In the current information age, the very question of what Man is, and to what extent his abilities reach, has gained prominence. Metaphysical knowledge tells us that Man is not just a mass of muscles and bones, but in fact a living universe—a microcosm (‘ālam aṣghar) in himself. His life primarily relies on information. In reality, his life is nothing but a collection of thoughts and imagination. Every movement is influenced by information and thought. Every human achievement revolves around the unseen world of cognition, imagination, and creative ideas. By giving new meaning to ideas, Man creates and invents new things from seemingly nothing.
Human consciousness has evolved in a way similar to a child’s development. From day one to around age five, a child’s cognitive abilities remain marginal. From age six to pre-puberty, mental ability improves to a degree. After puberty and adolescence, upon entering adulthood, the mind and body reach their peak. In a similar fashion, human consciousness has also developed slowly to its current level. Although the modern world is technologically advanced, it would be presumptuous to think that the time we are living in has reached the highest level of knowledge and creativity. The human mind has unlimited potential to grow and expand without being limited at any point in time. The truth is that there exists a vast realm of undiscovered knowledge and potential that is still hidden or simply beyond our current reach. The mind is the foundation of all experimentation, observation, and perception. No human invention would be possible without it. During cognitive processes, the mind expands its capabilities, and as a result, new innovations and branches of knowledge emerge. The human mind has remained a mystery for thousands of years and continues to be one even today. Scientists believe that we use only five to ten percent of our mental capacity, while a much larger portion lies dormant. In other words, what we have achieved so far is only five to ten percent of our mind’s hidden capabilities.
What we have discussed so far shows that current progress in the fields of Medicine, Botany and Zoology, Genetics, Physics, Chemistry, Architecture, Psychology, Parapsychology, and other sciences reflects human capability. However, we rarely conclude that all of this is actually a reflection of the mental faculties that Nature has gifted us.
Ongoing discoveries about the mind and its inner dimensions show that human existence is divided into two parts. One part is its outer layer; the other is the movement within its inner plane. These two dimensions are interlinked. The idea that Man is not simply confined to his physical body and external emotions has resurfaced time and again throughout human history. There is an internal sphere within humans that is independent of material needs. This inner realm is the source of all cognitive stimuli sent to the physical self. That internal sphere is what truly defines Man—and is commonly referred to as the Soul (nafs) or Spirit (rūḥ). Spiritualists of all ages have affirmed that if we focus on our inner or spiritual heart, we can discover the might and potential of our true Self.
All revealed scriptures have mentioned the extraordinary capabilities of the human being. According to them, outwardly, we are made of bones and flesh, but within us lies a form of energy—one that reflects the attributes of our Creator. This energy is the rūḥ (Spirit). Through it, the spiritual person receives Divine Knowledge.
Revealed scriptures have also divided human perception into two spheres: the Cosmos (macrocosm) and the Self (microcosm). The Cosmos (‘ālam akbar) refers to all that is outward and physical, while the Self (‘ālam aṣghar) is everything that lies within. Our understanding of the Self is still in its early stages. Just as modern science would have been dismissed as sorcery or myth a few centuries ago, so too will the future reveal the depths of the Self that are currently unknown to us. The knowledge of the Self is still in its infancy.
Vision, hearing, speech, taste, and touch are considered the five basic human senses. Each is well-defined, with its own purpose and limitations. For example, we cannot see beyond a certain distance, hear below a certain frequency, or touch anything beyond our physical reach.
These five senses operate within the limits of the physical world—but in the spiritual world, they are limitless. Spiritual senses usually remain hidden or dormant. However, once activated, vision becomes boundless, hearing detects sounds of any wavelength, and speech no longer depends on language. Without uttering a word, a person can send or receive thoughts across space and time. In truth, our senses reach their full potential when our spiritual senses are awakened. These higher senses open the door to limitless observation and discovery. Through them, one may enter the unseen realm of countless galaxies and stars, and even encounter beings considered non-existent—such as angels or extraterrestrial species.
The most effective way to awaken and enhance the spiritual senses is Muraqaba (meditation). Muraqaba is a spiritual practice, a refined mental skill, or a way of thinking that awakens dormant senses and brings them into an alert state. Through it, one can explore realms beyond the scope of the physical senses. It also helps develop the already-present paranormal abilities within us. Muraqaba has existed in one form or another throughout human history.
Spiritually, psychologically, and physiologically, there are numerous benefits to practicing Muraqaba. It strengthens concentration, improves immunity, sharpens memory, prevents psychological complications, and helps regulate negative thoughts and emotions—bringing a deep sense of serenity and inner peace. As a result, we function better in our daily lives, whether at work or in our relationships.
The essence of Muraqaba can be found in all major religions of the world. Emphasis on prayer is always accompanied by the call for deeper focus and contemplation. So far in this chapter, we have discussed Muraqaba in general. In the following chapters, we will explore the different types and classifications of Muraqaba. We will also touch upon other spiritual exercises, as well as methods to activate and strengthen the hidden powers and spiritual capabilities of our relatively unknown inner Self.