the Lectures of Nokounam, May His Sacred Soul Repose (Session 588)
Preface
This treatise is a scholarly redaction and elucidation of the lectures delivered by Nokounam, may his sacred soul repose, concerning al-Bas one of the spiritual stations delineated in the Manzil al-Sirn (Stations of the Wayfarers), as expounded in Session 588. Through a profound and mystical lens, the present work scrutinises the rank of Bas within the path of mystical wayfaring a station wherein the seeker, by virtue of the expansion of Divine Mercy, dedicates himself to the succour and guidance of creation.
The Gate of Bas, akin to a soul-reviving breeze, directs the hearts of mankind towards the vast mercy of God and transforms the seeker into a beacon of light and guidance amidst the people.
Chapter One: Explication of the Concept of Bas and Its Position in Mystical Progression
Introduction to the Station of Bas
The Gate of Bas constitutes one of the exalted stations in the mystical journey, following the stage of qab (contraction), whereby the wayfarer is led towards spiritual expansion and the assistance of creation. This station, characterised by existential openness and Divine Mercy, transforms the seeker into a source of light and blessing for society. Contrary to qab, which is accompanied by spiritual constriction and seclusion, bas is defined by active presence among creation and guiding them towards felicity in this world and the Hereafter.
The Concept of Bas and Its Role in Guiding Creation
Bas denotes the expansion of Divine Mercy towards creation, a state in which the seeker, through companionship and social interaction with people, secures their worldly and eternal prosperity. The awliy al-bas (saints of expansion), with their magnanimity and absence of reserve, lead creation towards the light, such that their presence, like a clear spring, quenches the spiritual thirst of the people.
This expansion renders the seeker an intermediary for transmitting Divine Mercy. Through their conduct and speech, they remind creation of the Truth and guide them towards embodying Divine ethics. This station reflects the vastness of Divine Mercy, positioning the seeker as an embodiment of good and blessing within society.
Key Point: Bas represents the expansion of Divine Mercy that transforms the seeker into an epitome of guidance for creation. This station, through social interaction and companionship, ensures the prosperity of people in both this world and the Hereafter.
Distinction Between the Containers of Qab and Bas
The containers (ظرف) of qab and bas are sometimes separate and sometimes concomitant. In the container of qab, the seeker may fall into constriction and even spiritual ecstasies bordering on excess, wherein their chest tightens and they resort to extraordinary utterances or actions. Conversely, in the container of bas, the seeker attains existential openness and, by their presence among creation, engages in assisting and enlivening them.
This distinction is analogous to the difference between night and day, illustrating differing states in the seekers path. Qab involves spiritual seclusion and concealment, while bas, like a blossoming flower, is defined by constructive interaction and guiding creation. These two stations complement one another, leading the seeker from the narrowness of the ego towards Divine expansion.
Liberation from Fear and Despair in the Station of Bas
The saints of expansion rely upon the vastness of Divine Mercy to rescue creation from the dominion of fear born of Divine threat and to replace it with hopeful expectation of salvation. The noble verse of the Holy Quran states:
Indeed, none despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people. Srah Ysuf 12:87
(Translation: )
This truth emphasises that despair of Divine Mercy is an attribute exclusive to the disbelievers. The saints of expansion replace fear with hope, delivering creation from hopelessness and rebellion, directing them towards Divine love and optimism.
This characteristic highlights the superiority of hope over fear within the mystical journey, for hope acts as a golden key that unlocks the doors of salvation and perfection, whereas excessive fear results in despair and deviation.
Summary of Chapter One
The Gate of Bas is a station whereby the seeker is led to the expansion of Divine Mercy and the guidance of creation. This station, characterised by existential openness, the substitution of hope for fear, and distinction from the container of contraction, transforms the seeker into an embodiment of goodness and blessing for society. The saints of expansion, through their companionship and conduct, guide creation towards felicity in both worlds.
Chapter Two: The Ranks of the Saints of Bas and Their Characteristics
Classification of the Saints of Bas into Three Categories
The saints of expansion, according to their existential ranks and roles in guiding creation, are divided into three categories:
- The Masters of Subtle Stratagems (Arbb al-iyal): Those who possess a pure inner reality yet maintain an ordinary outward appearance among creation.
- The Saints of Dual Presence (Awliy al-Jam al-Khalwat wa al-Jalwat): Those whose outward presence among people does not obstruct their inner seclusion, and external multiplicities do not harm their inner reality.
- The Perfected Ones (Kmiln): Who serve as the manifest signs of creation and refuge for the people, resolving their difficulties through prayer or intervention.
This tripartite classification serves as a three-stepped ladder, illustrating the ranks of the saints of expansion from mere outward conformity with creation to complete spiritual guidance within society.
Key Point: The saints of expansion are categorised into the Masters of Subtle Stratagems, the Saints of Dual Presence, and the Perfected Ones each group possessing distinctive characteristics through which they guide creation towards felicity.
Category One: The Masters of Subtle Stratagems
The Masters of Subtle Stratagems are saints who manifest a pure and luminous inner reality amongst creation, yet cloak their true spiritual essence behind an ordinary guise. This group is like stars shining invisibly during the daytime concealing their light behind an unassuming exterior, yet nonetheless guiding creation towards good through their conduct and presence.
This attribute manifests their mystical wisdom in safeguarding the inner truth while engaging with creation. They skillfully adapt to the customs of people, preventing the disclosure of their spiritual station, yet their profound influence on creation remains indisputable.
Category Two: The Saints of Dual Presence (Khalwat and Jalwat)
This group occupies a loftier station, capable of harmonising the outward gathering of people with their inward seclusion. The manifold appearances are like waves upon a shore that do not impair their radiant inner reality. They remain present among people while preserving their inner truth, immune to the fragmentation and dispersion that external multiplicities may cause.
This station signifies mastery in communal engagement, where the seeker balances the outward forms of creation with the Divine inner essence, safeguarded from the adverse effects of multiplicity.
Section Three: The Perfected Ones and the Manifestation of Creation
The Perfected Ones occupy the highest degree within the sphere of expansion and are recognised as the refuge of creation and the verdant oasis of society. Like a mighty tree, they extend the shadow of their mercy upon creation and, through prayer, contemplation, or apparent intervention, resolve the difficulties faced by the people. Their presence is sometimes manifest and at other times concealed, as they unravel the knots of human tribulations through solitary supplication. This group, as Divine Proofs, constitutes the source of benevolence and blessing for society. Their role transcends superficial interactions, extending into profound inner and spiritual influences upon the community.
Characteristics of Expansion: Vastness and Immunity from Affliction
The Waliyy of expansion, endowed with expansive existence, remain impervious to disturbance and agitation provoked by the conduct of creation. They do not lament slander, disrespect, or harm inflicted by others; their being resembles a tranquil sea, unaffected by the storms of human passions. This vastness is emblematic of Divine mercy and love that transforms the saints into manifestations of expansive mercy among creation. With patience and graciousness, they guide the people towards purity and sincerity.
Summary of Chapter Two
The Waliyy of Expansion, in their three degrees the masters of subtle stratagems, the saints of private and public assembly, and the perfected ones each with distinctive characteristics, lead creation towards felicity. The expansive existence, preservation of the inner reality amidst multiplicity, and the protective sanctuary offered by the perfected ones are among the most eminent attributes of this station, which render the saints into living embodiments of Divine mercy.
Chapter Three: The Effects and Manifestations of the Station of Expansion
The Role of Companionship and Social Interaction in the Well-being of Creation
The
Waliyy of Expansion secure the happiness of both this world and the hereafter for creation through their companionship and social engagement. The sight of them reminds people of the Divine, and unconsciously they emulate their virtues. This influence permeates the hearts of people like a fragrant perfume, steering them towards the embodiment of Divine ethics. The presence of these saints fosters intimacy with the Truth and Divine love. Through their conduct and discourse, they exemplify purity and sincerity, guiding the people towards existential perfection.
Key point: Association with the Waliyy of Expansion recalls the Divine to creation, and by emulating their virtues, leads to felicity in both worlds.
Replacing Fear with Hope
The Waliyy of Expansion, emphasising love and purity, liberate creation from the domination of fear and plant hope within their hearts. Instead of verses of threat and punishment, they expound verses of purity and love, guiding people towards Divine hope and longing. This substitution rescues creation from despair and rebellion, directing them towards love and sincerity. Hope is sown like a seed in the heart of creation, its fruit being progression towards perfection and salvation.
Critique of the Excessive Dominance of Fear in Guiding Creation
Overemphasis on verses of torment and fear drives creation towards despair and rebellion. The Waliyy of Expansion remedy this harm by emphasising love and expansiveness, guiding creation towards hope. The historical role of Imam in prioritising love and enthusiasm stands as a practical example of this approach, which inspired collective action and victory among the people. This critique highlights the necessity of balance in guiding creation. Excessive fear acts like a heavy burden, distancing creation from Divine mercy, whereas hope draws them towards the light of truth.
Expansiveness and Avoidance of Sin
The Waliyy of Expansion, by virtue of their expansiveness and intimacy with creation, remain distant from sin. Their boundaries of expansiveness align with Divine injunctions, and they never become tainted by transgression. This vastness resembles the freedom of a bird in the sky of truth, accompanied by adherence to religious limits, safeguarding the saints from deviation.
The Light of the Outward and Inward Aspects of the Waliyy of Expansion
The Waliyy of Expansion illuminate creation towards external guidance with their outward light, and enlighten the souls of creation through their inward light by means of esoteric knowledge and luminous truths. This duality of light is akin to the sun by day and the moon by night, guiding creation towards perfection on both the apparent and the hidden planes. The inward light, through companionship, emulation of Divine ethics, and love for the saints, illuminates the souls of creation and directs them towards eternal felicity.
The Resurrection of Creation with the Waliyy of Expansion
Due to their love for the Waliyy of Expansion, creation shall be resurrected alongside them in the hereafter. The hadith, "People are not made miserable by those whose company they keep," confirms that companionship with these saints is the source of human happiness. These saints, like ships of salvation, deliver creation from misery and guide them towards the shore of bliss.
Summary of Chapter Three
The station of expansion, through its effects and manifestations, leads creation towards felicity in this world and the hereafter. Companionship with the Waliyy of Expansion, substitution of hope for fear, illumination of outward and inward aspects, and resurrection with the saints are among the most prominent features of this station that guide creation towards existential perfection.
Chapter Four: Mastery and Preservation of the Inner Reality in the Station of Expansion
Mastery in the Station of Gathering
The
Waliyy of Expansion exist within the station of gathering and, despite mingling with creation, are safeguarded from dispersion and fragmentation. They perceive creation as manifestations of the Divine and remain distant from ostentation and distraction. This mastery acts like the anchor of a ship amidst a storm, keeping the saints perpetually present with the Truth and protecting them from the adverse effects of multiplicity.
Key point: Mastery in the station of gathering preserves the Waliyy of Expansion from fragmentation amid multiplicity, maintaining their continual presence with the Truth.
Preservation of Secrets in the Station of Expansion
The secrets of the Waliyy of Expansion remain intact despite their association with creation, and they refrain from disclosing what ought not to be revealed. Their inner reality does not alter to conform with the habits of people, and they avoid extravagance, recklessness, and division. This preservation of secrets, like a treasure within a safe, protects the saints inner selves from the reach of multiplicity. This feature signifies the strength of mastery and steadfastness that guards the saints against possible deviations in the station of expansion.
Distinction of the Waliyy of Expansion from the Waliyy of Gathering
Unlike the Waliyy of Gathering, who may cause misfortune, the Waliyy of Expansion do not bring harm; all creation benefits from their companionship. The Waliyy of Gathering, by virtue of their station, can be both bringers of happiness and misery, whereas the Waliyy of Expansion, like a clear spring, deliver only good and felicity to creation. This distinction reveals the exclusive role of the Waliyy of Expansion in universal guidance, leading all to felicity without causing division.
The Role of the Waliyy of Expansion in Rectifying Intentions and Guiding Creation
The Waliyy of Expansion, through prayer, contemplation, and even curse, correct the intentions of creation and direct them towards guidance. This influence is like a breeze that clears the dust from the mirror of the heart, illuminating the souls of creation and leading them to perfection. This role extends beyond outward interactions to the inner effects of the saints, guiding creation towards eternal felicity.
Summary of Chapter Four
Mastery in the station of gathering, preservation of secrets, and distinction from the saints of gathering transform the Waliyy of Expansion into manifestations of Divine mercy who guide creation towards felicity without causing misfortune. Correction of intentions and inner guidance of creation are among the most notable effects of this station, establishing the saints as Divine Proofs among the people.
Conclusion
The book The Chapter of Expansion: The Widening of Divine Mercy in the Guidance of Creation, rewritten lectures of Nokounam , elucidates one of the most exalted stations of mystical wayfaring. Expansion, like an open gate towards vast mercy, elevates the wayfarer from the constriction of contraction to the expansiveness of existence, transforming him into a source of goodness and blessing for society. The Waliyy of Expansion, in their three degrees masters of subtle stratagems, saints of private and public assembly, and the perfected through companionship and interaction, lead creation towards felicity in both worlds. The substitution of hope for fear, mastery in the station of gathering, and preservation of secrets convert these saints into Divine Proofs among creation who guide all towards the light of truth without causing misfortune. The verses of the Holy Quran and the Prophetic traditions, like blazing torches, illuminate this path and direct the wayfarer to a deeper comprehension of Divine mercy. Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
