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The_Savior_from_Spiritual_Error, page : 91
teachings on the intellectual side, and progressed, as far as is possible
through study and oral instruction, in the knowledge of mysticism. It became
clear to me, however, that what is most distinctive of mysticism is
something which cannot be apprehended by study, but only by immediate
experience (Thawq-literally `tasting‟), by ecstasy and by a moral change.
What a difference there is between knowing the definition of health and
satiety, together with their causes and presuppositions, and being healthy
and satisfied! What a difference between being acquainted with the
definition of drunkenness-namely, that it designates a state arising from the
domination of the seat of the intellect by vapors arising from the stomach -
and being drunk! Indeed, the drunken man while in that condition does not
know the definition of drunkenness nor the scientific account of it; he has
not the very least scientific knowledge of it. The sober man, on the other
hand, knows the definition of drunkenness and its basis, yet he is not drunk
in the very least. Again the doctor, when he is himself ill, knows the
definition and causes of health and the remedies which restore it, and yet is
lacking in health. Similarly there is a difference between knowing the true
nature and causes and conditions of the abstinent life and actually leading
such a life and forsaking the world.
through study and oral instruction, in the knowledge of mysticism. It became
clear to me, however, that what is most distinctive of mysticism is
something which cannot be apprehended by study, but only by immediate
experience (Thawq-literally `tasting‟), by ecstasy and by a moral change.
What a difference there is between knowing the definition of health and
satiety, together with their causes and presuppositions, and being healthy
and satisfied! What a difference between being acquainted with the
definition of drunkenness-namely, that it designates a state arising from the
domination of the seat of the intellect by vapors arising from the stomach -
and being drunk! Indeed, the drunken man while in that condition does not
know the definition of drunkenness nor the scientific account of it; he has
not the very least scientific knowledge of it. The sober man, on the other
hand, knows the definition of drunkenness and its basis, yet he is not drunk
in the very least. Again the doctor, when he is himself ill, knows the
definition and causes of health and the remedies which restore it, and yet is
lacking in health. Similarly there is a difference between knowing the true
nature and causes and conditions of the abstinent life and actually leading
such a life and forsaking the world.