the Lectures of Nekounam, (Session 587)
Introduction
Within the realm of mystical progression and spiritual journeying, the station of Bast (Expansion) emerges as an unfathomable ocean that, subsequent to the constriction of Qabd (Contraction), guides the seeker towards the domain of Divine Mercy and boundless expansiveness. This station, standing in antithesis to constriction, dispatches the Divine Awliy (saints) endowed with spiritual largeness of heart and magnetic attraction towards creation, so that, like a lamp in the darkness of night, they serve as beacons to the servants of God and sources of solace for them. In this treatise, drawing upon the detailed explications of Session 587 from Manzil al-Sirn and its profound analyses, a comprehensive and meticulous exposition of the station of Bast is presented.
Section One: The Essence of the Station of Bast and Its Place in the Spiritual Path
Definition of the Station of Bast
The station of Bast is a rank that, following Divine Constriction, sends forth certain Awliy of God towards creation. This station is akin to a relief that, after the hardship of constriction, connects the seekers heart to the vastness and mercy of God. God endows these Awliy of Bast with an expansive chest, clarity of vision, and a heart wide as the sea, such that they become a tranquil refuge and source of comfort for the servants. These Awliy, through their spiritual magnetism, guide creation towards the Truth and establish a verdant and sacred space for worship.
Key Insight: The station of Bast constitutes a Divine expansion whereby the Awliy are sent to creation with magnanimity to provide mercy and solace to the servants.
Bast in Opposition to Qabd (Constriction)
Bast is like springtime succeeding the winter of Qabd; it brings about the blossoming of the seekers heart. Qabd is a constriction that compresses the seeker within and directs them towards severance from all but the Truth, whereas Bast is an expansion that returns the seeker to creationnot from attachment but from mercy and guidance. The Awliy of Bast resemble physicians who, having healed themselves, proceed to treat others, dispelling the darkness of creation by the light of their presence.
Section Two: Characteristics of the Awliy of Bast
Attraction and Sociability
The Awliy of Bast are like the sun whose rays of mercy encompass all. These saints are devoid of arrogance and repellence; rather, through their powerful spiritual attraction, they draw the servants of God towards themselves. They are profoundly humble and approachable such that no servant feels ashamed of their companionship. This attribute transforms them into manifestations of Ramat al-lamn (Mercy to the Worlds), their embrace open to all creation, withholding no one from the bounty of their presence. They have neither gatekeepers nor manifest dignity; instead, through magnanimity, they endure even the afflictions of creation with patience and love.
Key Insight: The Awliy of Bast, through attraction and sociability, serve as embodiments of Divine Mercy, havens for creation, and sources of comfort for the servants.
Duality of the Awliy of Bast
The Awliy of Bast resemble birds flying with one wing in the realm of creation and the other in the celestial domain of Lordship. They are simultaneously il al-khalq (towards creation) and il al-rabb (towards the Lord): outwardly mingled with creation and living as one among them, yet inwardly intoxicated with servitude and purity towards the Divine Lord. This duality is like a mirror reflecting creation on one side and the Truth on the other. While intimately involved with creation, they safeguard their inner secrets and realities, refraining from ostentation regarding their spiritual stations.
Key Insight: The Awliy of Bast are externally engaged with creation but internally devoted to the Lord, preserving their secrets and spiritual realities.
Preservation of Secrets and Avoidance of Ostentation
The Awliy of Bast are akin to precious treasuries whose inner gems remain concealed from the eyes of creation. Despite their interaction with people, they protect their spiritual truths and secrets from exposure and refrain from flaunting their ranks. This preservation of secrets is like guarding a precious jewel amidst the marketplace of creation. They do not impose themselves upon creation; with humility, they mingle such that none becomes aware of their inner nobility. This trait indicates their perfection and dignity, for despite their vastness, they shield their inner selves from the reach of the unworthy.
Key Insight: The Awliy of Bast maintain the sanctity of their inner realities through secrecy and abstention from ostentation, preserving their spiritual dignity amidst creation.
Section Three: Limits of Bast and True Mysticism
Limits of Bast and the Prohibition of Permission for Transgression
Bast is like a stream flowing up to the border of non-transgression. No spiritual station, however exalted, permits the seeker to commit sin. Any claim of Bast accompanied by transgression is akin to a mirage that engenders misguidance. This principle clearly delineates the boundary between true mysticism and pseudo-mysticism. The Awliy of Bast, despite their vastness and attraction, never indulge in frivolity or sin but operate strictly within the framework of Shariah to assist creation. Any deviation under the guise of Bast is a superstition utterly alien to the truth of mysticism.
Key Insight: Bast is permissible only within the limits of non-transgression; any deviation in the name of mysticism is a superstition conflicting with Shariah and authentic truth.
True Mysticism and the Rejection of Deviations
True mysticism is like a clear spring intoxicated by the beauties of creationthe dance of pine trees in the wind or the murmur of water. This intoxication arises not from frivolous drumming and dancing but from the vision of Divine Beauty manifest in nature. Dancing and musical ecstasy accompanied by sin are like noxious weeds that do not grow in the garden of mysticism. The genuine mystic becomes intoxicated in affliction and servitude, not in frivolity and merriment. This principle categorically rejects any deviation propagated in the name of mysticism.
Key Insight: True mysticism is intoxicated by witnessing Divine Beauty, not by frivolous dancing or musical indulgence that contradicts Shariah.
Historical Critique and Sama
Historical accounts regarding sama (spiritual listening) and the dancing practices of certain mystics, such as Rumi, if accompanied by transgression, are fundamentally rejected from the perspective of authentic mysticism. Even the most accomplished mystic cannot justify acts of sin. Sama and musical singing (ghin) may, in some instances, be permissible, and in others prohibited; however, any excess leading to frivolity contradicts both Islamic law (Sharah) and true mysticism. If, as narrated, Rumi devoted his life exclusively to dancing and sama, such conduct represents deviation, not genuine mysticism. The true mystic, exemplified by Al ibn Ab lib (peace be upon him), expresses his dance in affliction and servitude, not in frivolity or amusement.
Key Point: Sama and frivolous dancing, if coupled with sin, constitute deviation and contradict true mysticism, which manifests in affliction and servitude.
Section Four: The Expansiveness of the Realm and the Perfect Awliy
The term mdn (realm, field) in the station of expansiveness (bas) denotes a vast plain symbolising the broad scope of action and jurisdiction exercised by the Awliy (Saints). These Awliy, by virtue of the innate nature of their expansiveness, are naturally compassionate and benevolent towards people, not affected by affectation or artificiality. They resemble physicians who, through comprehensive understanding of all maladies, remain themselves free of affliction and extend aid to others with open arms. This expansiveness in their conduct is so natural that it appears to emanate from their very essence, requiring no ostentation.
Key Point: The realm of expansiveness refers to the extensive scope of the Awliy's actions, who, through innate disposition, naturally assist creation.
Example of the Perfect Awliy
The perfect Awliy, such as Maruf al-Karkhi and Ab Sad Abl-Khayr (may God sanctify their souls), are complete embodiments of the station of expansiveness. These saints exercised extensive jurisdiction in matters concerning creation from trade and assistance to participation in social gatherings thereby aiding the people. They preserved their inner realities without ostentation, shining like a lamp amidst creation, and through personal interaction and hospitality, conveyed Divine mercy to the servants. Certainly, any historical narration regarding unlawful conduct attributed to these Awliy requires meticulous scrutiny and substantiation.
Key Point: Perfect Awliy, like Maruf al-Karkhi, exemplify comprehensive expansiveness, aiding creation while preserving inner secrets.
Section Five: Degrees of Expansiveness and the Comprehensiveness of the Awliy
The station of expansiveness comprises three levels, each corresponding to a distinct category of Awliy. This classification resembles the varying intensities of light within a single lamp, each producing a unique radiance. Nonetheless, there may exist a category embodying all three meanings collectively, encompassing all levels of expansiveness. Such comprehensiveness indicates the perfection of the Awliy who are capable of operating across all domains of expansiveness from mercy toward creation to the preservation of inner realities.
Key Point: Expansiveness has three levels, which may be unified in a comprehensive category, symbolising the perfection of the Awliy.
Section Six: Conclusion
The station of expansiveness is akin to a vast ocean through which Divine Awliy, endowed with magnanimity and spiritual attraction, extend mercy and comfort to creation. These saints, through their affability and humility, shine like a lamp among people, possessing duality in their orientation both towards creation (il al-khalq) and towards the Divine (il al-rabb). Expansiveness is permitted up to the threshold of sinlessness; any deviation under the guise of mysticism such as sama and frivolous dancing contradicts the reality of Sharah and mysticism. Perfect Awliy, exemplified by Maruf al-Karkhi and Ab Sad Abl-Khayr, manifest this station through their extensive jurisdiction and preservation of inner realities. This station, with its vast realm and comprehensive degrees, elevates the seeker to the summit of mercy and service to creation, whilst his inner essence remains preserved in the domain of servitude to the Divine.
Key Point: The station of expansiveness guides the Awliy to mercy and service towards creation, maintaining secrecy and avoiding sin, perfected in servitude to the Divine.
