According to Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi), known as the greatest master (Shaykh al-Akbar) and one of the islamic tradition's most important writers explains:the purpose of spiritual ascension is not to reach God - for He is never apart from us - but simply for Him to show some of His Wonders and Indications.
He writes,
[God] says, "I only make him (the blessed Master of humanity, the Messeger of God, Muhammad) journey by night in order that he sees the signs, not [to bring him] to Me; because no place can hold Me and the relation of all places to Me is the same. For I am such that [only] 'the heart of My servant, the person of true faith, encompasses Me', so how could he be made to journey to Me while 'I am with him wherever he is'?!"
Thus for the saints (enlightened ones), they have spiritual journey in the inter-mediate world during which they directly witness spiritual realities embodied in forms that have become sensible for the imagination; these (sensible images) convey knowledge of the spiritual realities contained within those forms.
These spiritual realities are the secrets of our innermost self and the journey also is within our own self.
- from the Introduction of Ibn 'Arabi's Book Contemplation of the Holy Mysteries (Mashahid al-asrar al-qudsiyya wa matali al-anwar al-ilahiyya), translation by Cecilia Twinch and Pablo Beneto.
Its worth mentioning that the Prophet says: “Prayer is the miraj or the spiritual ascension of the believer.”
Currently reading this great work of Ibn 'Arabi which is said to be written from inspirations of an extremely elevated level. This is a major work of mystical literature. The Contemplations in the book deals with perennial questions such as nature of existence, our relationship with the all-encompassing Reality, the limits by which we define ourselves and the Truth, and the way to happiness.
Related Reading:
:: Inayat Khan's take on the Symbology of Prophet's Ascension
:: Ibn 'Arabi Society
:: Contempation of the Holy Mysteries - the Book
:: Review of Contemplation of Holy Mysteries
3 comments:
The Truth is always beautiful and lovingly stated, by ibn Arabi and yourself, dear Brother Sadiq :)
Ya Haqq!
I am so happy to come across a blog like yours. It also made me realize that man's search is universal, our expressions manifold. Yr blog has also reinforced my respect for mysticism from different faiths and traditions. While sometimes it is expressed as 'ascent to God', i personally feel that it is akin to 'communion' with God or with the divine. But then, the fact remains that we can never quite fully express the 'reality' of what it is. I guess that's why Wittgenstein says whatever we say is simply rubbish. People who misunderstand this will take offense, but if we examine it closely, there is a grain of truth in it. No one can ever express fully what it is. Maybe that's why Buddha held up a flower without a word and Mahakasyapa understood.
On a further note, this posting reminds me of St John of the Cross, another great mystic saint from the Catholic tradition. His writings are accessible here: http://www.carmelite.com/saints/john/works/index.shtml
cheers,
Dear Irving,
Indeed, Truth alone is Real!
Solitaire,
So inspiring is your comment. many thanks dear friend on the path. i am also happy to see you here.
you mentioning of what Wittgenstein says "whatever we say is simply rubbish" so true and every seeker in the sufi path understand this. thus the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace also said, that you can not talk about the True Essence and he also ackowledged that it is silence which brings enlightenment.
my appreciation for the link on works of St. John of Cross, may peace be with him. He is such an inspiration to the world. God willing, i will post on his work soon.
divine peace and bliss be your companion.
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