Henry Corbin, The Man of Light in Iranian Sufis. Available at Amazon. For more details click HERE
This work illuminates the inner nature and meaning of many occult and spiritual teachings. The central theme throughout these pages pertains to The Man of Light and the mystical, yet real world which is its abode. The theosophical reader may loosely equate the content of this book with the manasic light of our being and its subjective experiences on its journey back towards reunion with the Spiritual Ego.
Each of the 6 chapters are unique, focusing on a central spiritual theme. These include the mystical stations of ascent, and assimilation of the truths concerning the spiritual source of intelligible Being. The words, symbols, and metaphors used help illuminate the readers mind to the divine truths of the inner worlds experienced on the path of Iranian Sufism. The darkness and shadows of the path are also delineated, as they reflect the shadow of our souls obscuring one’s own inner lights.
As we read, we find Corbin sharing related ideas from the traditions of Hermetism, Zoroastrian and Mazdeism, which bring additional understanding to the reader concerning this study.
Throughout the chapters we are introduced to the Sufi world of Light, colors, “Black Light” or Light without matter, the Man of Light, and the guides which appear along the journey of the purified soul. We encounter the Sufi world of the seven subtle inner organs, their functions, and related prophets of one’s being associated with them. The role of the “Syzygy” concerning the purified man of light is revealed. The witnessing of the light of the inner “Angel” or Heavenly Witness, by one’s own inner light, as well as their inseparability are considered. In this way, each light becomes witness and witnessed, seeker and sought, that which is contemplated and that which contemplates the other.
The author shares with us the blessed views, visions, and contributions of Sufi masters such as Najmoddin Kobrā, Najm Rāzī, his disciple, Shaykh Lāhījī, and Alāoddawleh Semnānī amongst others. These beings speak from the heart of their own direct experiences. They speak to the darkness of our lower soul or mind, and to the brilliance of our Spiritual Being.
The author concludes his work with a section concerning Goethe and the mystical significance of the physiology of color. Yet there is so much more of an inspirational nature for the student of the inner life to contemplate within this book’s pages.
We cannot end, without quoting a most beautiful realization by Najm Kobrā:
"What is sought is the divine Light, the seeker is himself a particle of light. If God’s own power were not living in us, how would He be able to transport us in ecstasy?"
This book shines a bright light on the spiritual journey and revealed insights of several of the Mystic Sufi Masters. It will awaken a profound respect and reverence for the Sufi vision, within those that deeply reflect on the words and ideas shared in this book. It is well worth the read, and serious application to one’s inner life and contemplation.
This edition of Notable Books was compiled by Eugene Jennings.