the Lectures of Nekounam, may his sanctity be revered (Session 590)
Introduction
The Station of Expansion, akin to an open gate in the mystical path of spiritual progression, represents a locus wherein the seeker encounters a profound and intricate experience between outward manifestation and inward reality, freedom and submission, as well as creation and the Divine Truth. This station, examined meticulously in the noble treatise Manzil al-Sirn, constitutes one of the most subtle stages of the spiritual journey, categorising seekers into three distinct groups ir existential ranks and innate capacities. The present work, grounded in the comprehensive and systematic exposition provided by Nekounam in session 590, endeavours to elucidate the Station of Expansion and its gradations in a scholarly and methodical manner.
Part One: Elucidation of the Station of Expansion and Its Characteristics
Nature of Expansion and Constriction in the Spiritual Path
The Station of Expansion is a rank wherein the seeker experiences an apparent openness and freedom externally, whilst inwardly being encompassed and held by the sovereignty of the Exalted Truth. This station operates as a dual-faced mirror, exhibiting the paradoxical tension between outward manifestation and inner submission. Expansion (bast), signifying apparent opening and outward extension, stands opposed to constriction (qabd), which denotes inward limitation and containment. At this station, the seeker seems outwardly liberated and expanded, yet his inner reality remains captive in the divine power, akin to a bird confined within a gilded cage. This divine grasp is metaphorically likened to an all-dominating sovereign who holds the seeker firmly within his dominion.
Key Insight: Expansion is an external opening in which the seeker appears free, but inwardly remains under the divine grip. This contradiction manifests the Divine Sovereignty and the seekers total submission.
This dichotomy between expansion and constriction, like the dance of light and shadow, is a manifestation of divine wisdom, guiding the seeker on the path towards perfection. External expansion unites the seeker with creation, whereas internal constriction detaches him from the non-Divine and returns him to the transcendent Truth.
Metaphorical Illustration of Expansion-Constriction
To elucidate the phenomenon of expansion-constriction, a delicate allegory is presented: the seeker at this station is akin to one who outwardly commands freely and interacts with creation, but inwardly remains under the control of a sovereign force who governs him. This sovereign, the Exalted Truth, holds the seeker as if grasping his hair, directing him wherever He wills. This metaphor, resembling a masterful painting, vividly portrays the tension between apparent freedom and inner submission.
Summary of Part One
The Station of Expansion is a rank in which the seeker is situated amidst external openness and internal constraint. Expansion is an outward freedom accompanied by an inward divine grasp, and this paradox signifies divine sovereignty and the seekers submission to the will of the Truth. The metaphor of expansion-constriction, likening the seeker to one under an overwhelming sovereigns control, clarifies this station in a profound and lucid manner.
Part Two: Categorisation of Seekers at the Station of Expansion
The Three Categories of Seekers
Seekers at the Station of Expansion are divided into three distinct groups, each representing a specific level of spiritual progression. This classification, reminiscent of the branches of a robust tree, displays the diversity and complexity of the mystical path.
First Category: The People of Pure Expansion
The first group, the People of Pure Expansion, dwell harmoniously with creation and behave externally like ordinary people without any inward constriction. Like a gentle breeze, they mingle with creation and remain on the superficial level of the spiritual path. Their expansion is devoid of any internal constriction, and their interaction with creation occurs without divine limitation. Although this stage holds value, it lacks the profundity found in the higher ranks.
Key Insight: The People of Pure Expansion are outwardly companions of creation, acting like ordinary folk without inward constriction. This rank represents the superficial level of spiritual progression.
Second Category: The People of Expansion-Constriction
The second group, the People of Expansion-Constriction, appear outwardly expanded and free, yet inwardly remain captive in the grasp of the Exalted Truth. Like stars shining in the celestial firmament of creation, they outwardly associate with people while their hearts abide in constant sorrow and humility before the Divine. This internal constriction signifies total servitude and detachment from all but the Truth. Their inner reality is enclosed within divine power, while their outward interaction serves as a mask enabling engagement with creation. Due to their internal constriction, this group occupies a rank superior to the first category.
Key Insight: The People of Expansion-Constriction are outwardly expanded and companions of creation, but inwardly held by the Truths grasp. This paradox marks servitude and renunciation of all but the Divine.
Owing to the annihilation of creation within their witnessing, they do not send themselves towards creation; indeed, creation appears to them as ephemeral. Even when laughing among people, their internal sorrow persists. This external expansion is meaningful only through the Truth. This rank functions as a bridge between creation and the Divine, keeping the seeker poised between the two realms.
Third Category: The Eminent and Imams of Guidance
The third group comprises the Eminent Figures and Imams of Guidance, who, with complete expansion and without any constriction, illuminate the path of spiritual journey for creation as beacons of guidance. They represent the ark of salvation and the lamps of seekers, steadfast in the Station of Expansion, acting as standard-bearers leading creation towards the Truth. These individuals manifest Divine Names, especially the Name of the Guide, alongside Names of Majesty and Beauty. They not only guide but, when necessary, decisively prevent misguidance, akin to a physician who must sometimes sever to heal.
Key Insight: The Eminent and Imams of Guidance, through complete expansion without constriction, are lamps of guidance and vessels of salvation who lead creation toward the Divine Truth.
The Second Journey and the Hierarchy of Expansion
This group belongs to the second journey, who, after annihilation in the Divine Truth, return with the Truth towards creation. Their return is not motivated by a necessity towards creation but rather for the purpose of guidance and illuminating the path of spiritual progression. They shine forth like brilliant suns, casting the light of guidance upon creation and making the path clear for the seekers.
The Differentiation of the Degrees of Expansion
The distinction among these three categories resembles the rungs of a ladder that ascends the spiritual seeker towards perfection. The first category remains in mere outward and pure expansion, dwelling alongside creation. The second, through outward expansion paired with an inward contraction, approaches closer to the Truth. The third category, by maintaining stability in the expansion of the Divine Truth itself, attains perfection and becomes the guides of creation. This hierarchy manifests the diversity of divine capacities and requirements within the spiritual path.
Summary of the Second Section
The station of expansion divides the seekers into three groups: the people of pure expansion, who remain outwardly affiliated with creation; the people of expansive contraction, outwardly expansive yet inwardly under the grasp of the Truth; and the Alam (the Notables), who, through complete expansion, guide creation and serve as the lamps of the seekers. This classification delineates the hierarchical stages of the spiritual journey from outward expansion to the expansion of the Divine Truth, clarifying the role of each group within the mystical path.
Section Three: Infallibility, Wilaya, and the Role of the Notables
The Distinction Between Prophethood and Wilaya
Within the station of expansion, the difference between prophethood and wilaya is examined from the perspective of attraction and repulsion. Prophethood is accompanied by attraction and the drawing of creation, as is stated in the Holy Quran:
If you had been harsh and hard of heart, they would surely have dispersed from about you. (l Imrn, 3:159)
This verse emphasises the attractive power of prophethood that draws creation toward the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him). Conversely, wilaya, characterised by firmness and decisive authority, does not require attraction. The Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him), as the embodiment of wilaya, displayed a repulsion stronger than attraction, manifesting his legitimacy. This contrast is akin to two sides of the same coin, complementing each other, each guiding creation towards the Truth in its own distinct manner.
Key Point: Prophethood operates through attraction and drawing of creation, whereas wilaya relies on firmness and decisiveness, asserting its legitimacy without need for attraction.
The Notables and the Station of Infallibility
The Alam, as Imams of guidance and lamps for the seekers, are exclusively the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them), who at all times before and after the finality of prophethood guide creation. A critique is raised against the commentators interpretation that confines the Alam to the prophets (before the finality) and to the saints (afterward). This division is deemed erroneous due to a conflation of the station of infallibility with other ranks. Infallibility is a station distinct from justice and sinlessness. The gap between a sinner and a just person is narrow; however, infallibility is a lofty summit, unattainable by purchase or transmission except through an infallible.
Key Point: Infallibility is a station separate from justice and sinfulness, unique to the Infallible Imams. The term Alam refers solely to these Imams, who guide in all epochs.
The Infallible Imams (peace be upon them) are the ark of salvation and beacons of guidance, declaring their perpetual accessibility with the phrase "Man yamudhu irni" (Whoever seeks me, sees me). This guidance remains accessible even in the grave and the Hereafter, to both the believer and the hypocrite.
The Notables and the Second Journey
The Alam are the people of the second journey, who after annihilation in the Divine Truth return with the Truth to creation. This return resembles a spring of clear water, intended to guide creation and illuminate the path of spiritual progression. They are manifestations of the Divine Names, including al-Hdi (The Guide), as well as the Names of Majesty and Beauty. Their guidance sometimes results in misguidance, analogous to a physician who must sometimes excise in order to heal. This comprehensive nature underlines their exalted station.
Critique of the Commentator and Emphasis on the Unity of Truth
The commentators critique is incompatibility of a temporal division (before and after the finality of prophethood) and the restriction of the Alam to prophets and saints with the truth of wilaya. The Infallible Imams (peace be upon them) exist before, during, and after the Seal of Prophets, serving as flags of truth and guidance, leading creation towards the Truth. This unity of truth, like a singular radiant light, transcends all terrestrial classifications.
Summary of the Third Section
The station of the Alam is exclusive to the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them), who, with infallibility, serve as the ark of salvation and lamps of guidance. The difference between prophethood and wilaya lies in attraction and decisiveness, while infallibility remains a distinct station separate from other ranks. The Alam are the people of the second journey who have returned with the Truth to creation, guiding and occasionally chastising creation towards the Truth. The commentators critique underscores the preservation of the station of infallibility and the unity of the truth of wilaya.
Final Summary
The station of expansion is a pivotal stage in the mystical path, dividing seekers into three degrees: pure expansion, expansive contraction, and the Divine expansion in the Alam. These stages reveal a spectrum from superficial interaction with creation to Divine guidance. The Alam, as Imams of guidance, with infallibility and complete expansion, are the ark of salvation and lamps of the seekers, guiding creation in all times. The distinction between prophethood and wilaya, and the emphasis on the infallibility of the Imams, constitute prominent aspects of this station. This work, by comprehensively elucidating the station of expansion, provides a scholarly and mystical framework for researchers, conveying the spirit of the lectures with eloquence to the discerning audience.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
