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(Masnavi Book 5: 06) Diversity of Intelligences





The diversity of intelligences in their nature as originally created; (a doctrine) opposed to (that of) the Mu‘tazilites, who assert that particular (individual) intelligences are originally equal, and that this superiority and diversity is the result of learning and training and experience.

Know well that intelligences differ thus in degree from the earth to the sky.

460. There is an intelligence like the orb of the sun; there is an intelligence inferior to (the planet) Venus and the meteor.
There is an intelligence like a tipsy (flickering) lamp; there is an intelligence like a star of fire, Because, when the cloud is removed from it, it produces intellects that behold the Light of God.
The particular intelligence has given the (universal) intelligence a bad name: worldly desire has deprived the (worldly) man of his desire (in the world hereafter).
That (universal intelligence), through being a prey (to God), beheld the beauty of the (Divine) Hunting, while this (particular intelligence), through being a hunter (of worldly goods), suffered the pain of being a prey (to perdition).

465. The former, through service, gained the pride of lordship, while the latter, through lordship, turned from the path of glory.
The latter, through being a Pharaoh, was taken captive by the water (of perdition), while the Israelites, through captivity, became (mighty as) a hundred Suhrábs.
It is a topsy-turvy game and a terrible quandary; do not try (to escape by) cunning: it is (all) a matter of
(Divine) favour and fortune.
Do not weave plots in vain imagination and cunning; for the Self-sufficient One does not give way to the contriver.
Contrive, in the way of (by following the guidance of) one who serves (God) well, that you may gain the position of a prophet in a religious community.

470. Contrive that you may be delivered from your own contrivance; contrive that you may become detached from the body.
Contrive that you may become the meanest slave (of God): if you enter into (the state of) meanness (self- abasement), you will become lordly.
Never, O old wolf, practise foxiness and perform service with the purpose of (gaining) lordship; But rush into the fire like a moth: do not hoard up that (service), play for love!
Renounce power and adopt piteous supplication: (the Divine) mercy comes towards piteous supplication, O
dervish.

475. The piteous supplication of one sorely distressed and athirst is real; the piteous (but) cold supplication of falsehood is proper to the miscreant.
The weeping of Joseph's brethren is a trick, for their hearts are full of envy and infirmity.


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