M6:1307 — بر زند از جان کامل معجزات / بر ضمیر جان طالب چون حیات

Translation: From the perfect soul, miracles surge forth; Upon the seeking soul's conscience, like life itself.

Meaning: This verse conveys how perfect, enlightened souls manifest miracles and spiritual graces that impact the conscience of seekers, bestowing upon them a vital, transformative experience akin to new life or resurrection.

This verse continues Mowlana's discussion on inferring the unseen from the seen. He previously offered examples like discerning invisible wind from moving leaves, or hidden intoxication from languid eyes. He then extends this principle to the divine essence: 'Since you are distant from God's essence, you discern His attributes from the Messenger and miracles' (M6:1305). We are far from God's essence, but we come to know His attributes through His messengers and their miracles.

The same principle applies to God's friends and 'perfect souls' (jān-e kāmil). Mowlana speaks of 'pure masters' (pīrān-e ṣafī), those whose souls have been purified and made sincere in their love for God. These perfect souls manifest subtle miracles and graces that impact the hearts and consciences of seekers. The effect of these miracles on the 'seeking soul' (jān-e ṭālib) is akin to life itself, or a resurrection; it awakens and revives a dormant or semi-alive conscience. This is not a contrived miracle, but a natural transcendence of norms arising from the intensity of their presence and existential perfection.

Dr. Soroush here references Mowlana's profound elaboration in subsequent verses: 'For within them are a hundred ready-made Doomsdays; the least of which is that the neighbor becomes intoxicated' (M6:1308). Within these perfect souls, a hundred resurrections and doomsdays are present, in cash, so to speak. They have died and been reborn; it is as if they have entered another realm. Thus, the 'least effect' of being in the company of these saints is that their 'neighbor,' anyone who sits beside them, becomes warm and intoxicated. This intoxication is like a fragrance that reaches the spiritual nose of the companion, affecting them directly and without intermediary.

From Mowlana's and Dr. Soroush's perspective, God's friends are 'full of God,' and their hearts are His dwelling place. Whoever wishes to be a companion of God should sit in the presence of these saints. This presence is not merely metaphorical; it is real, for due to their 'existential intensity' (ishtidād-e wujūdī) and the intensity of God's presence within them, they are manifestations of divine attributes. These miracles and graces are not the inanimate wonders (like the splitting of the Nile or the moon) but effects that directly impact the human 'soul,' connecting it to a 'hidden relationship.' Those effects on inanimate objects are temporary and for the 'hidden' (mutavārī) spirit – meaning they occur in the physical world solely to impact the hidden conscience of human beings. The true miracle, however, is that which transforms the human conscience and soul, guiding it towards the Truth. This act is like 'bread without the hēyūlā (potential/matter) of dough,' meaning it bestows its bounty upon the recipient without demanding any specific 'material' or 'capacity' from them. This is an unconditional gift, a grace without preconditions, as if God directly glances upon the seeking soul.

However, Mowlana adds that these miracles do not affect everyone equally: 'It brings helplessness to the soul of every stranger, but grants power to the soul of a companion' (M6:1318). Just as good food empowers a healthy body but can be deadly for a sick one, these miracles incapacitate and destroy strangers, yet strengthen the intimate and sympathetic soul. This is a key point: the inner capacity of the recipient determines the miracle's effect. Hence, Dr. Soroush emphasizes that Mowlana warns the reader not to wait for 'bread without the hēyūlā of dough' but to cultivate within themselves the capacity and worthiness to receive this divine bounty.

Key takeaways

• God's saints and perfect souls are manifestations of divine miracles which, unlike prophetic miracles on inanimate objects, directly impact the soul.
• The influence of these perfect souls on seekers is vital and resurrective, akin to bringing a dead soul back to life.
• The presence of 'a hundred ready-made doomsdays' within the saints is the primary reason for inspiring longing and spiritual intoxication in their companions.
• Sitting with God's saints is a true path to companionship with God Himself, as they are brimming with the Divine Presence.
• These spiritual miracles, like 'bread without the dough's hēyūlā,' are unconditional gifts bestowed without demanding any prior capacity or material from the recipient.
• The effect of miracles depends on the recipient's state and capacity; for the unworthy, it brings ruin, but for the sincere, it brings strength and union.