Spiritual states and stations
- Updated On Friday, 06 June 2014
- Written by A group of writers
- Editor Kawther Rahmani
- Supervisor Sayyed Roohullah Musavi
- Published on Sunday, 31 October 2010
- Hits: 622 views
- Hits: What is the difference between a 'state' and a 'station' in the spiritual journey and how does a keen traveler view the spiritual states?
In the beginning, when the vision is weak, it is called a state and its occurrence is beyond the control of the devotee. But when as a result of continued meditation, and by the grace of Allah, this state becomes a permanent feature, then it is called a station. Now the state of vision becomes under the control of the spiritual traveler or devotee. Obviously a strong spiritual traveler is he who, along with viewing these states, keeps an eye on the world of plurality and maintains his relations with the world of unity and the world of plurality at the same time. This is a very high position and cannot be attained easily. Perhaps this position is reserved for the Prophets and other chosen people who are favorites of Allah and who can say: 'The state of my relation to Allah is such that the most favorite angel cannot attain to it'1 and at the same time declare: 'I am a human being just like you'2. One of the characteristics of this high human position is that it enables the individual to comprehend the divine kingdoms according to his capacity. He gains the knowledge of the past and the future of the universe and can dominate and control everything, everywhere. Notes: 1. A tradition of an Imam. 2. In the Quran Allah asks the Holy Prophet to tell the pagans: 'I am a human being just like you, except that I receive revelation.'