It describes the seven levels (or stages) [255] and conditions of the human heart.

ÜÇÜNCÜ FEN · BİRİNCİ BAB · DÖRDÜNCÜ FASIL · Beşinci Madde

The Fifth Article

Concerning the Seven Levels (etvâr-ı seb’a) and States of the Human Heart.

O beloved! It is known that the friends of God have said: The human heart, whether it be termed the *nafs-i nâtıka* [255], the human soul, human reality, the Divine essence (latîfa), or even the intellect of the afterlife (*akl-ı meâd*), all are one thing – that is, the soul. This heart of man, when it unites with the relative intellect (*ruḥ-i izafī*) which possesses universal reason, attains to perpetual life and ascends to the station of the Perfect Man (insân-ı kâmil), surpassing the ranks of beasts and angels.

As Jesus (peace be upon him) has said: "No one can enter the spiritual realm (melekûta), the heavens, and the company of angels unless he is born again." The first birth that Jesus (peace be upon him) speaks of is your coming into this world from the womb of your mother. That is, escaping from that narrowness and darkness in which you were. It is being cleansed from the bloody waters of the womb and taking your place as a particular person within the realm of bodies. It is appearing adorned with senses and powers.

The second birth spoken of is purification from animalistic and evil qualities. It is freeing oneself from the darkness and obscurity of the self and attaining spiritual purity, thus acquiring the attributes of an angel. Thus, you enter the realm of the heart and become part of the company of angels, finding your way to the assembly of those close to God (uns). In that realm of meaning, as one of the people of the heart, you behold the levels of the heart. Through seven levels (etvâr-ı seb’a) in the heart, you attain communion like Moses (Kalîmullah), and in each level of the heart, you enter another level.

In the first level of the heart, you use your reason to distinguish truth from falsehood and become a believer. The second level is the forecourt of the heart (*sadru’l-kalb*). [256] At this station, you find the delight (inshirâh-ı sadr) [257] of having the chest opened for those who are people of thought. The third level is the love of the heart (*hubbetü’l-kalp*). In this level, you forget sorrow and joy and fly according to the desires of the spiritual realm, traversing those abodes with that fervor. The fourth level is the soul and life of the heart (*mühcetü’l-kalb*). Through the inspirations of the beautiful attributes from the All-Merciful, you discover the inspirations of the majestic attributes from the self and, through insight (firâset), know the difference between them.

The fifth level is the *şeğaf*. [258] At this station, you are seized by God’s attraction (*cezbe*) and completely transcend worldly love, smiling little. The sixth level is the *fuâd*. [259] At this level, meanings (vâridat) from the All-Merciful become manifest in the heart, and you are freed from the whisperings of the self, becoming a recipient of beauty. The seventh level is the *süveydâ*. By attaining this level with truthfulness and sincerity, you become one of the Truthful (*siddīqīn*). You find your heart to be a mirror of beauty and God’s gaze (nazargâh), filled with light, peace, and joy. You transcend time and space. You ascend to the highest heaven (semâ-yı amâ) which is your station. You proceed to the station of truth (mak’ad-ı sıdk) with the prophets in the presence of God, the Almighty, finding endless peace and delight there.

Verses:

1-O heart, swiftly bid farewell to this world of existence and corruption.

Make a journey to the soul's heaven; may your journey be blessed.

2-The journey is blessed if love guides it forward;

With grace, let it make a beautiful path of guidance.

3-Guidance is that which removes obstacles to union;

Union is when the seeker and the sought are united.

4-Seek this abiding love in the transient world;

Give your life with this desire, whatever may come.

5-Do not surrender the reins of the self to its desires;

So that all people of affection may love you.

6-If you have unveiled the realities of things,

Then you have laid a strong foundation on the ground of reality.

7-Your inner being is the explanation of God’s Book, O Truthful one!

What beauty are those shining pages; what beauty are the black and white!

[255] A term referring to the speaking or articulate soul, often associated with reason and intellect.

[256] The forecourt or entrance to the heart, symbolizing openness and receptivity.

[257] Expansion of the breast, signifying a feeling of relief, joy, and spiritual liberation.

[258] A term denoting a state of profound spiritual attraction and longing for God.

[259] The innermost depths of the heart, representing a place of intimate connection with the Divine.

[260] The underlying essence or true nature of things.