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MYTHOLOGY
(7) Strange is the infatuation that has blinded
us-that has banished from the mind the
thought of death, (8) So long as the desiring nature is not brought
under subjection to the soul, how shalt thou
obtain a salve for the aching heart ? (9) Saintliness (asceticism) is the true exalted
seat; me and mine are forbidden in that state. (10) Illumination and miracles occur in that stage
[of self-contemplation); but one should not
linger there. (1) If both this and the future worlds lie before
the saint, he should not look at them.
(12) If thou losest thyself in the unity of being,
thou sbalt find eternal lise in the Truth. The insistence on knowledge as a means of true progress is clear from the following passages in the Qur'an, the references being to the pages of Sale's Translation : (i) "Use indulgence, and command that which is just, and
withdraw far from the ignorant " (p. 125). (ii) ".. that they may diligently instruct themselves in
religion " (p. 149). (iii) "How few revolve (these things) in their mind” (p.
353)! (iv) “It is not fit for a man, that God sbould give him a book
of revelations, and wisdom and prophecy ; and then
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