THE WISDOM OF IBN ATA'ALLAH
(Excerpts Only)

Translation and Commentary by Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri

The Hikam (Wisdom)

Section Seven

HIKMA 60

The branches of disgrace would not grow tall save from the seeds of avarice. 

When the seeds of envy and greed take root in the heart, then true abasement and disgrace will result. Greed, hypocrisy and subsequently abasement and deprivation are related.  The opposite is contentment with His Will and severance of expectations from creation whilst contemplating divine mercy in all situations.

HIKMA 61

Nothing misleads you like your illusion. 

Illusion, fantasy, calculated expectations and assumptions are all a result of our attaching certain values to situations or things.  Because values and experiences constantly change, we shall only be led to confused struggle and uncertainty.  Human illusions and values change all the time and invariably drive us away for inner contentment and peace.  Truth is Ever-permanent and is the only source of joy while access to that zone is through the subdued self.

HIKMA 62

You are free from that which you despair of, and a slave to that which you covet. 

Illumined life is based on contentment and containment and that comes about when the heart is free of emotional agitations or anxieties for worldly satisfactions.   Whatever we aspire to or desire, be it good or bad, drives us by its power and will possess our heart. And whoever is thus driven is not free. It is said that true nobility comes with despair (from attaining worldly goals).

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