The Soul: Whence and Whither: Sufi Mysticism

By: Inayat Khan

Narrated by: Russell Stamets

Before manifestation, what existed? Zat, the truly existing, the only being. In what form? In no form. As what? As nothing. The only definition that words can give is as the absolute. In the Sufi terms this existence is termed Ahadiat, a consciousness arose out of the absolute, the consciousness of existence. There was nothing of which the absolute could be conscious, only of existence. This stage is called Wahdat, out of this consciousness of existence a sense developed, a sense “that I exist”. It was a development of the consciousness of existence. It is this development that formed the first ego, the logos, which is termed Wahdaniat by the Sufis. With the feeling of the I-ness the innate power of the absolute, so to speak, pulled itself together; in other words, concentrated on one point; thus the all-pervading radiance formed its center, the center that is the divine spirit or the Nur, in Sufic terms called Arwah. This central light then divided existence into two forms, light and darkness; in point of fact, there is no such thing as darkness; there has never been.

Public Domain (P)2020 Russell Stamets

mind bending and engaging experience

I listen to everything on mysticism that I can get my hands on. This is one of the best, both for the content and the voice of Russell Stamets.

a thorough and understandable explanation

haven't been captivated like this in a moment, a mind bedding and expanding read for sure.

Hmm interesting made up stuff

This most definitely veers into creative writing rather then actual sufi teachings. I liked it in the sense what I think how things work rather then how it is