of Nokounam Session 583
Introduction
Within the spiritual journey of ulk (mystical wayfaring), the Bb al-ayt (Gate of Life) stands as a luminous portal guiding the seeker towards the zeniths of divine unity and the direct witnessing of the Real Existence. This segment, delivered in lecture number 583 of Manzil al-Sirn, elucidates the stage of nafs al-infird (the Self of Singularity) within ayt al-aqq (the Life of the Truth), delineating the progressive maturation of the mystic in achieving absolute unity with the Divine Essence. Nafs al-infird, akin to a polished mirror, reflects solely the manifestation of the Divine, eradicating all otherness and multiplicity from the being of the seeker.
Section One: Explication of ayt al-aqq and Its Degrees
The Hierarchy of ayt in Mystical Progression
In Islamic mysticism, ayt (life) is conceived as a divine current that leads the seeker from the elementary stages of knowledge towards the summit of existential unity. This ayt manifests in three exalted degrees: First, ayt al-ilm (the Life of Knowledge), which is sown as a seed in the soil of the seeker's existence, guiding him towards gnosis; second, ayt al-jam or himmah (the Life of Aspiration), which, like a blazing flame, focuses the seeker's volition upon the Most High Truth; and third, ayt al-aqq (the Life of the Truth), which, like a boundless ocean, immerses the seeker entirely in the Divine Being. This ayt al-aqq itself is subdivided into three elevated nafs (selves): nafs al-haybah (the Self of Awe), which manifests Divine authority within the seeker; nafs al-wujd (the Self of Existence), which annihilates otherness; and nafs al-infird (the Self of Singularity), which leads the seeker to the vision of absolute unity with the Divine. These stages function as a celestial ladder guiding the wayfarer towards the ultimate destination of knowledge.
Key Insight: ayt al-aqq, as the pinnacle of mystical progression, directs the seeker from multiplicity and otherness towards the unity of existence. Within this hierarchy, nafs al-infird constitutes the degree at which nothing other than the Divine is perceived, and all creation is comprehended solely as a manifestation of the Divine Reality.
Nafs al-Haybah: Manifestation of Divine Authority
Nafs al-haybah shines like a thunderbolt in the firmament of the mystics being, exhibiting the manifestation of his himmah (aspiration). When the seeker attains a universal volition, his aspiration is transmuted into haybahan awe which is the manifestation of Divine authority within his essence. This haybah is distinct from sukn (tranquillity), waqr (dignity), and shajah (courage). Whereas courage manifests as a sharp sword in outward action, haybah is an inner light, independent of any external instrumentality, that exerts its influence on others without any apparent deed. Tranquillity and dignityencompassing serenity and composuremay be observed in a believer devoid of haybah, yet haybah, as a divine crown, appears exclusively in a mystic whose aspiration is adorned by the Divine manifestation. This authority arises not from action but from the seekers inward presence, elevating him to a station where others are affected without the necessity of observing any outward act.
Key Insight: Haybah, as the manifestation of the mystics aspiration, is an inner authority transcending courage, tranquillity, and dignity. It derives from the Divine manifestation within the seeker and exerts its effect without recourse to outward action.
Nafs al-Wujd: Annihilation of Otherness
Nafs al-wujd blazes like a consuming fire, annihilating all otherness from the seekers being. At this stage, the seeker perceives nothing other than the Divine Existence; creation appears as manifestations of the Divine Reality. This station serves as a prelude to nafs al-infird, wherein the seeker is liberated from all duality and draws near to unity with the Divine. Within nafs al-wujd, creatures are not regarded as autonomous entities but as mere manifestations of Divine existence. This perception, akin to a golden key, opens the gates of existential unity before the seeker, preparing him to enter the stage of nafs al-infird.
Section Two: Nafs al-Infird and the Vision of Existential Unity
Definition of Nafs al-Infird
Nafs al-infird, like a lofty summit in the mystical path, guides the seeker to the witnessing of the singularity of the Divine Existence. At this stage, the seeker recognises the exclusivity of true existence as belonging solely to the Divine, perceiving creation merely as ill (shadow) of the Divine Being, reflected through the inherent determinations of its forms. This ill is not darkness or nothingness, but rather the light of Divine existence mirrored in the mirror of creation. The seeker, at this stage, resembles a spotless, unblemished mirror, observing only the Divine manifestation, while all multiplicity and otherness vanish from his sight.
Key Insight: Nafs al-infird represents the degree at which the seeker perceives nothing but the Divine existence; creation is manifest as the shadow of Divine Being in its intrinsic determinations. This vision culminates in the complete unity with the Divine.
Refutation of the Concept of Ontological Negativity (Adamiyyat al-Ayn)
From the mystical perspective, creation is neither negation nor darkness, but rather the Divine manifestation. The concept of ontological negativity, perceived as an illusion appearing within the mirror of the Divine, is in truth no more than the exclusive existence of the Divine. This viewpoint rejects the notion of adamiyyat al-ayn, affirming creation as the effulgence of Divine light. The cosmos is akin to a luminous garden, suffused entirely with the whiteness and manifestation of the Divine, and any perception of darkness results solely from the limitations of sensory perception. The Divine Word in the Holy Quran states, فَتَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ أَحْسَنُ الْخَالِقِينَ (Al-Muminn: 14; : So blessed be Allah, the best of creators), emphasizing the beauty and perfection of creation, thereby negating any taint of opacity within the cosmos.
Connection in the Essence of Oneness (Nafs al-Infird)
The Essence of Oneness (Nafs al-Infird), like a steadfast bridge, conveys the spiritual seeker to complete union with the Divine Reality. At this station, the seeker beholds all phenomena as shadows of the Truth, inherently connected to His Essence. This connection is not illusory, but rather a necessity emanating from the intrinsic unity of the Divine Reality and its manifestations. The seeker, at this level, resembles a drop merging into the ocean, perceiving nothing other than the Truth and apprehending creation solely as divine manifestations. This connection results from the unveiling of the unity of existence (wadat al-wujd), wherein no separation subsists between the Divine and creation.
Key Point: Connection in the Essence of Oneness is the outcome of the witnessing of the unity of existence. At this stage, the seeker perceives everything as a divine manifestation inherently connected to the Divine Essence, with no residue of otherness or separation remaining.
Erasure of Duality and the Absence of Signification
Within the Essence of Oneness, duality (twinness) is effaced like a mist before the sun. At this station, indication and verbal expression lose their meaning, for indication requires an indicator, the indicated, and a relative relationall of which are absent in the presence of the Absolute Unity. The seeker, akin to a bird soaring through the boundless sky of unity, becomes liberated from all multiplicity and relativity. An implicit allusion to the Divine Word in the Qurn,
لَيْسَ كَمِثْلِهِ شَيْءٌ (Ash-Shr: 11), translated by as There is nothing like unto Him,
underscores the truth that at the station of unity, no otherness or similitude exists.
Key Point: In the Essence of Oneness, duality is obliterated, and indication and expression become meaningless, for at the station of unity there exists no multiplicity or relativity whatsoever.
Section Three: Divine Contraction and Selection
The Chapter of Contraction: A Pivotal Turning Point in the Path
The chapter of contraction (Bb al-Qab) stands as a luminous milestone within the mystical journey, severing the seeker from creation and ushering them into proximity with the Divine. At this station, the seeker, like a precious jewel, is chosen by the Divine and guided from service to creation toward complete unity with the Divine Reality. This contraction differs from earlier contractions; whereas previous contractions entailed limitation, this contraction signifies a complete opening to the Divine, whereby the seeker is wholly detached from creation and entirely belongs to the Divine. This separation is not isolation, but a full belonging to the Divine that liberates the seeker from all multiplicity and otherness.
Key Point: The chapter of contraction represents a crucial phase in the spiritual path, wherein the seeker is separated from creation and brought into the Divine presence. This contraction is a Divine selection that guides the seeker toward complete unity with the Divine.
The Reciprocal Seeking Between the Divine and the Seeker
Along the spiritual path, the seeker resembles a lovesick wanderer longing for the Divine, without fully apprehending His reality. Yet the Divine, fully aware of the seeker's true nature, attracts them toward Himself. This reciprocal seeking, akin to a passionate dance between the Divine and the seeker, constitutes the foundation of mystical practice. The seeker moves toward the Divine with a fierce love, while the Divine, cognizant of the seeker's essence, calls them nearer. This relationship resembles a two-way mirror blending love and gnosis, directing the seeker toward the highest destination.
Key Point: The mutual longing between the Divine and the seeker forms the essence of the mystical path. The seeker approaches the Divine with love, and the Divine, with knowledge of the seeker's truth, draws them nearer.
Summary
The Chapter of Life (Bb al-ayh), with a focus on the Essence of Oneness, shines as a radiant beacon illuminating the mystical journey. At this station, the seeker attains the witnessing of the singularity of the Divine and the unity of existence, where creation is perceived solely as a divine manifestation, and no darkness or nonexistence remains in the realm of being. The Essence of Majesty (Nafs al-Hayba), through the manifestation of divine majesty, elevates the seeker to a state where, without reliance on outward action, an effect is realized. The Essence of Existence (Nafs al-Wujd) effaces otherness, and the Essence of Oneness (Nafs al-Infird), through the obliteration of duality, guides the seeker toward complete union with the Divine. The chapter of contraction, as a turning point in the spiritual path, separates the seeker from creation and brings them into the Divine presence.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
