BEŞİNCİ BÂB · BİRİNCİ FASIL · Beşinci Madde
The Fifth Point
The bad character traits (blameworthy characteristics) residing in the heart of a person are like animal forms. This is conveyed through the letters of the alphabet representing events [27] and interpretations of dreams [148/b].
O esteemed one! Know that the people of insight have said: Just as the forms and appearances of the animal species created in the world have their counterparts and examples within the human self, so too is this the person’s bad and bestial character. For example, the form of pride (kibr) resembles a leopard. The form of domination (tasallut) resembles a lion. The form of envy (hasad) resembles a wolf. Indeed, Prophet Jacob (a.s.) witnessed in his dream (event/vâkıa) seven wolves attacking Joseph (a.s.), prior to the incident of separation that arose from his children’s envy towards him. Therefore, when his sons said, “Send him with us,” (Joseph 12:12), he replied, "I fear a wolf will eat him," (Joseph 12:13) and did not want to send him.
The form of anger and rage in the heart is that of a dog. The form of deceit is that of a fox. The form of heedlessness (gaflah) is that of a rabbit. The form of passion for sexual relations is that of a donkey. The form of fondness for one’s spouse is that of a sheep. The form of lust for excessive eating is that of an ox. The form of greed and insatiability is that of an ant. The form of miserliness and avarice is that of a mouse. The form of malice is that of a white camel. The form of being beside oneself is that of a red camel. The form of hostility is that of a snake. The form of torment is that of a scorpion. The form of suspicion (waswasa) is that of a yellow wasp. Other bad characteristics resemble other animals. Indeed, the heart which overcomes one of these bad characteristics sees itself in a dream overcoming the animal representing it.
For example, someone who overcomes his excessive sexual desire sees himself in a dream riding an ass. If he is overcome by it, he finds himself beneath the ass. The same can be known regarding other characteristics through comparison.
For the human being is a complete transitional place (berzah-i jami’) and the manifestation (mazhar-i kull) of God. All animal forms and shapes of the universe have found form and shape within his apparent and hidden aspects (zahir and batin), appearing according to their necessity.
The heart that beautifies its character, being like a mirror, has found all of the universe within itself. The heart that is not pure gains knowledge of past events and future matters through dreams in sleep. It knows these either through example or interpretation. These complex and difficult dreams are explained by what is written here.
[Poem]
1- When the essence of nourishment reaches the brain,
It becomes an obstacle to the senses of smell.
2- At that time, the animal soul leaves the body’s exterior and descends lower.
3- The senses become inactive, and the body finds a state of sleep.
4- The senses of the brain descend into the heart's senses, and the heart turns towards the depths of the soul at that moment.
5- Signs are inspired to the heart, and the heart receives glad tidings from its origin.
6- If it finds them without an intermediary, it is beneficial; this dream is exactly what has occurred.
7- If the heart receives these signs through an intermediary, then interpretation is necessary.
8- Thus, the dream seen by the heart comes as either a sign or glad tidings.
9- The first letter of the Arabic name of what is seen is taken, and it is known through that letter.
10- If the first letter of the name is ‘alif,’ it signifies grandeur; it foretells the elevation of one's status.
11- The letter 'ba’ is comfort for body and soul; 'ta’ signifies the fulfillment of needs.
12- The letter 'sin' foretells victory over one’s enemy; 'jim' signifies opportunity and gain.
13- ‘Ha’ signifies honor and felicity; another ‘ha’ signifies attainment of all desires.
14- ‘Dal’ signifies toil and hardship; ‘zāl’ signifies wealth, dominion, and bliss.
15- ‘Ra’ also indicates a high station; ‘za’ guides the heart to steadfast belief.
16- 'Sin' is a sign of attaining pleasure; 'sad' foretells finding wealth.
17- 'Ta' signifies that one’s enemy will be destroyed; 'za' will fill the heart with sorrow.
18- 'Ayn' means there is anxiety in the tongue; ‘ghayn’ makes the deed oppressive.
19- ‘Fa’ signifies a lofty rank; ‘kaf’ signifies finding wealth and status.
20- ‘Kaf’ signifies that someone absent will come joyfully; ‘lam’ becomes trustworthy and agreeable.
21- If it is 'mim,' one will attain their desire; 'nun' means the heart will be grieved.
22- 'Waw' makes tasks easy; another ‘ha’ fills one with sorrow and tears.
23- ‘Ya’ signifies success in obedience; all these interpretations are certain.
Modern Turkish Translation
When the essence of nourishment reaches the brain, it becomes an obstacle to the senses of smell.
At that time, the animal soul leaves the body’s exterior and descends lower.
The senses become inactive, and the body finds a state of sleep.
The senses of the brain descend into the heart's senses, and the heart turns towards the depths of the soul at that moment.
Signs are inspired to the heart, and the heart receives glad tidings from its origin.
If it finds them without an intermediary, it is beneficial; this dream is exactly what has occurred.
If the heart receives these signs through an intermediary, then interpretation is necessary.
Thus, the dream seen by the heart comes as either a sign or glad tidings.
The first letter of the Arabic name of what is seen is taken, and it is known through that letter.
If the first letter of the name is ‘alif,’ it signifies grandeur; it foretells the elevation of one's status.
The letter 'ba’ is comfort for body and soul; 'ta’ signifies the fulfillment of needs.
The letter 'sin' foretells victory over one’s enemy; 'jim' signifies opportunity and gain.
‘Ha’ signifies honor and felicity; another ‘ha’ signifies attainment of all desires.
‘Dal’ signifies toil and hardship; ‘zāl’ signifies wealth, dominion, and bliss.
‘Ra’ also indicates a high station; ‘za’ guides the heart to steadfast belief.
'Sin' is a sign of attaining pleasure; 'sad' foretells finding wealth.
'Ta' signifies that one’s enemy will be destroyed; 'za' will fill the heart with sorrow.
'Ayn' means there is anxiety in the tongue; ‘ghayn’ makes the deed oppressive.
‘Fa’ signifies a lofty rank; ‘kaf’ signifies finding wealth and status.
‘Kef’ signifies that someone absent will come joyfully; ‘lam’ becomes trustworthy and agreeable.
If it is 'mim,' one will attain their desire; 'nun' means the heart will be grieved.
23 – The letter *waw* brings ease to affairs; the letter *ha'* brings sorrow and tears.
24 – The letter *ye* brings the attainment of devotion; these expressions are all true.