This universe is a collection of all planets, stars, humans, animals, and all other living beings. There is a link between all the creatures in this cosmos. Whether the physical eyes see that link or not, we cannot help but attest to its existence.
When we look at anything, the first thing we do is see it. By beholding it, we get an idea of its essence and its characteristics. Similarly, when we think, see, or hear about any particular thing, its essence and attributes flow into us. When we see fire, imagine it, or discuss it, the attributes of fire flow within us in the form of perception. Whether this process is weak or intense is another matter, but it does happen. With the imagination of fire, we sense heat and light. In the same way, just by hearing about a lush green place (for instance, Hawaii), a sense of calm and serenity overcomes us.
Based on this rule, when we see John Doe or hear about him, what appears in our mind is not his name or its spelling, but his image and personality, which is a collection of unlimited attributes.
There are two ways by which knowledge or skill can be transferred to humans. First, one has to gradually learn any branch of knowledge or skill, one step at a time. The teacher, through words, written manuals, or demonstrations, instills that particular skill or knowledge in the student. The student, in turn, gradually absorbs the content over time. Depending on the depth of the knowledge and the learning ability and enthusiasm of the student, the process may take weeks, months, or even years.
In the second way of learning, words, writing, or demonstration are not needed. Knowledge or skill is transferred through concentration and mental coherence alone. The best example of this is the learning of a native language. The child does not take any formal lessons from his mother or others in his environment. Yet, merely due to creative cohesiveness and mental nearness, he begins to speak the language of those around him. He draws the same meaning from the words and sentences as others do. Not only the native language but many other skills and habits are transferred to the child from his environment as well. The child does not have to play the usual role of a student.
In the spiritual sciences, the transfer of knowledge is carried out using this second method. Through the spiritual link between the Master (shaykh) and the student (murid), the angle of perception and the light of knowledge are gradually transferred to the student until he is able to grasp the true meaning. Additionally, the Spiritual Master teaches spiritual knowledge through various grades, lessons, and demonstrations so the student’s consciousness can retain it in an orderly way.
The love (Ishq) for the Spiritual Master serves as a tonic for the mind of the student. As the student joins the company of the Master, asks questions, and learns from his guidance (Irshad), the personality and qualities of the Master begin to flow into the inner self of the student. That is why being in the company of the Spiritual Master is always strongly encouraged.
Another aspect of this rule is for the student to use the power of imagination to absorb the Master’s qualities. To do this, the Muraqaba (meditative focus) on the imagination of the Master is practiced, so that a mental link can form. When a student imagines the Spiritual Master, his qualities and skills begin to flow into their soul. The longer the focus, the more the Master’s attributes and light of knowledge appear on the student’s mental screen. Continued practice of imagining the Master creates a state in which a permanent spiritual link is established. Through this link, the capacity for Divine Cognizance is gained until the student becomes a reflection of the Master. In Sufism, this station is called “fana fi shaykh,” and the imagination of the Master is known as “tassawur shaykh.”
There are different methods in use:
The student imagines during Muraqaba that the Master is sitting in front of him. He imagines the Master focusing on him, and the lights (anwaar) and blessings (barakah) being absorbed into him. The essence of the Master is enveloping him. He sees himself as the personification of his Master, as though his essence is the same as his Master’s. This is the best of all methods, as in it, the student negates his own self or ego.