In the utterances of the divine Luminaries the term “heaven” hath been
applied to many and divers things; such as the “heaven of Command,” the
“heaven of Will,” the “heaven of the divine Purpose,” the “heaven of
divine Knowledge,” the “heaven of Certitude,” the “heaven of Utterance,”
the “heaven of Revelation,” the “heaven of Concealment,” and the like. In
every instance, He hath given the term “heaven” a special meaning, the
significance of which is revealed to none save those that have been
initiated into the divine mysteries, and have drunk from the chalice of
immortal life. For example, He saith: “The heaven hath sustenance for you,
and it containeth that which you are promised;”(53) whereas it is the
earth that yieldeth such sustenance. Likewise, it hath been said: “The
names come down from heaven;” whereas they proceed out of the mouth of
men. Wert thou to cleanse the mirror of thy heart from the dust of malice,
thou wouldst apprehend the meaning of the symbolic terms revealed by the
all-embracing Word of God made manifest in every Dispensation, and wouldst
discover the mysteries of divine knowledge. Not, however, until thou
consumest with the flame of utter detachment those veils of idle learning,
that are current amongst men, canst thou behold the resplendent morn of
true knowledge.
Know verily that Knowledge is of two kinds: Divine and Satanic. The one
welleth out from the fountain of divine inspiration; the other is but a
reflection of vain and obscure thoughts. The source of the former is God
Himself; the motive-force of the latter the whisperings of selfish desire.
The one is guided by the principle: “Fear ye God; God will teach you;”(54)
the other is but a confirmation of the truth: “Knowledge is the most
grievous veil between man and his Creator.” The former bringeth forth the
fruit of patience, of longing desire, of true understanding, and love;
whilst the latter can yield naught but arrogance, vainglory and conceit.
From the sayings of those Masters of holy utterance, Who have expounded
the meaning of true knowledge, the odour of these dark teachings, which
have obscured the world, can in no wise be detected. The tree of such
teachings can yield no result except iniquity and rebellion, and beareth
no fruit but hatred and envy. Its fruit is deadly poison; its shadow a
consuming fire. How well hath it been said: “Cling unto the robe of the
Desire of thy heart, and put thou away all shame; bid the worldlywise be
gone, however great their name.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account