The Form and Function of Sufi Mystical Visions

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

5 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

10/03/2007

Category :

Philosophy & literature

Sub category :

Humanities/philosophy

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Summary :

Introduction
The Sufi path
Constituting the unitized experience
The universe of instruments
A veritable manifestation/theophany
The field of dream interpretation
The solitary retreat
The guidelines determined by al Sha'rani regarding his 'dreams of instruction'
Conclusion
Works cited

Abstract

Experience of direct union with God is most often reported to be of an ineffable nature that transcends any means of description. mystical visions, however, afford the subject of such experiences the ability to interpret, through the hermeneutics of religious symbolism, what might otherwise be incomprehensible to the rational mind. In the Islamic sufi context, visions most commonly take the form of important religious figures; Allah, the Prophet Muhammad, angels, saints and a devotee's shaikh are symbols likely to manifest their presence in mystical visions. Symbolism is not limited to discrete characters in sufi life, however; abstract and personal metaphors occur as well. These symbols serve as relatively concrete entities upon which to hang the ultimate and inexpressible truths to which mystics claim to gain access. Using firsthand accounts of Sufis (classical masters and modern novices alike), and contemporary analytical methodologies, this paper will examine the process of training that facilitates mystical experience, as well as the psychological principles which govern the content and interpretation of the visions themselves.