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Once I was bathed in the Light of Truth within by Sarmad (? - 1659) Timeline English version by Isaac A. Ezekiel Original Language Persian/Farsi Muslim / Sufi Jewish 17th Century Once I was bathed in the Light of Truth within,      I abandoned all planning and scheming. If you, too, seek this transcendence,      leave your lower self -- then from head to foot      you will see your whole being as God's refulgence.     -- from Sarmad: Martyr to Love Divine, by Isaac A. Ezekiel Amazon.com   / Photo by jayhem /	Themes   Light         Recommended Books The Drunken Universe: An Anthology of Persian Sufi Poetry, Translated by Peter Lamborn Wilson / Translated by Nasrollah Pourjavady Sarmad the Saint, by M. G. Gupta Sarmad: Jewish Saint of India, by Isaac A. Ezekiel Sarmad: Martyr to Love Divine, by Isaac A. Ezekiel
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Commentary by Ivan M. Granger

Once I was bathed in the Light of Truth within...

Light is one of the primary metaphors in sacred poetry, suggesting the Divine not framed within a mental concept. But for many genuine mystics, this light is directly experienced.

This light is perceived as being a living radiance that permeates everything, everywhere, always. The sense of boundaries and separation, long taken for granted by the mind as the fundamental nature of existence, suddenly seems illusory, for this light shines through all people and things. It has no edges, and the light of one is the light of all.

And it's fitting to speak of being "bathed." This light is not merely an airy phenomenon of the visual realm; it is tactile, permeating, embracing, profoundly soothing, revitalizing, healing. Some describe it in liquid language: water, fountain, lake, a shining white or golden ocean.

...I abandoned all planning and scheming.

I particularly like this line. Within this radiant encounter with Unity, the mind falls silent, and so too does the personal (selfish) will. The thinking mind can only create elaborate constructions, using discreet conceptual segments of reality as its building blocks. But in this wholeness there are no parts or segments to grab hold of. All blocks are already in place, with no seam or handhold found.

And with the heart full, overflowing... What want remains to scheme after?

Freed from the endless compulsive efforts of the mind and self-will, it's breathtaking just how much buried life and energy is released through us. Mind becomes an open sky, with invisible, gentle breeze currents. Self-will becomes effortless selfless-will. Instead of you perceiving and acting, it's as if perception and action take place through you -- in joyous, flowing ease.

If you, too, seek this transcendence,
     leave your lower self -- then from head to foot
     you will see your whole being as God's refulgence.

This is "God's refulgence," the light of the true mystics.

Ivan M. Granger's original poetry, stories and commentaries are Copyright © 2002 - 2011 by Ivan M. Granger.
All other material is copyrighted by the respective authors, translators and/or publishers.