The Book of the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf CHAPTER ONE 12 страница
652. It hath ever been evident that all these divergences of utterance are attributable to differences of station. 653. Thus, viewed from the standpoint of their oneness and sublime detachment, the attributes of Godhead, 654. Divinity, Supreme Singleness, and Inmost Essence, have been and are applicable to those Essences of being, inasmuch as they all abide on the throne of divine Revelation, and are established upon the seat of divine Concealment. 655. Through their appearance the Revelation of God is made manifest, and by their countenance the Beauty of God is revealed. 656. Thus it is that the accents of God Himself have been heard uttered by these Manifestations of the divine Being. 657. Viewed in the light of their second station —the station of distinction, differentiation, temporal limitations, characteristics and standards— they manifest absolute servitude, utter destitution and complete self-effacement. 658. Even as He saith: “I am the servant of God. I am but a man like you.” 659. From these incontrovertible and fully demonstrated statements strive thou to apprehend the meaning of the questions thou hast asked, 660. that thou mayest become steadfast in the Faith of God, and not be dismayed by the divergences in the utterances of His Prophets and Chosen Ones. 661. Were any of the all-embracing Manifestations of God to declare: “I am God!”, He, verily, speaketh the truth, and no doubt attacheth thereto. 662. For it hath been repeatedly demonstrated that through their Revelation, their attributes and names, the Revelation of God, His name and His attributes, are made manifest in the world. 663. Thus, He hath revealed: “Those shafts [of light and mineral] were God’s, not Thine!” 664. And also He saith: “In truth, they who plighted fealty unto thee, really plighted that fealty unto God.” 665. And were any of them to voice the utterance: “I am the Messenger of God,” 666. He also speaketh the truth, the indubitable truth. 667. Even as He saith: “Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but He is the Messenger of God.” 668. Viewed in this light, they are all but Messengers of that ideal King, that unchangeable Essence. 669. And were they all to proclaim: “I am the Seal of the Prophets,” they verily utter but the truth, beyond the faintest shadow of doubt. 670. For they are all but one person, one soul, one spirit, one being, one revelation. 671. They are all the manifestation of the “Beginning” and the “End, ” the “First” and the “Last,” the “Seen” and “Hidden” —all of which pertain to Him Who is the innermost Spirit of Spirits and eternal Essence of Essences. 672. And were they to say: “We are the servants of God,” this also is a manifest and indisputable fact. 673. For they have been made manifest in the uttermost state of servitude, a servitude the like of which no man can possibly attain. 674. Thus in moments in which these Essences of being were deeply immersed beneath the oceans of ancient and everlasting holiness, or when they soared to the loftiest summits of divine mysteries, they claimed their utterance to be the Voice of divinity, the Call of God Himself. 675. Were the eye of discernment to be opened, it would recognize that in this very state, they have considered themselves utterly effaced and nonexistent in the face of Him Who is the All-Pervading, the Incorruptible. 676. Methinks they have regarded themselves as utter nothingness, and deemed their mention in that Court an act of blasphemy. 677. For the slightest whispering of self, within such a Court, is an evidence of self-assertion and independent existence. 678. In the eyes of them that have attained unto that Court, such a suggestion is itself a grievous transgression. 679. How much more grievous would it be, were anything else to be mentioned in that Presence, were man’s heart, his tongue, his mind, or his soul, to be busied with anyone but the Well-Beloved, 680. were his eyes to behold any visage other than His beauty, were his ear to be inclined to any melody but His voice, and were his feet to tread any way but His way. The Book of Certitude CHAPTER TWENTY THREE Divisions 681-715 2ND CERTITUDE 681. In this day the breeze of God is wafted, and His Spirit hath pervaded all things. 682. Such is the outpouring of His grace that the pen is stilled and the tongue is speechless. 683. By virtue of this station, they have claimed for themselves the Voice of Divinity and the like, whilst by virtue of their station of Messengership, they have declared themselves the Messengers of God. 684. In every instance they have voiced an utterance that would conform to the requirements of the occasion, and have ascribed all these declarations to Themselves, declarations ranging from the realm of divine Revelation to the realm of creation, and from the domain of Divinity even unto the domain of earthly existence. 685. Thus it is that whatsoever be their utterance, whether it pertain to the realm of Divinity, Lordship, Prophethood, Messengership, Guardianship, Apostleship or Servitude, all is true, beyond the shadow of a doubt. 686. Therefore, these sayings which We have quoted in support of Our argument must be attentively considered, that the divergent utterances of the Manifestations of the Unseen and Daysprings of Holiness may cease to agitate the soul and perplex the mind. 687. Those words uttered by the Luminaries of Truth must needs be pondered, and should their significance be not grasped, enlightenment should be sought from the Trustees of the depositories of Knowledge, that these may expound their meaning, and unravel their mystery. 688. For it behooveth no man to interpret the holy words according to his own imperfect understanding, nor, having found them to be contrary to his inclination and desires, to reject and repudiate their truth. 689. For such, today, is the manner of the divines and doctors of the age, who occupy the seats of knowledge and learning, and who have named ignorance knowledge, and called oppression justice. 690. Were these to ask the Light of Truth concerning those images which their idle fancy hath carved, and were they to find His answer inconsistent with their own conceptions and their own understanding of the Book, they would assuredly denounce Him Who is the Mine and Wellhead of all Knowledge as the very negation of understanding. 691. Such things have happened in every age. 692. For instance, when Muhammad, the Lord of being, was questioned concerning the new moons, He, as bidden by God, made reply: “They are periods appointed unto men.” 693. Thereupon, they that heard Him denounced Him as an ignorant man. 694. Likewise, in the verse concerning the “Spirit,” He saith: “And they will ask Thee of the Spirit. 695. Say, ‘the Spirit proceedeth at My Lord’s command.’” 696. As soon as Muhammad’s answer was given, they all clamorously protested, saying: 697. “Lo! an ignorant man who knoweth not what the Spirit is, calleth Himself the Revealer of divine Knowledge!” 698. And now behold the divines of the age who, because of their being honored by His name, and finding that their fathers have acknowledged His Revelation, have blindly submitted to His truth. 699. Observe, were this people today to receive such answers in reply to such questionings, they would unhesitatingly reject and denounce them —nay, they would again utter the selfsame cavils, even as they have uttered them in this day. 700. All this, notwithstanding the fact that these Essences of being are immensely exalted above such fanciful images, and are immeasurably glorified beyond all these vain sayings and above the comprehension of every understanding heart. 701. Their so-called learning, when compared with that Knowledge, is utter falsehood, and all their understanding naught but blatant error. 702. Nay, whatsoever proceedeth from these lode mines of divine Wisdom and these Treasuries of eternal knowledge is truth, and naught else but the truth. 703. The saying: “Knowledge is one point, which the foolish have multiplied” is a proof of Our argument, and the tradition: 704. “Knowledge is a light which God sheddeth into the heart of whomsoever He willeth” a confirmation of Our statement. 705. Inasmuch as they have not apprehended the meaning of Knowledge, and have called by that name those images fashioned by their own fancy and which have sprung from the embodiments of ignorance, they therefore have inflicted upon the source of Knowledge that which thou hast heard and witnessed. 706. For instance, a certain man, reputed for his learning and attainments, and accounting himself as one of the preeminent leaders of his people, hath in his book denounced and vilified all the exponents of true learning. 707. This is made abundantly clear by his explicit statements as well as by his allusions throughout his book. 708. As We had frequently heard about him, We purposed to read some of his works. 709. Although We never felt disposed to peruse other peoples’ writings, yet as some had questioned Us concerning him, We felt it necessary to refer to his books, in order that We might answer Our questioners with knowledge and understanding. 710. His works, in the Arabic tongue, were, however, not available, until one day a certain man informed Us that one of his compositions, entitled Irshádu’l-‘Avám, could be found in this city. 711. From this title We perceived the odor of conceit and vainglory, inasmuch as he hath imagined himself a learned man and regarded the rest of the people ignorant. 712. His worth was in fact made known by the very title he had chosen for his book. 713. It became evident that its author was following the path of self and desire, and was lost in the wilderness of ignorance and folly. 714. Methinks he had forgotten the well-known tradition which sayeth: 715. “Knowledge is all that is knowable; and might and power, all creation.” The Book of Certitude CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR Divisions 716-745 2ND CERTITUDE 716. Notwithstanding, We sent for the book, and kept it with Us a few days. 717. It was probably referred to twice. 718. The second time, We accidentally came upon the story of the “Mi‘ráj” of Muhammad, of whom was spoken: 719. “But for Thee, I would not have created the spheres.” 720. We noticed that he had enumerated some twenty or more sciences, the knowledge of which he considered to be essential for the comprehension of the mystery of the “Mi‘ráj.” 721. We gathered from his statements that unless a man be deeply versed in them all, he can never attain to a proper understanding of this transcendent and exalted theme. 722. Among the specified sciences were the science of metaphysical abstractions, of alchemy, and natural magic. [phenomena] 723. Such vain and discarded learnings, this man hath regarded as the prerequisites of the understanding of the sacred and abiding mysteries of divine Knowledge. 724. Gracious God! Such is the measure of his understanding. 725. And yet, behold what cavils and calumnies he hath heaped upon those Embodiments of God’s infinite knowledge! 726. How well and true is the saying: “Flingest thou thy calumnies unto the face of Them Whom the one true God hath made the Trustees of the treasures of His seventh sphere?” 727. Not one understanding heart or mind, not one among the wise and learned, hath taken notice of these preposterous statements. 728. And yet, how clear and evident it is to every discerning heart that this so-called learning is and hath ever been rejected by Him Who is the one true God. 729. How can the knowledge of these sciences, which are so contemptible in the eyes of the truly learned, be regarded as essential to the apprehension of the mysteries of the “Mi‘ráj,” 730. whilst the Lord of the “Mi‘ráj” Himself was never burdened with a single letter of these limited and obscure learnings, and never defiled His radiant heart with any of these fanciful illusions? 731. How truly hath he said: “All human attainment moveth upon a lame ass, whilst Truth, riding upon the wind, darteth across space.” 732. By the righteousness of God! Whoso desireth to fathom the mystery of this “Mi‘ráj,” and craveth a drop from this ocean, 733. if the mirror of his heart be already obscured by the dust of these learnings, he must needs cleanse and purify it ere the light of this mystery can be reflected therein. 734. In this day, they that are submerged beneath the ocean of ancient Knowledge, and dwell within the ark of divine wisdom, forbid the people such idle pursuits. 735. Their shining breasts are, praise be to God, sanctified from every trace of such learning, and are exalted above such grievous veils. 736. We have consumed this densest of all veils with the fire of the love of the Beloved —the veil referred to in the saying: 737. “The most grievous of all veils is the veil of knowledge.” 738. Upon its ashes, We have reared the tabernacle of divine knowledge. [divine philosophy] 739. We have, praise be to God, burned the “veils of glory” with the fire of the beauty of the Best-Beloved. 740. We have driven from the human heart all else but Him Who is the Desire of the world, and glory therein. 741. We cleave to no knowledge but His Knowledge, and set our hearts on naught save the effulgent glories of His light. 742. We were surprised exceedingly when We observed that his one purpose was to make the people realize that all these learnings were possessed by him. 743. And yet, I swear by God that not one breath, blowing from the meads of divine knowledge, hath ever been wafted upon his soul, nor hath he ever unraveled a single mystery of ancient wisdom. 744. Nay, were the meaning of Knowledge ever to be expounded unto him, dismay would fill his heart, and his whole being would shake to its foundation. 745. Notwithstanding his base and senseless statements, behold to what heights of extravagance his claims have reached! The Book of Certitude CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE Divisions 746-765 2ND CERTITUDE 746. Gracious God! How great is Our amazement at the way the people have gathered around him, and have borne allegiance to his person! 747. Content with transient dust, these people have turned their face unto it, and cast behind their backs Him Who is the Lord of Lords. 748. Satisfied with the croaking of the crow and enamored with the visage of the raven, they have renounced the melody of the nightingale and the charm of the rose. 749. What unspeakable fallacies the perusal of this pretentious book hath revealed! 750. They are too unworthy for any pen to describe, and too base for one moment’s attention. 751. Should a touchstone be found, however, it would instantly distinguish truth from falsehood, light from darkness, and sun from shadow. 752. Among the sciences which this pretender hath professed is that of alchemy. 753. We cherish the hope that either a king or a man of preeminent power may call upon him to translate this science from the realm of fancy to the domain of fact and from the plane of mere pretension to that of actual achievement. 754. Would that this unlearned and humble Servant, who never laid any pretension to such things, nor even regarded them as the criterion of true knowledge, might undertake the same task, that thereby the truth might be known and distinguished from falsehood. 755. But of what avail! All this generation could offer Us were wounds from its darts, and the only cup it proffered to Our lips was the cup of its venom. 756. On our neck We still bear the scar of chains, and upon Our body are imprinted the evidences of an unyielding cruelty. 757. And as to this man’s attainments, his ignorance, understanding and belief, behold what the Book which embraceth all things hath revealed; “Verily, the tree of Zaqqúm shall be the food of the Athím.” 758. And then follow certain verses, until He saith: “Taste this, for thou forsooth art the mighty Karím!” 759. Consider how clearly and explicitly he hath been described in God’s incorruptible Book! 760. This man, moreover, feigning humility, hath in his own book referred to himself as the “athím servant”: 761. “Athím” in the Book of God, mighty among the common herd, “Karím” in name! 762. Ponder the blessed verse, so that the meaning of the words “There is neither a thing green nor sere, but it is noted in the unerring Book” may be imprinted upon the tablet of thy heart. 763. Notwithstanding, a multitude bear him allegiance. 764. They have rejected the Moses of knowledge and justice, and clung to the Sámirí of ignorance. 765. They have turned away their eyes from the Daystar of truth which shineth in the divine and everlasting heaven, and have utterly ignored its splendor. The Book of Certitude CHAPTER TWENTY SIX Divisions 766-800 Book 3 Tablet of the True Seeker 26-27 766-825 [3RD] CERTITUDE 766. O my brethren! A divine lode mine only can yield the gems of divine knowledge, and the fragrance of the mystic flower can be inhaled only in the ideal garden, and the lilies of ancient wisdom can blossom nowhere except in the city of a stainless heart. 767 “In a rich soil, its plants spring forth abundantly by permission of its Lord, and in that soil which is bad, they spring forth but scantily.” 768. Inasmuch as it hath been clearly shown that only those who are initiated into the divine mysteries can comprehend the melodies uttered by the Bird of Heaven, it is therefore incumbent upon every one to seek enlightenment from the illumined in heart and from the Treasuries of divine mysteries regarding the intricacies of God’s Faith and the abstruse allusions in the utterances of the Daysprings of Holiness. 769. Thus will these mysteries be unraveled, not by the aid of acquired learning, but solely through the assistance of God and the outpourings of His grace. 770. “Ask ye, therefore, of them that have the custody of the Scriptures, if ye know it not.” 771. Yet, O my brethren, when a true seeker determineth to take the step of search in the path leading to the knowledge of the Ancient of Days, 772. he must, before all else, cleanse and purify his heart, which is the seat of the revelation of the inner mysteries of God, from the obscuring dust of all acquired knowledge, and the allusions of the embodiments of satanic fancy. 773. He must purge his breast, which is the sanctuary of the abiding love of the Beloved, of every defilement, and sanctify his soul from all that pertaineth to water and clay, from all shadowy and ephemeral attachments. 774. He must so cleanse his heart that no remnant of either love or hate may linger therein, lest that love blindly incline him to error, or that hate repel him away from the truth. 775. Even as thou dost witness in this day how most of the people, because of such love and hate, are bereft of the immortal Face, 776. [and] have strayed far from the Embodiments of the divine mysteries, and, shepherdless, are roaming through the wilderness of oblivion and error.
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