Many life experiences and events point to the fact that there are perceptual resources within human beings that go beyond the physical senses—resources whose capabilities and attributes are far greater than those of the ordinary senses. Depending on how these perceptual resources reveal themselves to us, they are referred to by different names: the sixth sense, Extra Sensory Perception (ESP), intuition, conscience, inner voice, spiritual insight, and spiritual flight, among others.
We all experience certain phases in life when our ability to think becomes blocked. In moments of turmoil or crisis, we may find ourselves unable to make decisions. In the midst of such confusion, a thought suddenly flashes across our mind—seemingly out of nowhere—and brings awareness of something we could not explain rationally, nor relate directly to the situation. This thought is sometimes so powerful that we cannot help but be influenced by it. Even more compelling is the fact that when we act on that very thought, the issue we were facing often gets resolved. People frequently say things like, “My sixth sense was telling me,” or “I kept having a recurring thought,” and then events unfold exactly as foreseen.
Example I
You suddenly start thinking about a relative you haven’t seen in years. Their image keeps appearing in your mind, even though there is no apparent reason. You begin to wonder why it’s happening. This may even be accompanied by feelings of worry or joy. Soon after, you find out that the same person is either ill or has been in an accident. Similarly, a friend may unexpectedly come to mind, and moments later, that friend is at your door. Often, when a group is casually discussing various topics and a particular individual’s name surfaces—someone who hasn’t been mentioned in a while—that person suddenly shows up.
Example II
A scientist, deeply immersed in research, focuses intently on a subject. During this process of deep reflection, a completely new idea forms. That idea becomes the foundation for a new formula or even an entirely new field of knowledge. Sometimes, this discovery unfolds gradually, through trial and error. But on other occasions, it bypasses the usual methodical stages and appears in an instant. When it happens instantly, it cannot be attributed to normal cognitive processes.
Take the case of Benzene in organic chemistry. Chemist Friedrich August Kekulé (1829–1896) was striving to determine the molecular structure of Benzene. His earlier assumptions did not match the data, and despite working day after day, he found no conclusive answer. Then one night, he dreamt of six serpents forming a ring by holding each other’s tails. The unique pattern in the dream inspired the idea of Benzene’s ring-shaped molecular structure. After waking, Kekulé analyzed the dream image and confirmed that it indeed revealed the correct molecular structure.
Similarly, many breakthroughs in medicine arise from intuitive insight. Through the mental effort of doctors and researchers, the mind focuses on a specific compound, drug, or chemical. Intuitive impressions take shape, and experiments transform them into tangible formulas, backed by a belief in their success.
Creative expression, too, is deeply influenced by this delicate perception. Many writings, poems, and ideas cannot be fully explained through ordinary cognitive effort. Artists, poets, writers, and philosophers often describe their work as “inspired,” and the lack of it as “writer’s block.”
When we look closely at different stages of life, it becomes clear that human beings are influenced by both cognition and intuition. In order to live a meaningful life, the necessities we require are often provided from a source beyond conscious thought. Thoughts arrange themselves within our mind in an orderly fashion, and through that inner order, we live structured lives. From early childhood to old age, the experiences we gather and our ability to use them consciously are also guided by that same source.
This internal guidance is evident in the unique personalities and interests found among individuals. The signal of aptitude and focus in consciousness arises from the unconscious. For instance, two children from the same household, receiving the same upbringing and education, may display completely different aptitudes. One may be drawn to the arts, the other to law. One may excel in academics, the other may struggle. These differences cannot be explained by their external circumstances. If asked, these children themselves may be unable to explain why they are drawn to certain subjects. The truth is, it is the imprint of the unconscious that shapes the direction of the conscious mind—determining interest, ability, and performance.
We see similar phenomena in the animal kingdom. Among lower animals and insects, we observe individualized as well as collective intelligence. This intelligence operates without the influence of education or reasoning. The spider weaves its web, birds fly with perfect technique, bees collect nectar and make honey—none of these behaviors are taught. They emerge spontaneously. What we are highlighting here is that behind the workings of consciousness, there is a source. Consciousness is being guided by that source. Human life, in all its dimensions, is influenced by it. Yet we have become so accustomed to routine that we rarely pay attention to it. However, certain experiences and phenomena cannot be categorized as ordinary or routine.
Because of this, human understanding—based on experience and observation—has been forced to classify consciousness into layers. Psychology speaks of the subconscious and unconscious. Parapsychology explores the sixth sense, inner voice, or Extra Sensory Perception (ESP). Religious and spiritual traditions refer to the conscience, intuition, and the spirit. All branches of knowledge, whether spiritual, psychological, or empirical, acknowledge the presence of a source beyond the physical brain. Remarkably, even non-religious thinkers like Karl Marx were compelled to acknowledge the presence of a higher unit that transcends logic or material consciousness—what some refer to as “Nature.”
In other words, humans possess two minds: one outward and physical, the other hidden and spiritual. The more connected the outward mind is to the hidden one, the more peaceful and purposeful life becomes. Our perception widens, and the brain’s capacity to receive and interpret intuitive information improves.
All spiritual traditions, including Sufism, are founded on the belief that the human being must activate this spiritual brain. When it becomes functional, it enables extraordinary abilities such as:
- Telepathy – transmitting thoughts without any material medium
- Kashf – receiving knowledge without external tools or sources
- Tasarruf – making changes in things and thoughts through spiritual power
- Access to spiritual formulas – knowledge of subtle cosmic laws
- Visiting other worlds – spiritual travel beyond the material realm
- Observing unseen beings – including angels and jinn
- Witnessing metaphysical realities – Heaven, Hell, the Divine Throne (Arsh), and even glimpses of Divine Attributes
All of these capacities become possible when the inner, spiritual faculty—the hidden brain—is awakened and actively engaged.