By giving objective body to intentions of the heart…
““By giving objective body to intentions of the heart (himma, W6V1.111a1S), this creativity fulfils the first aspect of its function. This aspect comprises a large number of phenomena designated today as extrasensory perception, telepathy, visions of syn- chronicity, etc. Here Ibn Arabi contributes his personal testi- mony. In his autobiography ( Risiilat al-Quds), he tells how he was able to evoke the spirit of his shaikh, Yusuf al-Kumi, when- ever he needed his help, and how Yusuf regularly appeared to him, to help him and answer his questions. Sadruddin Qunyawi, the disciple whom Ibn Arabi instructed in Qunya, also speaks of his gift: "Our shaikh Ibn Arabi had the power to meet the spirit of any Prophet or Saint departed from this world, either by making him descend to the level of this world and contem- plating him in an apparitional body ( surat mithaliya ) similar to the sensible form of his person, or by making him appear in his dreams, or by unbinding himself from his material body to rise to meet the spirit.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Ibn Arabi describes a mystical ability to manifest spiritual beings, enabling phenomena like telepathy and visions, reflecting a deep connection between intention and extra‑sensory experience.
In simple terms: Spiritual intention can summon non‑physical beings for guidance.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate focused intention to access deeper insight.
Themes
mysticism
spirituality
extra‑sensory perception
intentionality
Mood
wonder
reverence
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- spiritual counseling
- dream work
- ritual invocation
Key Concepts
Sufi metaphysics
visionary experience
psychic phenomena
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate symbolic insight from literal experience?
- What role does intention play in perceived extrasensory events?
A Different Perspective
Such powers may be symbolic rather than literal, risking misinterpretation.