There is a story told in Arabia that the angels descended from Heaven to earth and cut open the breast of the Prophet; they took away something that was to be removed from there, and then the breast was made as before. It is a symbolical expression, which gives to a Sufi a key to the secret of human Life. - What closes the doors of the heart is fear, confusion, depression, spite, discouragement, disappointment, and a troubled conscience; and when that is cleared away, the doors of the heart open.
- The opening of the breast, really speaking, is the opening of the heart.
- The sensation of joy is felt in the center of the breast, also the heaviness caused by depression.
- Therefore as long as the breast remains choked with anything, the heart remains closed.
- When the breast is cleared from it, the heart is open.
- It is the open heart which takes the reflection of all impressions coming from outside.
- It is the open heart which can receive reflections from the Divine Spirit within.
- It is the openness of heart, again, which gives power and beauty to express oneself; and
- if it is closed, a man, however learned, cannot express his learning to others.
|
|