Contents
CONTENTS
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| Introduction | |
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| Prologue | |
| I. | Showing that the system of the universe originates in the Self, and that the continuation of the life of all individuals depends on strengthening the Self | |
| II. | Showing that the life of the Self comes from forming desires and bringing them to birth | |
| III. | Showing that the Self is strengthened by Love | |
| IV. | Showing that the Self is weakened by asking | |
| V. | Showing that when the Self is strengthened by Love it gains dominion over the outward and inward forces of the universe | |
| VI. | A tale of which the moral is that negation of the Self is a doctrine invented by the subject races of mankind in order that by this means they may sap and weaken the character of their rulers | |
| VII. | To the effect that Plato, whose thought has deeply influenced the mysticism and literature of Islam, followed the sheep's |
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| doctrine, and that we must be on our guard against his theories | |
| VIII. | Concerning the true nature of poetry and the reform of Islamic literature | |
| IX. | Showing that the education of the Self has three stages: Obedience, Self- control, and Divine Vicegerency | |
| X. | Setting forth the inner meanings of the names of Ali | |
| XI. | Story of a young man of Merv who came to the saint Ali Hujwírí—God have mercy on him!—and complained that he was oppressed by his enemies | |
| XII. | Story of the bird that was faint with thirst | |
| XIII. | Story of the diamond and the coal | |
| XIV. | Story of the Sheikh and the Brahmin, followed by a conversation between Ganges and Himalaya to the effect that the continuation of social life depends on firm attachment to the characteristic traditions of the community | |
| XV. | Showing that the purpose of the Moslem's life is to exalt the Word of Allah, and that the Jihád (war against unbelievers), if it be prompted by land-hunger, is unlawful in the religion of Islam | |
| XVI. | Precepts written for the Moslems of India by Mír Naját Nakshband, who is generally known as Bábá Sahrá’í | |
| XVII. | Time is a sword | |
| XVIII. | An invocation |