| Kitáb-i-Íqán | 186 |
Whom was spoken: "But for Thee, I would not
have created the spheres." We noticed that he had
enumerated some twenty or more sciences, the
knowledge of which he considered to be essential
for the comprehension of the mystery of the
"Mi`ráj". We gathered from his statements that
unless a man be deeply versed in them all, he can
never attain to a proper understanding of this
transcendent and exalted theme. Among the specified
sciences were the science of metaphysical abstractions,
of alchemy, and natural magic. Such
vain and discarded learnings, this man hath regarded
as the pre-requisites of the understanding
of the sacred and abiding mysteries of divine
Knowledge.
Gracious God! Such is the measure of his understanding.
And yet, behold what cavils and calumnies
he hath heaped upon those Embodiments
of God's infinite knowledge! How well and true
is the saying: "Flingest thou thy calumnies unto
the face of Them Whom the one true God hath
made the Trustees of the treasures of His seventh
sphere?" Not one understanding heart or
mind, not one among the wise and learned, hath
taken notice of these preposterous statements. And
yet, how clear and evident it is to every discerning
