Reason as criterion in Appraisal of Formal Unveilings

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

assistant professor of Payam Noor University

Abstract

Formal unveiling is a spiritual state that is achieved by a mystical wayfarer when he encounters realities and as result of the relation of microcosmic world of imagination with macrocosmic world of imagination. On many occasions these unveilings are true and divine. However if there is an influence of illusion or sensual passions of the soul through which pave the way for Satan to cast its net to make illusions appear as undeniable truths, then the mystic is need of reason to distinguish satanic unveilings from divine ones through examination and rational analysis. In order to recognize right unveilings from wrong ones mystic need definite and well-grounded criteria. To this end, theoretical mysticism has provided some principles and standards including reasoning and well-established rules of reason. According to mysticism, reason has intrinsic authority so that not only it is not in conflict with the truths of unveilings but also supports them since the relation of reason to mysticism is that of logic to philosophy.

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