the Lectures of Nokounam, May His Sanctity Be Preserved (Session 586)
Within the mystical journey, the station of Expansion is akin to an opened gate that guides the seeker from the confines of contraction toward an unbounded expanse of divine gnosis and nearness. This station, which follows contraction in the Manzil al-Sirn, manifests the seekers existential vastness, wherein the limitations both apparent and latent are transcended. Through harmonisation between the outward and inward, the seeker is dispatched towards the creation. Expansion is not solely liberation from deceit and subterfuge but embodies the unity of the creaturely and servile aspects within the seekers being, thereby transforming him into a manifestation of the Truth amid the servants.
Expansion resembles a gentle breeze caressing the seekers soul following the storm of contraction, guiding him towards the orchard of creation. At this station, the seeker is emancipated not only from self-centredness and ostentation but also assumes a guiding role among the servants through sincerity and concealment of esoteric secrets.
Expansion constitutes the station of existential vastness attained by the seeker subsequent to contraction, i.e. the attraction towards the Divine. During contraction, the seeker is drawn exclusively toward the Truth, thereby separating from creation, as the Almighty states: I created you for My purpose
. Conversely, in expansion, the Truth releases the seeker, returning him with an expanded existential capacity towards the creation. This liberation does not imply estrangement from the Truth; rather, it signifies the seekers Divine manifestation amid the servants. Expansion surpasses contraction since it facilitates the seekers external harmony with creation whilst maintaining internal unity with the Truth.
This distinction resembles that between the narrowness of the cavern of contraction and the vastness of the plain of expansion. In contraction, the seeker is confined in the solitude of the Divine, whereas in expansion, he soars freely like a bird in the sky of creation, whilst his heart remains connected to the Truth.
A notable point raised in the lecture is the critique of an exegetical interpretation of the verse:
Originator of the heavens and the earth. He has made for you mates from yourselves and from the cattle mates; He multiplies you thereby.
(Srah Shr, 42:11, )
This verse addresses the creation of progeny and the multiplication of humans and animals, bearing no relation to mystical expansion. The term يذرؤكم (He multiplies you) refers specifically to biological reproduction, not to existential vastness or mystical expansion. Therefore, interpreting this verse as pertaining to the station of expansion is incongruent with its literal context, rendering such an interpretation erroneous.
This critique acts as an illuminating beacon, clarifying the correct path of Quranic interpretation, underscoring the importance of conforming exegesis to the verses apparent and inner contexts. Mystical expansion is a spiritual domain fundamentally distinct from material generation and multiplication.
At the station of expansion, the seeker, owing to his existential vastness, is free from deception, trickery, and concealment. Deception, which arises during contraction due to limitation and the seekers inability to harmonise with creation, has no place in expansion. The seeker at this station resembles a vast ocean, encompassing all the streams of creation without necessity to veil his truth.
This liberation signifies the seekers perfection, wherein he transcends the duality of outward and inward, living amongst creation with honesty and sincerity.
At the station of expansion, the seekers outward aspect aligns with the common folk, whilst his inward corresponds to the elect. His outward behaviour in obedience and worship harmonises with the creation, whilst his inner cognition and vision manifest the Truth. This unity of creaturely and servile facets distances the seeker from ostentation and showmanship. He is akin to a tree whose branches and leaves extend among creation while its roots remain deeply embedded in the soil of the Divine.
This harmonisation evidences the seekers veracity and sincerity, uniting him with both the Truth and creation in outward and inward, whilst avoiding any deception or hypocrisy.
Expansion represents the station of dispatching the seeker towards creation. After contraction, wherein the seeker is drawn exclusively to the Truth, in expansion he returns to creation with existential vastness to assist the servants. This dispatch does not signify separation from the Truth, but rather the Truths manifestation amidst creation. The seeker at this station resembles a spring that flows from the source of the Truth, quenching the creation with the pure water of gnosis.
The Divine Saints, in their station of expansion, outwardly resemble the common populace; yet inwardly, they manifest the revelation and gnosis. Through their apparent simplicity, they eschew ostentation and self-display, living amongst the people with unassuming naturalness. This simplicity functions as a veil that conceals their inner grandeur from the eyes of the multitude, whilst the light of their knowledge continues to shine vividly within hearts.
I am a man like you just as the Prophets proclaim amongst the people yet Divine revelation distinguishes them from others. This characteristic epitomises their sincerity and humility, whereby despite their inner greatness, they present themselves outwardly as humble and unpretentious.
Divine Saints bear the secrets of the Divine and conceal their spiritual states. They refrain from disclosing their mystical insights and the unseen realities, preserving their inner conditions in seclusion. This concealment is akin to a treasure hidden within the Saints, safeguarded from the reach of unclean eyes. For instance, the Commander of the Faithful (Amr al-Muminn) despite possessing profound visions and boundless gnosis concealed Divine secrets and refrained from ostentation regarding his revelations. This attribute is indicative of the perfection of the Saints who, whilst drawing near to the Truth, avoid any form of self-display.
The seeker, in the station of expansion, must distance themselves from ostentation and self-display. Spiritual states such as swooning in prostration or prolonging worship in the presence of others are manifestations of ostentation and lack of sincerity. The seeker must preserve their inner states in solitude and comport themselves in company with others in a natural and unassuming manner. Metaphorically, the seeker is like a flower that diffuses its fragrance in solitude, yet in public, merely displays its external beauty. Such sincerity liberates the seeker from the snare of ostentation and illuminates their heart with the light of the Truth.
Attributing 'Talbs' (deception or obscuration) to the people of expansion is incorrect. Talbs is a characteristic of the station of contraction (qab), wherein the seeker, due to limitations, resorts to concealment. However, in expansion, the seeker, endowed with existential breadth, is exempt from such deception and lives amongst the creation with honesty and naturalness. The people of expansion are akin to mirrors that reflect the truth transparently and without affectation.
The people of expansion, owing to their existential vastness, harmonise with every assembly and are accepted by all. They are neither strangers to any group, nor are they regarded as strangers. This quality resembles a brook that finds its way into every alley and street, offering its pure waters to all.
The people of expansion assist the creation and, through their speech and conduct, guide people towards the Truth. They resemble stars that shine in the firmament of creation, illuminating the path for the lost towards the Divine goal. This assistance is a hallmark of the seekers perfection who, despite proximity to the Truth, accompanies the people and fulfills the role of a spiritual guide.
The station of expansion within the spiritual journey (manzil al-sirn) is akin to a summit reached by the seeker after traversing the narrowness of contraction. This station, with its existential vastness, liberation from Talbs, and outreach to creation, transforms the seeker into the embodiment of the Truth amidst the worshippers. The critique of the interpretation of the verse يَذْرَؤُكُمْ فِيهِ underscores the importance of harmonising exegesis with the context of the verses, revealing that mystical expansion is a spiritual and metaphysical concept transcending mere material multiplication. Divine Saints, by means of their apparent simplicity, concealment of secrets, and sincerity in conduct, present a complete paradigm for seekers in this station. The people of expansion, through harmony with creation and assistance of worshippers, fulfil a guiding role, dispersing the light of Truth amongst creation with humility and sincerity. This exposition, whilst remaining faithful to the lectures of Nokoonam , provides a valuable resource for researchers and seekers of the path of Truth. Expansion is like a gate through which the seeker enters the garden of creation, illuminating the path for others with sincerity and humility. Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi
