The saints, by avoiding claims and distractions, pass through the obstacles of adherence and attain the station of falling. Mystical experience, with its ability to perceive divine realities and realms, opens a gateway to the truth.

Overall Conclusion

The stages of the mystical path, akin to a radiant lamp illuminating the way, guide the human soul towards ultimate perfection. The current discourse, by clarifying the two existential vessels of the human being, the role of the heart in receiving revelation and mystical experience, and the differences between adherence and falling, offers clear theoretical foundations for Islamic mysticism. The heart, as the vessel of unique perfection, is not only the abode of revelation but also the center of mystical vision and the mystical path. Revelation, through the infallibility of the prophets, is distinct from mystical experience and represents the highest station of receiving the unseen. Adherence, due to its dependence on the material realm, obstructs the path, while falling leads the seeker to complete unveiling and divine vision. This writing, with its comprehensive and refined content, serves as a valuable source for researchers and seekers of truth in the field of Islamic mysticism. Supervised by: Sadegh Khademi