Transcription of The Fourth Valley CD

The Fourth Valley 

Part one
Hello, friends I am Hossein, a traveler. I hope you are well. Happy Eid-e-Fitr. I hope you were able to do a little self-purification. Anyway, congratulations to all of you. We haven't had workshops at 9 a.m. for 4 sessions. Today's workshop is assigned to the Fourth Valley. The Fourth Valley 91. When we say 91, it has a special meaning in itself. The fourth valley asserts: In vital matters, leaving the responsibility to God means neglecting one’s own responsibility. We should understand one thing. The first valley states all structures begin with contemplation. The second valley: we didn’t come into existence without a purpose. The third valley: we should be concerned for our true selves. According to the fourth valley we should not leave the responsibility to God. This point is very important. All living beings, including plants and animals, and especially humans, share mutual responsibilities. Responsibility is mutual. This means that a father is responsible for his wife and children and they, in turn, also have responsibilities towards him. Two friends are responsible for each other. A student is responsible for their teacher, and the teacher is responsible for their student as well. We can't say the pupil bears responsibility for their guide but the guide has no responsibility for their pupil. We have no such thing here. These mutual responsibilities have always been recognized. They go both ways. This responsibility is always mutual. We both have responsibilities towards each other. It would be incorrect to say that it's a one-sided responsibility. You are not solely responsible for me, and I have a responsibility towards you as well. What is its limit? Even God. We have a duty to God. He also has a responsibility towards us. We can't claim responsibility to God without acknowledging his responsibility to us. God has stated in the Book that he provides food, rain, water, and all other edibles to us. So, he assigned tasks to us. Consequently, responsibilities have been identified in all areas in accordance with the rules. We cannot consider it one-sided. We can't claim that pupils have a responsibility to guides without guides having any responsibility.

We cannot claim that all members bear responsibility to Marzbans (Border-Guards) but they (the members) have no responsibility. Or all the travelers have responsibility for Didehbans but they hold no accountability. This is always mutual. There is nothing one-sided. The main issue is defining the boundaries of responsibility, whether it is between friends, business partners, a teacher and student, a religious leader and a legal expert, or a government official and the citizens. Their responsibilities have been identified as mutual. They are never one-sided. But where should we draw the line? What is its realm? Okay, we acknowledge that these responsibilities are mutual, but where is the limit? What is the extent of the student's role, and what remains the Master's duty?  Which one is God's, and which one is for the people? We acknowledge it, but we are uncertain of the boundary. A teacher and a student are responsible for each other. If the teacher assigns homework or asks the student to solve a math problem, is it the student's responsibility to complete it themselves? Is it fair to give him the problem and expect him to solve it alone? No, it's not appropriate.

He presents the problem, and they resolve it. Our aim is to establish clear boundaries between humanity and divinity to ascertain which one belongs to God and which one belongs to us. Because it is an evasion itself. What is an evasion? Well, the first valley states to contemplate, you must think more, you came for a reason. Now, what does loophole mean? It means there is a way to escape, which refers to God, to leave the responsibility to God, to leave whatever we are responsible for to God. Now I will read the passage: Man has nothing but what he strives for. Man is nothing but what he strives for.
Whatever affliction that may visit you is because you yourselves have earned with your hands.
If you commit a small sin or perform a slight evil deed, you will be responsible. He gives the problem, and they solve it. We want to establish clear boundaries between humans and God to discern God's responsibilities from ours. Because it is an evasion itself. What is an evasion? Well, the first valley states to contemplate, you must think more, you didn’t come without a purpose. Now, what is an evasion? It means there is a way to escape, which refers to God, to leave responsibility to God, to leave whatever we are responsible for to God.
All these have been defined. All these have been confirmed. We have another understanding of it. So, there is an evasion here. An evasion to leave responsibilities to God. I need to read the passage so I can finish it. Because describing it will take too much time, I will read from the text to make it clearer.
The topic of the fourth valley:
In vital matters, leaving the responsibility to God means neglecting one’s own responsibility.
In this valley, we will try to shed light on the borders between our vital matters, supreme power position or responsibility regarding these matters, and our own position and responsibilities.
When we say “the Supreme Power”, what do we mean? God. Here, we should try to define the borders between them. Definitely, we ask God for something.
Our perception and realization of God or the supreme power behind creation can be different from each other. Our wants, thoughts, and feelings towards God or the Divine vary among us humans. At contemplation valley which includes the first, second and the third valley; the three valleys showed the boundaries of thinking.
it was discussed that the major part of our living responsibility is on our own shoulders. In the first, second, and third valleys we've almost learned that we are mostly responsible for our own lives. Now, there might be a way out, a way to escape, and that exit is to simply ignore all the responsibility.
And sometimes, one kind of evasion is to neglect our responsibility and leave it to God as a divine, symbolic and theosophical movement and out of our indolence.
What is the evasion? Sometimes we want to hand over responsibility to God. We think we are correct. We may claim that we are deeply God-fearing people and acknowledge God's immense power. That is, I am handing over this responsibility as if I am blaming God that I am doing you a lot of favors and I am a very understanding person, I am intelligent and I know that you have a lot of power and I leave it to you. It means that sometimes we assert our correctness, but always attribute responsibility to God, then express gratitude by saying: God, we are content with your will. Thank you, God. It means that we claim we are right and leave all responsibilities of our life to God as a divine, symbolic and theosophical movement and out of our indolence, sit lazily in a corner and ask God to solve our problems and fix our flaws. We ask God and pray that God will help with our personal issues and flaws. It's like this: your coat is torn, and you expect God to mend it for you. It symbolizes the belief that God will fix both our problems and personality flaws.

“God you are supreme and great we depend on you so that you may solve our illnesses and problems”, we might say! 
Let's say we need you to solve this problem for us. We have a stage called “submission” which was posed in the previous valley or will be posed in the next ones; in the fifth valley we have reliance, gratification, submission. Submission is an advanced stage in the pursuit of self-awareness or knowing God. It entails unique practices, procedures, and prerequisites. All that glitters is not gold. Thus, we want God to solve our problems.
Do we believe that God is there to open the door of His unseen treasure to clear our debts caused by our negligence and laziness, or to take money from someone else and give it to us?
Do we expect this from God? Or if I did a crime and I was arrested and sent to jail, God or supreme forces must bring me out of that jail? It is asked if this is like that. God or supreme forces; supreme forces refer to the entities we believe in. For instance, an individual might believe in the Messenger of God, Imams, Christ or Maryam. These are supreme forces and we call Him the Supreme Power, God.
Or I can rest and God will take care of my family expenses? And many other issues and problems that we are asking God to solve for us! It is like God and supreme forces are our servants and we are planning for them and telling them what to do and what not to do!
It means that we consider God and supreme forces as our subordinates. When we wake up every day, we give some commands like: God, accept them in the entrance exam, heal this sick person, take them under the trailer and crush them, ruin their life, …. Also, we give many orders to God every morning to do, as if God or the Almighty and the superior forces are our subordinates, and we give them a plan from morning to night of what to do and what not to do.
I think that sometimes we mistake God with the Aladdin’s enchanted lamp!  Sometimes we often view God as the Aladdin’s enchanted lamp that can grant our every wish. 
Perhaps some of us believe in luck instead of God.
Some argue that we don't have faith in God; rather, we have faith in luck.
I must say that we cannot depend safely on luck.
We cannot rely on luck. Instead, we must rely on ourselves, our own thoughts, our own efforts, and our own education.
We must depend on ourselves if we are to success.
I believe if we do our part then we can ask for God or supreme power support or then we can wait for luck. It is said that if we fulfill our obligations, whether to God or to others, then we can rely on God's assistance.
This is essential to know that the divine hands only inspire and the rest is up to us.
The divine hands only inspire and do not take any other action.
[And by the soul and He who proportioned it. And inspired it with discernment of its wickedness and its righteousness.]
It means that the inspiration is done but the rest is up to us.
Unfortunately, sometimes our expectations of supreme power are not logical.
We ask God for something that is not reasonable and beyond her job description. Perhaps it is because that our knowledge of supreme power is inaccurate. Perhaps we haven't gotten to know Him well because we don't know what we can expect from Him.
When the creation of human being was completed, this new creation was steered toward a crossing, and he was given the power of will to choose. One road is integrity, peace and virtue. The other road is vices, falsity, abomination and obscenity.
When humans were created, they had two choices to make: one path was falsity, the other was truth.
Then he demarked and specified the end of each road.
He showed us the paths and explained the outcomes. This road leads here and that road leads there. He made everything clear.
Now if we believe in supreme power existence then we know that he has announced in many divine books: the responsibility of our deeds are ours to bear. In many religious texts, God declares that individuals are responsible for their actions. This idea is consistent in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, where the individual is solely accountable for their actions.
How is it that we are trying to pass our lives obligations to God? Isn’t this escaping our living responsibilities?!
I have said many times, everywhere, we want to leave them to God. Isn’t it escaping our responsibilities?
Now this question may be raised, that what is the role of prayers? 
We ask, if this is true, what is the purpose of supplications and prayers to the Supreme Power? Do they not provide any advantage?
In response it must be mentioned that we believe, the prayers will be effective if we walk the righteous path and obey the God’s commands. We must accept the obligations of our living and never quit trying, then our prayers will be
effective because this is God’s promise.
It is said that we agree. As long as we fulfill our duties and responsibilities fully, and move in the right direction, prayers and supplications can have an impact in front of the Supreme Power. Because this is God’s promise. He promised us to call Him, and He will answer. This is His promise. But the responsibilities are mutual. I said, "This is His promise. If we do the right thing, He will help us."
Perhaps our theory about God and the forces behind creation is not just.
When it talks about the supreme power, forces of God, organizing forces of the world or God, or whatever you believe, it's because this valley is written for everyone, not just Muslims. So, it remains unrestricted, making sure nobody claims it's exclusive to Muslims.
When teaching the valleys, many believed it only applied to a certain group and wasn't useful for everyone. In version 91, we removed those sections for the benefit of all listeners so that when someone listens to them, they will not think it only pertains to companions or travelers, but rather can be applicable to all.
Perhaps our theory about God and the forces behind creation is not just. Because if we have known that force correctly, we wouldn’t steer our life to agitation, illness or any other trouble. Now that we want to know this supreme power, let’s gain a rather true cognition.
When someone comprehends the Supreme Power, they experience a sense of relative peace. They feel more at ease, without anxiety or nervous tics, and are generally calmer. Despite having problems in their life, they have fewer issues and less trouble to contend with. When someone is burdened with a lot of problems, they may experience conflicts, disturbed thoughts, stress, insomnia, and various mental health issues such as sadism, obsessions, anxiety, and depression, alongside physical ailments. In this situation, the person is facing difficulties. He was unfamiliar with God, as these things would gradually disappear if he were to gain this knowledge. They might say, "How can you claim we don't comprehend God? We know God very well." But they may not comprehend Him the way I mean. If someone truly knows God, as I mean it, they will no longer experience depression, insomnia, or various other problems. If someone truly knows God, as I mean it, they will no longer experience depression, insomnia, or various other problems. We can talk a lot about trusting and accepting God, but that's only meaningful in words.   Can you follow through and trust in action? Some things stay as words, while others become actions. If you're able to accomplish the task, then that's great. I heard of a person who had taught trust for thirty years, but when his child got sick and he was in the operating room, he had a stroke behind the operating room door. He had been teaching trust for thirty years. But when his child was being operated, he could not trust God and had a stroke. This demonstrates the disparity between speech and action, how distinct they are, and how different the story is.
Because if we have known that force correctly, we wouldn’t steer our life to agitation, illness or any other trouble.
Now if you go to a doctor and tell them your stomach hurts, they may diagnose it as nervousness. The same can happen if you complain about a headache or your hair. Psychosomatic diseases occur when mental illnesses and thoughts impact the body, as medical professionals refer to them. If you have negative thoughts, it can harm your digestive system and cause stomach ulcers. If you think negatively, your thoughts become distorted and you may experience intestinal colic. This illustrates the tremendous impact that our ideas and thoughts can have on the body. Many people go to the doctor, but they are told that their tests come up clear and their symptoms are just due to nervousness. However, this doesn't provide a clear diagnosis for their illness. Their physical health is satisfactory, but they have a nervous disorder. Our illnesses are impacted by our thoughts and ideas. Negative thoughts harm our bodies. Some individuals unknowingly seek illnesses to receive pity and attention from others. They unconsciously desire to become sick.    Some people constantly complain about various aches and pains, as if they enjoy being sick and receiving attention. This behavior can become habitual and they may even begin to feel genuinely ill. Initially, they may pretend to be sick, but eventually their symptoms become so severe that they are completely consumed by their illness. So, these problems may be caused by a lack of knowledge.
Now that we want to know this supreme power, let’s gain a rather true cognition. Some of us may be extremists and impugn or accept some matters out of ignorance and without thinking. One day we are a votary and the next day we are impious and we call it intellectualism! And then we assume that inwards are superstitious and noodle but we are wise. Milliards don’t understand but we do! Never mind!
Sometimes we may have false ideas or reject something without fully considering it. If people do not understand the content of the speeches or writings beforehand, they cannot distinguish their truthfulness. If you do not understand the content of the speeches or writings beforehand, you cannot distinguish their truthfulness. If I share information from a holy text, you can only determine its accuracy if you have a deep understanding beforehand. It means you need to understand the complete contents of the Bible beforehand. To put it another way: I am stating that Molavi Square or Hor Square can be found in the southern part of Tehran. You will understand whether I am right or wrong, if you know where Hor Square is. But if you don’t know where it is, you will accept my words. If you're not familiar with the location of Har Square, and I provide a list of legal reasons proving its proximity to Tajrish Square, you'll agree with me because you don’t have the information beforehand. Because you lack knowledge about the geography of the Tehran region. It's similar in religious discussions. Someone on TV talks about religions by presenting reasons, philosophies, and arguments. They describe what different people have done in relation to religion, and we appreciate their beautiful and truthful words. They talk about actions taken by different people and we react emotionally, saying things like "wow, that's beautiful" or "that's so true".  However, we don't have the full picture, only a small part of it. Many people speak about Molavi, Hafez, Suhravardi, Hallaj, and Ibn Arabi. Also, there are remarkable buildings and structures, including enormous mosques and grand buildings. Furthermore, there exist calligraphers who wrote excellent things and great scientists. They might not understand, but perhaps you do. Are they oblivious? Have they been deceived? Two times two makes four. There must be some way. This doesn’t hold water. I have repeatedly told you to gather ten individuals who not only accept you now, but will continue to accept you even after a hundred years. Yes, you can provide food, water, and money to many people, and they will appreciate you. However, what about after a hundred years? Will they still accept you?  So sometimes we agree because we lack information. Now most people don't know what URD means, but you do. If a professor talks about URD, you say, sir, don't talk, be quiet. That's because you also know what it is. So it is the same for other issues. Sometimes we make comments without studying, based on illusions and without truly seeing. Did you read this book at all? Did you meditate? Did you check? Did you research? Do you know what it is? Now I don't want to discuss religion, but you should check every issue. Often people tell you things that are wrong, ruining your relationships with others. Later, you realize that their words were incorrect.
Some of us may be extremists and impugn or accept some matters out of ignorance and without thinking. Sometimes we accept things based on our emotions or prejudices, creating problems for ourselves. One day we are a votary and the next day we are impious and we call it intellectualism! And then we assume that inwards are superstitious and noodle but we are wise. Milliards don’t understand but we do! Never mind!
Consider fasting. I don't want to deal with prejudices. Some individuals believe that it holds no value, is absurd, or is meaningless. We agree with what you say, but could you refrain from smoking for the next two hours, regardless of your religious beliefs? You are currently smoking, so please do not smoke for the next two hours. They smoke incessantly behind the curtain. Actions speak louder than words. Like the character in Bram Stoker's Dracula film, there was a war general who killed people in the name of God during the Crusades. After an accident, he becomes an unbeliever and apostate and eventually transforms into Dracula. As he renounces his faith, he becomes an apostate and ultimately transforms into Dracula, a criminal. They blow hot and cold. We want to tell you to contemplate a little. We don't want to determine one's religious beliefs. Our focus is on meditation. They are less religious than any non-believer, they are more faithless than any faithless person, and this movement is known as modernization and intellectualism. It is interesting. Then people refer to it as modernity, which implies that they view religious individuals as uneducated and superstitious while they see themselves as intelligent and knowledgeable. There might be people who hold religious beliefs, and there may also be some superstitious ideas present on both sides. However, both sides' beliefs are incorrect. On one side, there are some prejudices and superstitions, while on the other side, there is irreligion and superstition. This is the extremes, and we are not saying that their work is correct. No.
…but we are wise. Milliards don’t understand but we do! Never mind! This supreme power or the former of the universe is so great and powerful that we can’t see him, it is like we are standing on earth but we can’t see it.
Like the earth that we are on but we cannot see it.

Anyway, in order to realize this force passing our own gates is mandatory, in other words, initially we must get to know ourselves. If we know ourselves then we will realize that force certainly, and as we start knowing this great force, we
can make positive changes in our lives. Therefore, in this valley we are trying to discover the human’s essence:
Well, I'm not doing well. I'm rushing and causing more harm than good. I need to slow down and take my time. The task at hand can take a few extra minutes. It's a CD, so it’s OK and there's no problem. So, to understand the strength of Supreme Power, we need to look inward and know ourselves. To truly know God, you must first know yourselves. Where is this self-knowledge? What is it exactly? We have a little, just a little bit understanding of humans based on visible attributes but we do not fully comprehend the invisible attributes. We have limited knowledge about individuals in visible attributes. We do not possess control over invisible attributes at all. We cannot control our lives. We may be alive at this moment, but our existence can end within an hour. Ceasing the function of any essential part causes demise. We lack the power to control ourselves. We cannot decide whether to live for 80 years or for 50, 30, 40 years, and so on. We are unable to make such a decision. We can attempt to damage the body, but we cannot attempt to keep and protect the body. So, we have no control and understanding of it and we can't control the management of our existential city, that is our body. 

An automated system is functioning as intended; without it, we may forget to breathe. We don't have any control over our breathing. We breathe while sleeping and being awake. The process of purification in kidney is outside of our control. We have no understanding of it and what it accomplishes. Suddenly we see that it hurts here, they say yes, you have a stone, you have a problem. We have no discretion over any part of the body. We also have no knowledge. Because there are many different diseases, and they do not heal. This has to do with the visible attributes, which we do not know completely, let alone the invisible attributes, which we do not know at all. We don't know about the soul, we don't know about the self, we don't know what it's like after death. What about before birth? What does it mean when we say that man must know himself in order to know God? It means finding a set of information about visible attributes and knowing a set of information about invisible attributes. He needs to understand what occurred before his birth, what he will be like after he dies, where he will go, whether he will exist or not, and what his nature is.

Additionally, he should comprehend the functions of the soul, self, and mind in the universe, and how they came into being. Does he persist, cease to exist, or perish? This means it. All people believe that humans are mortal, but this is a misconception. Humans do not perish, they endure. In essence, humans do not die, but rather they survive. Even though our physical attributes may be subject to death, our essence continues to live on. This means understanding these things. If we understand them, we can proceed to the next step, which is understanding God. If we don't, we cannot. Self-awareness is more than just knowing my name, Hossein mu sur name, Dezhakam, and my birth certificate number is 471, born on a specific day, not that one though. We need to split the kernel, which you have some familiarity with it. The human essence is divided into two parts: the first is the body (physique) which is visible and the second is the spirit (energy) and travels to designated places. Well, one is the body we're all familiar with. The rest is what comes out from someone's body after they die or while sleeping and moves to different locations. If we look deep within ourselves, we can locate a center of energy within us, assuming we aren’t involved with material, possessions and prestige, which are not compatible with the actual purpose of a real human. If we look inside ourselves and open our human core in the physical dimension, we will still discover the vapors of existence and its energies. It is said in another valley that if we condense waves, they become matter. Opening up said matter enables us to reach those waves or vapors of existence again, which in turn lead us to the spirit and self. If we analyze it scientifically, we can focus on the essential aspects of existence without any obstacles. However, pursuing wealth, position, and status will obstruct us from reaching that objective. This usually doesn't align with a wise person seeking truth, to spend their life pursuing wealth and status. In the second scenario, by observing the remnants' steam, we can discover other dimensions. So, if we divide the human core, like scientists do with the atom and electron, and break it down into smaller parts, we may be able to intellectually comprehend other worlds. We think there is only one world. Wisdom can aid our comprehension of the mysteries within our physical dimension and the core outside the body. If we separate the vapors of the existence and gain knowledge about them, we can discover information about other worlds. Then we can discover all the issues related to our physical world. This way, we'll see that there isn't just one world outside our bodies. Now we believe there is just one world beyond our physical being. Some people believe that the physical world is the world outside of the body. Some other people believe in an afterlife. Following wisdom’s command can lead us towards realizing the mysteries of our inner and outer essence and also the secret of other universes parallel to ours.

External universes do exist but only when the internal eye has been opened to them and this happens for individuals obedient to the supreme force. Because He must support for this to happen. Other creatures do not have the luxury of this divine gift and anyone who aspires for this gift need the divine grace alongside a refinement process which is not easy at all. Other beings do not gain much from this gift. We can say that it applies to fellow humans, animals, and even humans who do not consider this issue. Anyway, anyone seeking to accomplish these tasks must receive divine grace or blessing. In the real world, you can travel and do almost anything. However, to move on to a new stage or period, a different passport, visa, residency, or green card is necessary. To discover other worlds, one needs the grace of God. One must begin the process of purification from within oneself to be accompanied by this grace. Creation is so diverse in other universes that is hard to imagine and that’s why it is unbelievable. Existence involves occupying various different worlds. These worlds could be physical, metaphysical, or transcendental. Of course, the natural world and the supernatural realm are intertwined with the laws of physics and metaphysics. Our knowledge gives rise to what we call physics, while the things we don't understand fall under the classification of metaphysics. The elements of the natural world are those we can explain, while the supernatural world remains a mystery. I believe that what surpasses nature is still a part of it. If we gain understanding, metaphysics converges with physics. But it is said that life in various worlds is extremely varied and impossible to imagine. It refers to the level of variety present in the world. It is unbelievable because of its great diversity. For instance, we often claim that the Earth is too vast to comprehend, and we have not even touched a small part of it, and we have not touched a single bit of all these stories and adventures. Hence, let us now delve into the intricate details of the human core:

A- The human body's core or visible attributes.
So, it's sufficient to discuss this matter. But here our lines and limits are becoming clear. This is the boundary between us and God. This is the outcome. And there is a boundary between all of us as human beings, and all responsibilities are mutual. There is no one-sided responsibility. Now we understand these concepts and have learned them, but for them to truly become ingrained in our very being, we must have a deep understanding of ourselves We need to understand that the knowledge we currently have is limited and insufficient. To truly know God, we must use our knowledge first as a foundation to gain further understanding and insight. For instance, a person who possesses knowledge of oneself, the world, and God does not experience sorrow. For instance, most of you fear death. It is uncommon for someone to not feel scared of it. If you tell me that you are not scared, you are not honest. But there may come a point when death does not scare you. With knowledge, fear of death can dissipate. If told that death is imminent within five minutes, you might respond with, "Alright, what actions should I take?" He says, "You want to pass on in 5 minutes." He says, "Let's have a smoke and then leave." Or she requests, "Can I have some nicotine gum to chew? I will be available later to help and we will go together?" If he possesses that understanding, he has no reason to be afraid. At the moment of death, he should accept death and say, "okay, let's go." With an understanding of death, fear is eliminated. Death is really scary. It is very serious. But when he comes to this knowledge, to his self-knowledge, to the knowledge of the Absolute Power, he will see that he has no fear. When he understands, he will see that there is nothing to be afraid of. There is no fear. That is the submission phase. There is submission phase. We travel from one point to an ocean and from an ocean back to a point. We go from one point and return to the starting point. It's a fact that it's one point, but the point where we were at previously and the point where we currently go around and stand on are entirely different. The two points are different. We previously lacked the necessary details, but we now have them. Therefore, it's all about understanding yourself. When you have self-awareness, you also understand others. You have knowledge of people. Why do you feel upset with people? Because you lack understanding of them. Why do you make others mad? It's because you lack understanding of people. Why can people bother you? It's because you lack awareness of their nature. If you gain knowledge, I'm not saying you won't ever feel upset, but it will happen less often. You'll be more composed. You know that someone exhibiting this behavior is experiencing a problem. It is possible that some people simply do not know better. They lack knowledge and understanding, and may not have control over their actions. They cause many problems and difficult situations, become upset, regret, hold onto anger, and feel the need to calm down. There's a tale about Malik Ashtar. He strolled in the marketplace - he was an army commander and one of Ali bin Abi Talib's grand generals. Someone insulted him, so he went to the mosque. Folks asked him, "Do you know who you offended?" He said, "No, I don't know him." They replied, "It was Malik Ashtar." He asked, "Where did he go?" They answered, "He went to the mosque." He went to the mosque and saw Malik praying. After Malik finished praying, he apologized. Malik reassured him, "No need to apologize. I came and prayed for you. May God guide you out of this ignorance." The biggest problem here is that he keeps creating enemies for himself. A person who repeatedly creates enemies is unwell, aren't they? Some people are noble. I read in books that Mohammad Khan Qajar was in Karim Khan's court in Tehran without any job. His aunt was Karim Khan's wife. He used to purchase oil from a store, and one day he got into an argument with the shopkeeper. Later, when he became king, he commanded, "Bring the grocer, shoot him, and beat him." It appears that you are now a powerful ruler. Back when you were an average person, the grocer treated you justly. But now that you hold great influence, you desire to get back at him for something that has been bothering you for a while. This craving for revenge is merely an outcome of his misfortune. Someone who habitually creates enemies may have an underlying problem. If he were wise, she would always seek out his own friends. Well, I hope we've outlined our responsibilities clearly. Let's not burden each other with our responsibilities. The person who can help the most is you. Thank you for listening.

Part two

The reason why I wrote the fourth valley using this approach and put emphasis on it is that some organizations follow a series of 12 steps, but approximately 5 or 6 of them assign responsibility to a higher power. Although these groups have good intentions, this approach can cause confusion.
They believe there's a force mightier than them and entrust everything to it. For instance, they think that they've gotten to a point where God will aid them in overcoming their flaws. While they may have been accurate, their words might confuse us.
In Congress 60 I wrote the valley as: In vital matters, leaving the responsibility to God means neglecting one’s own responsibility. This is not a reason to refuse God, distrust God, or refrain from praying. This is not a problem. The subject being discussed is the line between us and God. It must be clear what we're accountable for versus what God is accountable for.
It may be asked if God is responsible for humans. Yes, he accepted the responsibility when creating humankind. We cannot assert that God refused responsibility for humans.
If you make a Peikan or Toyota car, you are accountable for it. The same goes for producing chickpeas, lentils, and cobs. As a producer, you are responsible.
He affirms providing water from the heavens and food, directing the winds, and governing the earth. All of this demonstrates His acceptance of responsibility and the establishment of a functional system. Just as people were created by God, they were also given resources to help them.

It is very interesting. Sometimes we don't pay enough attention to certain issues, like the amount of work required to manufacture a plastic flower. Whether it's China or any other country producing them, it takes multiple factories to produce even one artificial flower.
First, oil needs to be extracted, followed by the production of raw materials in petrochemical factories. Then, molds must be created in factories, and designs for the cloth parts, such as leaves and flowers, need to be developed. Textile factories, along with numerous other factories, collaborate to manufacture plastic flowers.
If a peach, apricot, or cherry kernel falls to the ground, a tree will grow from it. This process is run by God and nature and is beautiful, from the flowers and blossoms to the delicious fruit and colors. What is the wisdom behind it all?
We want to say that God created human beings with the ability to make choices that are referred to as free will and suggested to choose between the wrong and the right way.
A wise man once said that if someone has many opportunities but does not have a clear path forward, they should be allowed to fail and face the consequences. Let him fall. If you fall, take responsibility for falling instead of placing the blame on Him. We must take responsibility for our lives and the problems we face. We are the ones who have caused these difficulties, and we must be the ones to solve them. But we always want to stay connected to God. Sometimes, we underestimate the power of God or other higher forces.
If you have a legal issue, a lawyer may advise you to pay 10% or 20% of a one billion toman fee, meaning 100 million or 200 million. However, when seeking divine intervention, you may offer to give God a sheep worth 400 thousand tomans in exchange for resolving the problem.
And then you forget to slaughter the sheep. If you butcher it, you and your family will consume all the meat and not share any with others. Or sometimes you want to solve a large problem with four candles. We also have a deal, if you perform a task, I will perform a corresponding action. For instance, if a particular issue gets resolved, I pray 1000 times. We should not assume that God needs our blessings but rather take action by donating bread or money to those in need instead of just offering blessings.
In the last meeting, we discussed that to locate this boundary, we need to understand the actions of both humans and God. We also stated that if we lack self-awareness, we cannot comprehend God. We often discuss self-awareness when we seek to understand ourselves better. Which specific class is this referring to?   Self-discovery classes are widespread. What exactly are these classes focused on? They teach Rumi's poetry. what are the specifics of these classes? What are the lessons taught? Hafez's poems or meditation.
Self-awareness is crucial. When I say self-awareness, I mean a person knows themselves when they choose to know, such as being aware of their visible attributes and many more. It is important for people to have knowledge of organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, liver, cells, genes, and DNA.
The next challenge is to understand the hidden characteristics of humans. Man should understand the definition of the soul and the ego.  What is intelligence? What are emotions? How does the mind function? He should understand the whereabouts and destination of the external essence. He came to Tehran, from where did he come to Tehran? Where was he before he was born? Where does he go when he dies? Does he go to heaven or to hell? How long will he spend in hell? How long will he spend in heaven? What is he currently doing in heaven? What is he doing in Hell? Is it a physical or spiritual situation?
Does it go to another world with this earthly body or something else? Is a human being a thinker? Or a wave? Or a mass of steam? Or a lump with a white bedsheet on its head? What is it? What form does it have?  Is it physical or not? If it exists as a physical object, what is its appearance? If it takes the form of gas, what shape does it hold? If it takes the form of gas, what shape does it hold?
Does he have eyes after death or not? Does he see or not? Does he have legs or not? Old or young? If he died at the age of 80, is he 80 years old there? If he suffers from gangrene disease here, will he have this disease there too or not? If he is addicted here, will he be addicted there? Does he have the same problem in that place as he does here? When he was here, people pursued him and he was sought after. Is he still sought after in that place?
They are seeking revenge on him in this world, but could they also seek revenge on him in the afterlife? Upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that there are numerous complex issues that we struggle to understand, highlighting the importance of self-knowledge in approaching the pure essence of God.

You can accept blindly and say, "I believe, I accept with my feelings and love."   But what about reason and your belief? You cannot access that entry until you understand this.
In a sense, people are believed to be a part of God's being. If we understand this part, we also understand God. I previously mentioned that God is like a genie in a magic lamp for us. That is why we turn to God to resolve all of our difficulties and issues.
Many of us wake up in the morning and present a list of demands to God. We ask for certain things to be done, certain payments to be made, and certain situations to be resolved. Sometimes, we even express negative thoughts like wishing ill on others. You ask for favors from God and superior forces by seeking compliments and praises. It's like instructing a servant in the morning to carry out tasks. This is due to not having a personal relationship with them.
Many people tend to accept and worship God when they believe that their interests are being fulfilled by Him. However, if they perceive that God is not doing anything for them, they become disbelievers. In general, people tend to be good when their interests are protected, but if they feel that they are being harmed in any way, they can become aggressive towards others.
When someone agrees with us and protects our interests, we tend to see them as a good person. However, if they disagree with us, we often view them in a negative light. Dezhakam may be a great person in the eyes of some, but as soon as he disagrees with them, they tend to focus on his flaws and shortcomings.
It's a common trait among humans to support others as long as it benefits them. However, as soon as they feel their interests are threatened, they tend to distance themselves from the situation. This is true even in politics (although we're not discussing politics here) - when someone is rising to the top, everyone wants to see them succeed. But as soon as they start to fall, everyone around them begins to push them down. It's as if they're all kicking them while they're down.
In life, individuals often tend to rally behind those who are successful and thriving, thinking that aligning with such individuals will prove advantageous in the long term. On the contrary, when they encounter someone facing challenges or experiencing failure, they might distance themselves due to a fear of being associated with failure. Interestingly, this dynamic can sometimes flip and repeat itself. In certain instances, people extend their support to help the struggling individual advance more quickly. This phenomenon is a characteristic behavior among believers.
We previously talked about the essence of the human being. The human essence is divided into two parts: the first is the body (physique) which is visible and the second is the spirit (energy). Millions of cells that make up the body will perish after death, but the spiritual essence is released as a form of energy and will travel to a designated destination. If we look deep within ourselves we can locate a center of energy within us.
"We said, as we delve into the essence of matter, we encounter atoms - electrons and protons. If we further break them down, we reach something called quarks, and breaking quarks leads us to waves.
However, if our pursuit is driven by wealth or status, we will never perceive this, as such aspirations are fundamentally incompatible with genuine human thoughts."
Some people never contemplate their own self-awareness. They simply desire to eat, sleep, rest, accumulate wealth, and such things. It's as if everything else is in order as long as their car is running, their apartment is in order, and their freezer is stocked with food. As long as their love life is stable, they feel there are no other concerns. This is a kind of existence, and it's not necessarily a bad thing.
Some are genuinely seeking personal growth and progress in their lives. However, some individuals are solely focused on themselves and their immediate family. They want to acquire everything for their own benefit - money, property, cars, and leisure. They believe that this is a natural and positive approach to life.
At a certain point, my desire for prosperity transcends personal gain; I wish it for everyone, hoping it brings benefits to others too. In a community, when one member suffers, the impact resonates with all. I pray for God's mercy on Saadi, and if others are unhappy, my own joy is elusive. There's a poem expressing that the sorrows of the poor made me sick, and the severity of the drought in Damascus was so unrelenting that the bonds of friendship were eclipsed by the struggle for survival.
The poem which expresses the sentiment of having everything yet feeling sadness. The poet conveys that the source of their distress is not personal lack or inadequacy; instead, it stems from witnessing the problems and sufferings of others. They eventually reach the point that ideally, people should not have to endure such hardships and difficulties.
Some say: “I should only care about myself and my family, and I have the best house, facilities, and possessions in Zafaranieh. I don't worry about what others have.”
One day, a friend of mine who claimed to be religious, told me about an employee who was complaining about his low wage. When I asked how much my friend was paying him, he replied that the employee worked for three hours a day and was paid 200 thousand tomans per month.
I was surprised to learn that despite having an income of 4 to 6 million tomans, my friend was paying his employee only 200 thousand tomans a month.
Just take a look at the amount of money he has to pay for transportation. When he takes a taxi and reaches the next intersection, the driver demands 500 tomans. How would you like to give 200 thousand tomans to him?  He mentioned it's his second job, but I responded by emphasizing that it doesn't make a difference whether it's his second or third job. The question remains: why should you pay him the minimum wage? How can you be in a position today, earning 1, 2, 5, or 6 million, and yet pay your worker 5 thousand tomans, 7 tomans, or 4 tomans while you believe that such practices align with religious principles?
So, you drive the best car and yet pay someone only 200 tomans? It's incomprehensible. When questioned, the response is that many people are willing to work for 100 tomans a month because they have no other options, jobs are scarce. Even women are accepting jobs for 100 tomans a month, and some for 200 tomans a month, simply because jobs are scarce. This point is where real people contemplate these things.
The second part is the spirit (energy). Following wisdom’s command can lead us towards realizing the mysteries of our inner and outer essence and also the secrets of other universes parallel to ours. External universes do exist but only when the internal eye has been opened to them and this happens for individuals obedient to the supreme force.
When we scientifically dissect and explore the core essence, we discover that there isn't just one world beyond our bodies; instead, there are multiple worlds that encompass the afterlife. Other creatures do not have the luxury of this divine gift. Other creatures don't derive as much benefit from this gift; we can assert that only humans truly take advantage of it. To attain and progress through these stages, every individual must be accompanied by the grace of God and embark on their journey of purification. This is not a straightforward process. Anyone aspiring to reach this state must be guided by God's grace; otherwise, they won't transcend the physical realm and need to initiate the purification process within themselves.
What holds the key is purification. It is the sole factor that can elevate a person to higher levels. There is nothing else but the continuous process of purification and refinement.  As I mentioned before, and reiterated many times, the only means to transform polluted, muddy, and dirty water into clear water is purification. Because you can convert contaminated, dirty, and black water into clear water with no words, prayers, or austerities. If someone sits in front of a bowl of muddy water, prays, and practices austerity for 40 days, sleeps on a nail at night, and eats only an almond kernel, can they turn the water clear? If one person can achieve it, then all others can too without purification. Man must cleanse himself of anti-values.
Creation is so diverse in other universes that is hard to imagine and that’s why it is unbelievable. We have not been able to comprehend even the slightest details of it. Let's delve into the topic of existence now. The universe is vast and expansive, and it encompasses more than just the Earth. Our existence is not trivial or insignificant; it is not simply a matter of falling from the sky and landing on the ground. The universe is incredibly vast and diverse, populated by numerous creatures in its visible and hidden forms. The diversity is so great that only God knows. Therefore, the world we see is not the only one that exists.
The speed of light is 300,000 kilometers per second. It is 1000 kilometers away from here to Mashhad, and if you want to travel by car, it will take about 14-15 hours. However, light travels at an incredible speed of 300,000 kilometers per second, which is incredibly fast. If we were to travel at the speed of light, we would have only crossed 10 million light-years of the Milky Way to reach the spiral galaxy. There is so much power in the world we live in, and we often forget how small we are compared to the universe around us.
Human’s visible attributes or the body:
The body or the human’s visible attributes which is called the inner city or the first body are visible to us, we are capable of feeling and touching it. Some examples of these physical attributes are: the brain, heart, kidneys, hands, and five senses which are made up of small particles called cells and each cell itself is like a huge city and other complicated systems that are beyond our comprehension. The visible form of the human body is composed of organs such as the heart, head, kidney, hand, and everything that can be touched and felt. The smallest unit of the body is the cell, which is akin to a big city. The human body contains thousands of complex systems that we have yet to fully comprehend. When you touch something hot, your body reacts instantly by pulling your hand back. You don't have to think about the fact that it's hot, you just react to the sensation. This reaction is a reflex, and while we know that it happens, we don't fully understand how it works. This is just one example of the visible attributes of our bodies, which are the physical appearances that we can observe.
Human’s invisible attributes or the external essence:
Just like the first body or the physique that is made up of many components, the second body, or psyche is also made up of certain components. They are the self, out-of-body sensations, wisdom, spirit, virtual body, archives, and so on.
For instance, what does a virtual body mean? As an illustration, a virtual object is something that you might see in a dream. Now in order to shed light on this matter let’s define self and its evolution. We discussed the visible attributes extensively, but it's important to note that there are also invisible attributes that are composed of various parts. It's worth considering the location of wisdom, the mind, and the archive, and the senses outside the body, as well as that of virtual objects.

When you dream at night, do you see yourself in the dream? Your body is not what you dream with. There is another body. It is asleep, with closed eyes, ears, and mouth. What are you seeing with? For instance, if you dream of Mr. Abbas or Mrs. Shahla, while they are sleeping in their home, you may wonder why they are present in your dream. Sometimes, they appear to be in a different place than you've ever been to, or even in a different time. For example, you might dream of a grandparent who has passed away, but you see them in your dream while they look younger, are dressed differently, and are in a different location. Well, this is just your brain creating a dream that you are experiencing. When we say that they are sleeping, it means that we have agreed to let this issue be resolved without taking any immediate action. None of you are aware of the details of this issue. I apologize, but we all have deceived ourselves. What do we actually know? He is sleeping. What does sleep signify? What form does it take? What is it called when we perceive things in locations we have not physically seen before? When we witness events that occur in the future, what is this phenomenon called? When we experience dreams that later come true, what is the explanation for this? And many other issues.
These invisible attributes refer to entities such as the self and phenomena that exist beyond the physical body. When you dream, you may experience fear and panic. Nightmares can cause significant distress, particularly for individuals who use drugs, especially methamphetamine users.

Nightmares can have a severe impact on individuals who take psychoactive or sedative pills, as well as those who have certain medical conditions. These nightmares can disrupt their sleep and cause significant distress, leading to a state of fear every night when they try to sleep. Some individuals resort to placing religious items such as the Quran, Bible, or Buddha on their heads, or wearing a cross, while others engage in prayer and recitation of religious verses during sleep in an attempt to alleviate their nightmares. However, despite these efforts, they may still continue to experience nightmares.
A nightmare is a disturbing dream that occurs during sleep. Nightmares can be more intense and distressing than waking experiences. In a waking scenario, if someone attacks you, you can defend yourself by hitting them with a shovel, and that would be the end of it. However, in a nightmare, the situation can escalate. For example, even if you hit someone's head with a shovel in a nightmare, they may continue to get up and regenerate, similar to what happens in cartoons. Nightmares can be significantly more unsettling than waking experiences.  What are these?
Trust me, nightmares are far more distressing than being awake. In wakefulness, you might get a painful slap to the ear, and yes, it hurts just as much in sleep and nightmares. When an unfortunate event occurs while you're conscious, you cry and scream; similarly, tears and screams accompany your sleep and nightmares. When we mention a nightmare or a dream, some individuals perceive it as a trivial and meaningless experience, brushing it off as nothing significant. However, this perception is inaccurate. The truth is, it's 100% valid. For the person undergoing a nightmare, the moment within that dream is more tangible and genuine than the reality they wake up to.
Our perception of the world is entirely dependent on a sequence of senses. Some dismiss it as insignificant, attributing our perceptions solely to a predetermined system. We see certain things as red, others as green, and yet more as yellow. The question arises: Why?
The existence of colors—red, yellow, and green—is not inherent; rather, it's a result of the nature of waves. The speed of these waves determines the colors we perceive. When waves form objects or interact with light, they either absorb or reflect it, giving rise to different colors. Consider why colors are indistinguishable in the dark. In darkness, you can't discern green, yellow, or red; everything appears black. In the presence of light, colors emerge—green, red, purple. The question arises: Is this an inherent quality or a perception shaped by how we see it?
According to this perspective, a nightmare isn't merely a dream; for the person experiencing it, it becomes their truth, their reality, their life in that moment. At that juncture, they may not even contemplate the existence of another life they need to resume. The question then arises: What, in your view, defines reality?
We, sitting here now, tend to believe that what we are currently observing is reality. Indeed, for those experiencing nightmares, their reality is confined to what they see during those distressing dreams. Absolutely, for individuals dealing with hallucinations or schizophrenia, what they perceive in their waking life becomes their reality. It is a common belief that what schizophrenic patients experience are illusions. Many people perceive them as being mentally ill or "crazy." These individuals see things in a similar way to how you might see a nightmare or an event in a dream. However, when these experiences occur while a person is awake, it is referred to as schizophrenia. Do you understand?
If something frightening is witnessed in a dream, it's commonly referred to as a nightmare. When a similarly distressing experience occurs while awake, it is labeled as schizophrenia. Who endorses these terms? Which scientists and doctors recognize and acknowledge this classification? None of them embrace this notion. They insist that it's an illusion, categorizing the individual as delusional. Yet, for the person undergoing these experiences, these events happen based on their feelings in the invisible attributes.Top of Form

Rumi said: “Five external senses are easy for it to manage, and five internal senses (faculties) are under its command. There are ten senses and seven limbs (of the body) et cetera: count over (to yourself) what is not mentioned (here).” It means that from the inside, 5 senses are attached to it including vision and external senses. On the other hand, the soul possesses 5 senses that are external and act as agents and guards. There are 10 senses and 7 other organs. There are not just 5 senses, but also 7 other organs and 7 other bodily systems. If you understand the main idea, you will enjoy discovering the seven figures.
Schizophrenics, bipolar, and those experiencing psychosis or suicidal thoughts may experience out-of-body sensations. These sensations are related to the mind, archives, and virtual bodies. When will we be able to achieve this? Rumi believed there were 5 senses within us and 5 outside, but we believe that there are 11 senses: 5 internal, 5 external, and one that is common to both. We also challenge Rumi's ideas, or at times, we even surpass him in our thinking. There are five internal senses, five external senses, and a sixth sense that connects the internal and external senses.

The external senses detect something in the environment or within its own cognitive system. This information is then transferred to the individual through the sixth sense. For instance, it may indicate that your aunt is on her way, or that someone is approaching, or that you need to leave. You're walking down the street when suddenly you spot the person you've been searching for for the past four years. There's a connection between these two groups of senses. This sensation is often associated with schizophrenia and insanity. Right now, you're fully alert and all five of your inner senses are functioning properly. The way in which our inner senses and other bodies operate cannot be fully elucidated now. However, in this particular situation, our senses of sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste are being utilized. If one wishes to access the inner senses, it is necessary to enter into a state of intuition, ecstasy, or soul protection.
In order for your other senses to become active, your physical senses need to be turned off. During your dreams, your physical senses cease to function, and your body falls into a state of sleep. Your eyes and ears shut down, allowing your other senses to develop and function. In your sleep, you experience a variety of events such as scenes, conversations, fights, and even lovemaking. However, some of these sensations no longer work, while others start working. In individuals who suffer from schizophrenia, experience a sudden disconnection from reality due to issues in their nervous and chemical systems in the brain, as well as with neurotransmitters. This means that while they may be fully aware of their surroundings one moment, the next moment, all five of their senses may suddenly shut off. For instance, at this very moment, I am present in this space, observing my surroundings, seeing you, and interacting with the objects around me such as the microphone and the glass of water. Individuals who are experiencing schizophrenia or transitioning into another stage may suddenly perceive a loss of their surroundings and environment. I may no longer perceive anything in the physical space I am in, and my ability to use my five external senses becomes impaired or ceases to function.
When my senses stop working, I may find myself perceiving a different environment, such as being in a forest where I can see everything around me. I may also experience hallucinations of being attacked by a predatory animal or being held hostage by five people who intend to harm me, such as beheading or torturing me. Alternatively, I may feel as if I am in a location where I am at risk of being thrown over a valley or stabbed. In such situations, it is common for me to exhibit intense distress by screaming, grabbing my hair, and engaging in shouting behaviors. I feel disconnected from my current physical surroundings and have established a connection with another space or place. In this altered reality, I may feel compelled to scream, shout, or engage in erratic behaviors such as running away. It is important to note that others observing my actions may perceive them as unusual or indicative of instability, labeling me as "crazy" or mentally unwell. Despite external input or attempts to communicate, I am unable to hear or acknowledge others as I am fully immersed in this alternate space and place.

All these topics revolve around self-knowledge and human understanding. Present-day science has not completely delved into these realms, but hopefully, it will in the future. If we gain insights into these areas, it could potentially lead to the cure of numerous mental illnesses. However, the current approach often involves prescribing various pills to suppress symptoms, rather than addressing the root causes. There is a reluctance to acknowledge experiences beyond the physical body, and virtual space is not fully accepted. In cases where someone is witnessing scenes that lead to violent acts, it becomes crucial to inquire why these visions occur and what underlying reasons contribute to them.
Did the scenes happen in reality or not? The scene he's describing did happen, from my perspective. He recounts being thrown from a mountain and being stabbed, and all these events are stored in his archive. However, he denies these experiences, insisting that nothing of the sort has occurred since childhood. Yet, when we consider the perspective of eternity, these experiences span from the beginning of time until the present. Psychiatrists from the past, such as Jung and others, employed immediate tests, including hypnosis. Through hypnosis, individuals were taken back in time to various ages—whether it be 50 years old, 30 years old, 20 years old, 40 years old, 2 years old, or even in the womb. During hypnosis, some even recounted experiences of traversing their mother's womb and entering different spaces and places. I believe that the experiences of being stabbed, thrown off a mountain, or encountering something terrible happened to him at some point and are stored in his archive. It might not be from his current life but spans from eternity until now. This belief is rooted in the idea that our creation dates back to the beginning, from what some scholars refer to as the underworld. In this view, we existed in the world of particles, small like a particle, and God made a covenant with us, asking if He is our Lord, and we affirmed, starting our life from that agreement. Now, let's explore what transpired in the universe. I believe this accounts for about 90%, and I'm certain it's part of his archive; these experiences will likely stay with him. These events belong to the invisible attributes. How many of these do we truly understand? Understanding these aspects is the key to knowing oneself, and knowing oneself is the path to understanding God. Well, I haven't even completed a single page.

Now in order to shed light on this matter let’s define self and its evolution. If we aim to scrutinize each of these, it would be a lengthy discourse, What exactly is the soul? Who truly comprehends the nature of the soul? Whoever holds that knowledge, please come forward and share it with me! What about the self? Can anyone articulate what the self truly is? Share your insights if you possess that understanding! And then there's the concept of an archive—what does it signify? It sounds like a bit of a mess. I've been tuning into a radio channel, I won't mention which one, and for the past 7, 8, 10 months, maybe even a year, the speaker has been delving into the topic of “self”. Despite this prolonged discussion, I'm still struggling to grasp the core of their message. There's also a university professor who frequently references philosophers like Mullah Sadra, Descartes, Plato, Folliton, Spinoza, and the like. After an hour of listening, I'm left wondering, "What exactly is the definition of self?" The complexity of the discussions leaves me somewhat perplexed.

Numerous books aim to unravel the mysteries of self-knowledge. Yet, upon careful examination, many of these works present a blend of concepts. At times, the self is treated as synonymous with the soul, suggesting an inherent unity between the two. Conversely, there are instances where the self is linked to the body, implying an equivalence between the self and the physical form. When attempts are made to equate the soul with both itself and the body, it implies a convergence, positing that all three are one, even if this may not be the case.  According to Sardar, when he uses the term "Bayt" (Home) he refers to the place where humans reside. If animals inhabit the space, it wouldn't be designated as "Bayt" (Home). The self is distinct from the soul, and the soul is distinct from the body—each carries its unique significance. When we contemplate the self, we view the soul as entirely separate from both the spirit and the body. The initial thought that comes to mind is quite straightforward. For Muslims and those who adhere to the Quran, our main and authoritative source is the Holy Quran. The Quran specifies that at the time of death, perceived as a transition or handing over, angels of death intervene. According to the Quran, these angels take the self of a person at the moment of death, symbolically described as taking away the self. The angels of death take a person's self at the moment of death. So, we are alive, and when these angels take our selves, the transition from life to death occurs.

What does "taking the spirit" mean in this context? What role does the spirit play in this situation? According to the Quran, we don't have the concept of "taking the spirit." Instead, the divine angels deliver the spirit, not take it. There is no action described as "taking the spirit" in this context. There is no existence of an evil spirit. Similarly, there is no concept of a pure spirit, and we do not attribute an animal spirit to anything. In my view, animals do not possess a spirit. We do not have a tangible or physical spirit, nor do we harbor an evil spirit. The spirit itself does not inherently become evil. The concept of evil spirits does not exist at all. It is not associated with any evil essence. The spirit of an angel or a symbol signifies purity, knowledge, and consciousness—all directed toward positivity. I can affirm that the spirit is in opposition to the jinn; it symbolizes goodness and purity. The spirit is under the command of the Lord, obedient to God's directives. “And by the spirit and He who proportioned it” (Holy Quran). The spirit is breathed into a person, and when it reaches the middle stage, the divine breath is infused into it.

The spirit is described in the book of God as a symbol of purity, divinity, and goodness. When something is a divine, pure, and good symbol, it cannot become evil. The spirit, being divine, does not succumb to corruption. Corruption is associated with the self; the self may incline towards either evil or divinity. If it is evident that the self encourages a person to engage in wrongdoing, then it can be said that the self has adopted a malevolent nature. Conversely, a self that aligns with divinity is reassured.

“[To the righteous it will be said], O reassured self, Return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him]. And enter among My [righteous] servants. And enter My Paradise” (Holy Quran). Indeed, there exists a divine and merciful spirit. In my belief, we do not have a category of spirit or an animal spirit. There is no concept of an evil spirit; instead, we have compassionate spirits. The classification of spirits does not include an animal or malevolent spirit. We may have malevolent jinn and compassionate selves, but within the category of the spirit, such distinctions do not apply.

Now, let's delve into the meaning of the spirit. It's important to note that the concept of the spirit is distinct from that of the self. Often, various aspects related to the self are erroneously categorized as the spirit. We mention that the angels of death take over our spirits. Can you find a verse in the Quran that explicitly states that angels take over our spirits? Similarly, provide a passage where it mentions evil spirits or refers to the spirit as being ugly. In the Qur'an, the concept of the spirit is mentioned approximately 19 times, and nowhere is it portrayed negatively. This signifies that the spirit is considered divine, pure, and significant for humans. In the realm of self-knowledge, we have incorrectly equated the self with the spirit, amalgamating everything related to the spirit with the self. This amalgamation is a substantial mistake. It is surprising that despite the Quran's clear portrayal in our fundamental document, we still discuss concepts like taking over the spirit, the spirit, Azrael, etc. Moreover, depictions of spirits in movies are often misrepresentations; what is shown as spirits are actually selves, not spirits.

What defines the existence internally and externally is the self; in other words, it is the main identity or foundation of every creature; it defines the essence or existentiality of that being internally or externally, in awakening and sleep, in the physical world and hereafter. Self is not physical body nor spirit. For instance: a plant’s self is what creates that plant or the animal’s self gives existence to that very animal or the human’s self is what made the human. The self has desires which can come under two categories: irrational desires and rational desires. Each human self is in a level or a rank based on his desires and knowledge, let’s give a brief explanation of these levels or ranks:

Thus, the self is what defines the existence internally and externally,  in awakening and sleep. When you are sleeping, your self delineates your existence in this world and the hereafter. In this world, the self defines your existence. Upon death, after approximately 120 years, assuming you pass away, the angels of death will arrive and take your self to another realm. Consequently, your existence here diminishes as they assume control over your self. It's important to note that the terms "self," "human self," and "being's self" all refer to the principal and fundamental components of the self. Hence, when the self is taken over, the body ceases to exist, and there is no longer anything to ascertain existence because it is the self that determines existence. Once the self is gone, that's the end of it.

Thus what defines the existence internally and externally is the self; This illustrates the external and internal configuration of the human being  in other words, it is the main identity or foundation of every creature; it defines the essence or existentiality of that being internally or externally, in awakening and sleep, in the physical world and hereafter. Self is not physical body nor spirit. For instance, how the self defines the existence?

A plant’s self is what creates that plant.  or the animal’s self gives existence to that very animal or the human’s self is what made the human. Palm trees, desert bushes, grapevines, and Tabrizi trees—all have their self determining their existence.  Consider a car with a driver. The driver operates the car. In this analogy, who is the driver? The self. Now, apply the same concept to a bush—the car is the bush, and the driver is the self of the bush. Extend this analogy to a date tree—the car is the tree, and the driver is the self of the tree. You might wonder, does a palm tree have a driver? Yes, it does. If the self of a palm tree is taken away, the tree will die and wither. Similarly, if water reaches the top of the palm tree, it will suffocate, leading to the death of the palm tree. Each plant has a specific self that determines its existence. For example, the self of a desert bush determines the existence of a desert plant with no flowers, fruits, or leaves—just a few thorns. The self is essential for determining the existence and driving the growth of each plant.
The self that drives a palm tree must be more advanced, and the awareness of the driver of a desert bush is distinct from that of the driver of a palm tree.

Anyone aspiring to become a pilot is initially taken to the back of a Boeing plane. After observing the training there, they introduce the individual to a simulator—an apparatus not located on the ground but rather in a hall, simulating the experience of being in the air. In this simulator, they instruct the trainee on how to stand and sit correctly, pointing out any mistakes. This training is not feasible on an actual Boeing plane. Subsequently, after simulator training, the individual progresses to flying a small plane before eventually becoming the co-pilot of a larger aircraft.

Similarly, in nature, the self with intelligence and awareness is initially at the level of a bush, possessing no greater intelligence than that. Such a self cannot guide a palm tree. The self that guides a palm tree or a grape tree is something different. All entities are not without accountability; they have roles in nature and the universe and must undergo their evolutionary stages. The information and awareness present in a desert bush or a thorn differ significantly from the information and awareness found in a grape tree, date tree, walnut tree, or other plants. Similarly, the awareness of a domestic chicken is distinct from that of an eagle or a hawk. A domestic chicken cannot become an eagle pilot without receiving the necessary training. Some might argue that an eagle's egg will turn into an eagle, and so on, but this pertains to the appearance or the external form (that is the car). I acknowledge the role of genes and genetics in shaping the physical attributes, characteristics, and properties of the body—the mold and machine of a human. However, the force that drives and directs this machinery is something beyond mere material aspects. This driving force originates from a higher and transcendent realm.

We are bestowed with this body, a vessel for our existence, but we are not the operators of it entirely. Some aspects are under our control, while others function automatically. Every self, whether it belongs to a plant, animal, or human, harbors a set of desires. From being a desert bush to a palm tree, from a wolf to a tiger, from a domestic chicken to an eagle, the self has inherent desires. As we transition into the human stage, these desires are categorized into rational and irrational, reasonable and unreasonable. We will delve into these distinctions in our next discussion. Thank you for your attention.

Part three

We start the session seeking strength from The Supreme Power, Allah. Hello friends, I am Hossein, a traveler, the guardian of the session.... Hello Hossein.
To free ourselves from the most powerful enemy of ours, which is our ignorance and unawareness, let us be silent for 14 seconds and take refuge to Almighty God. ...

Thank you, friends. I kindly ask Secretary Ms. Neda to share a summary of our performance in the previous session and to outline today's agenda, focusing on The Fourth Valley. 

Hello friends, I am Soheila, a traveler. ...Hello Soheila.

In the name of the Almighty
Today marks the 14th session of the 19th series held on September 4th, 2012, at 9 a.m. The master of the ceremony and the guest speaker of the session is Mr. Dezhakam and I, Soheila, am the secretary. Thank you.

Thank you, Hello friends. I’m Hossein, a traveler. I hope you're doing well. Today, our discussion continues with the Fourth Valley. In the Fourth Valley, we discussed “In vital matters, leaving the responsibility to God means neglecting one’s own responsibility”. We have somewhat outlined it for you.

Basically, in this valley, it is suggested that humans find ways to escape responsibility, and this escape from responsibility manifests itself in various forms. It starts with a small child and even adults engage in this escape from responsibility. To avoid doing his homework at night, A young child, feigns illness, claiming to have a headache, a stomach ache, or leg pain, just to avoid completing his homework. Similarly, a student comes up with lots of different excuses to avoid doing his homework for the teacher. Someone who hasn't gone on time to get their OT comes up with many excuses, a thousand tricks, to justify this situation. The student doesn't listen to their teacher's instructions, doesn't follow them, and tries to compensate for it by bribing the teacher and buying gifts so that the teacher doesn't hold them accountable. Fathers and their children may not fulfill their responsibilities. They may try to compensate for this by giving money, giving gifts, or doing something else. Similarly, spouses may also avoid fulfilling their necessary responsibilities but try to cover up the situation. Another aspect of this is that sometimes people try to escape responsibility by assigning their responsibilities to God. In all these situations and parts where a person avoids responsibility, they always try to shift the responsibility onto someone else. They are capable actors and skilled performers. 

In my writings, I've emphasized that we're all performers. Life is like a theater, and each of us plays our part exceptionally well, whether it's in front of God or when trying to shift responsibility onto someone else's shoulders. We do not implement any of God's orders but when we try to pass our responsibilities onto God, we suddenly become very devout. We perform our ablutions meticulously, pray with perfect pronunciation, and show great reverence. Why? Because we're seeking something from God, hoping He'll take on our burdens or fulfill our requests. In numerous life situations, we tend to present the facade of righteousness; we consistently choose the right side. And we're truly adept at playing our roles in the movie of life. From toddlers as young as two or four years old to seniors aged ninety, people often play roles and shift responsibility onto others. Essentially, many prefer to absolve themselves of blame. Whenever there's a problem, they tend to point fingers at someone else. The more ignorant a person is, the less likely they are to accept responsibility. Ignorance often leads to avoidance of responsibility. This refusal to accept responsibility is a clear sign of ignorance. Sometimes, a seemingly simple problem becomes needlessly complicated. For instance, when asked who drank the water from the glass on the table, a person might respond straightforwardly, admitting to either purposefully drinking it or doing so by mistake. It's as simple as that! 

He creates a thousand scenarios and provides numerous excuses for not drinking the water, even though everyone knows he did. He imagines the consequences of admitting to drinking it. This reluctance to accept responsibility leads to unnecessary complications. Simply saying, "Yes, I drank it”, or “Yes, I used drugs" would resolve the issue. I mentioned that humans are very clever and perceptive. They are aware of what is happening and who is responsible for what. It's impossible for them not to know. Yet, they often hesitate to accept blame. For instance, if you accidentally hit someone's car, it's important to acknowledge your mistake and apologize. Simply admitting fault can resolve many issues. Exactly, understanding and knowledgeable individuals are willing to apologize. Wise people recognize their mistakes and take responsibility by admitting them. In contrast, ignorant individuals tend to avoid taking responsibility for their actions.

Thieves and criminals caught by the police always deny their actions and avoid taking responsibility. For example, if caught stealing a recording of a car and taken to the police station, they deny any involvement, saying, "I didn't do it!" They keep denying and refuse to confess, usually because of personal problems and a reluctance to accept responsibility. By the way, it's better to confess at the police station. Confessing can be beneficial! Thieves have a saying: "The smartest thief is the one who doesn't get caught by the police." They believe it's smarter not to confess if caught. They advise admitting to everything stolen because if they are caught, they'll be beaten so much they might falsely admit to stealing things they didn't take. The same applies whether it's before the judge or the police. They'll extract a confession from him; it's unavoidable. But if he confesses and cooperates, admitting "I stole this, I stole that," the situation is much different and more manageable. These are also aspects of taking responsibility.

I mentioned that in order to understand responsibility, we discussed the self of humans. We asked, "Who is doing what?" According to old sayings, who wears the pants? Who plays the main role? Is it the spirit? The body? Or the self? Which one holds the primary role? Which one is the determining factor?  We can't determine this solely from a physical or earthly perspective, as our understanding doesn't extend to those realms. We lack knowledge about dimensions beyond our physical world. Because we lack knowledge about that dimension; except for a select few individuals. There are very few who possess such knowledge. As the proverb goes, who has returned from that world to share news? We acknowledge that some are departing, some are in transit, and some are currently moving between this world and that one, but they are exceedingly rare. They are similar to consciousness.

Our primary source of understanding comes from the heavenly books. These texts are unique in their exploration of this topic, addressing the existence of another world, the presence of God, the role of angels, and the concept of an afterlife. Prophets have come forth proclaiming the existence of such realms and outlining their characteristics. Thus, if we seek insight into who currently wears the pants or the nature of this narrative, consulting the holy books is essential.

Indeed, there are numerous holy books, each belonging to different cultures and religions, offering their own unique perspectives. From the Upanishads to the Zoroastrian scriptures, the Bible with its Psalms of David and the writings of Solomon, to the works of prophets like Isaiah, the Kalimis, the Torah, the Gospels, and the Holy Qur’an, each text provides valuable insights into spiritual matters. Indeed, the Holy Qur’an holds a significant place among humanity's sacred texts. Its teachings are not limited to a particular group but are considered valuable for all of humanity. Referring to the Qur’an can offer profound insights into different matters. Whether we choose to accept it or not is another matter. When we're open to accepting, let's examine what He said. He asserts that the self plays the primary role, while the spirit has no role.

Why is it referred to as the "self"? Because it's mentioned somewhere that "We created you from a Single Self." Then it's mentioned that the angels of death will take away your self. So, as we discussed last time, the self plays the primary role. Then we discussed what the self is. The self is what defines existence, or in other words, it is the primary identity or foundation of every creature. Now, there may be flesh, skin, and bones on that chassis, but they are not part of the soul. For example, every morning you put on clothes—pants, shirts, coats, scarves, shoes—but those garments are not our essence. The essence is the self, not the clothes we wear. I will read a few lines from last time and then we will continue.

What defines the existence internally and externally is self; in other words it is the main identity or foundation of every creature; it defines the essence or existentiality of that being internally or externally, in awakening and sleep, in physical world and hereafter. Self is not physical body nor spirit. For instance: a plant’s self is what creates that plant or the animal’s self gives existence to that very animal or human’s self is what made the human. The self has desires.

Typically, God has instilled power within the self. The self's desires revolve around the love of survival, any species loves to survive. Essentially, the Main Architect [the Divine Creator] has embedded this survival instinct in every creature, ensuring that each being strives to preserve itself and its species.

For example, a wolf exhibits a powerful survival instinct that motivates it to defend itself and its offspring. This behavior is instinctive and is evident in the actions of other creatures, even at the cost of their own lives, to protect their offspring. If a fledgling crow falls from its nest, a chorus of crows will swoop in to rescue it. Similarly, if a human child falls into a river, a multitude of individuals will endeavor to retrieve the child from the water. Similarly, if someone is trapped in a canal or tunnel, a collective effort will be made to extricate them.

The capacity for reproduction is also a highly developed trait in these creatures, which drives them to survive. The absence of sexual power in creatures would result in the immediate disappearance and extinction of the human species and other creatures. Consequently, every creature has desires, some of which are instinctive, natural, and for the sake of its survival. It must eat, sleep in a safe place, and protect itself, its offspring, and its species. These are among the demands of every creature for its own survival.

When it comes to human beings, desires can be categorized into two types: irrational and rational. Unlike animals such as horses, sheep, and snakes, humans possess both types of desires. While animals may have desires from their perspective, we perceive that they lack irrational and rational desires. Instead, their desires are driven by natural instincts essential for survival.

The human self has desires which can come under two categories: irrational desires and rational desires. Thus, each human’s self is in a level or a rank based on his desires and knowledge, let’s give a brief explanation of these levels or ranks:

We established that the core entity is the self. Now, this self possesses a range of tools, such as senses, intellect, emotions, and reasoning, all inherent structures of the self. Humans vary, based on their wealth, weight, or color? They differ based on their reasoning abilities. Every individual is unique in their intelligence and knowledge. The distinguishing factor among humans lies in their level of understanding—are they knowledgeable or ignorant? This sets them apart, regardless of other factors.

From what I understand, the concept of the self is often seen as having three distinct parts. Generally speaking, in humans, the self is divided into three parts, forming a triangle: the lower self that commands, the middle self that blames, and the reassured or perfected self. These three aspects are believed to exist within humans. In my view, there are only three main divisions, no more. Some individuals may subscribe to different divisions of the self, leading to a wide range of beliefs and understandings. For example, the Marzia self and the Razia self. (Laughing... Don’t look at Ms. Marzia and Ms. Razia, we have both of them here.)

I identified three distinct aspects of the self in my book, which can be justified and clearly distinguished by their names. These are the main divisions of the self: the commanding self, the blaming self, and the reassured or perfected self. All humans fall into one of these categories, based on their knowledge, awareness, intelligence, and level of perfection. These are the main branches of the self. Think of it like the education system: primary school may have six or seven grades, high school may have another five or six, and university can have various levels such as bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and postdoctoral degrees. Each of these levels is part of a larger format—school or university. Similarly, the self has its main categories: commanding, blaming, and reassured. Each of these categories can have sub-levels, just like the different grades in school.

Now, let's explore what defines the self. First, we have the lower self, often referred to as the commanding self, written with an "A" because it derives from "order" or "command." The highest stage of the self's evolution in animals can be seen as the starting point for human self-evolution. In animals, the self operates purely on instinct and desires. For example, when a sheep or a goat sees a plant and feels hungry, it eats grass immediately without considering ownership, permission, or consequences.

So I read it again; I didn't read the sentence properly the first time. The last stage of the self's evolution in animals can be seen as the starting point for human self-evolution. It means that the highest stage of the self's evolution in animals is the starting point for human self-evolution. It means that the self first exists in animals and then develops in humans; it is the same lower self. Now, if the self in animals can be divided- I'm not sure how it can be divided, as I haven't studied it- it's likely that the self in animals also has stages, which may vary depending on the type of animal.

For example, as I mentioned last time, the self of a desert plant is at one stage, while the self of a date palm or a vine is at another. I frequently refer to the date palm because it is very valuable and strong among trees. Date palms are interesting because there are male and female trees, and they require fertilization. They even have a structure on top that resembles a nervous system. The part at the top of the palm tree is often referred to as its brain; if it gets waterlogged, the tree can die. That's why I often mention date palms—not because I particularly like dates, but because the date palm tree itself is fascinating. Similarly, the vine tree is unique because it can crawl and move if not restrained.

For example, as I mentioned last time, the self of a desert plant is at one stage, while the self of a date palm or a vine is at another. I frequently refer to the date palm because it is very valuable and strong among trees. Date palms are interesting because there are male and female trees, and they require fertilization. They even have a structure on top that resembles a nervous system. The part at the top of the palm tree is often referred to as its brain; if it gets waterlogged, the tree can die. That's why I often mention date palms—not because I particularly like dates, but because the date palm tree itself is fascinating. Similarly, the vine tree is unique because it can crawl and move if not restrained.

These can vary from each other. The highest stage of the self, when advanced, enters the human stage. The same applies to plants; the highest stage of self in a plant becomes the first stage of self in an animal. It's possible that the most advanced plant could become something like a worm, a domestic chicken, or other animals with lower awareness. But why is this so? This text aims to highlight that when a sheep sees grass, it simply eats it without considering ownership, payment, or permission. It doesn't concern itself with these matters. A donkey behaves similarly. The text suggests that the lower self is like a sheep, like an animal, indifferent to who owns something or whether it is forbidden to consume it.

Therefore, at this stage, the self in humans acts instinctively, like an animal's self. In the stage of the lower self, it behaves on instinct. If he sees something desirable, he takes it. For example, he goes to a party at someone's house, sees a gold ring on a dresser, likes it, and takes it. He goes to a shop and steals whatever he wants. It doesn't matter to him who it belongs to; he just wants to satisfy his desires.

Therefore, at this stage, the self in humans acts instinctively, like an animal's self and the lower self is commanding and only wants its desires fulfilled. Someone in this stage doesn't feel upset when they lie or seize other people's property; they are not worried at all. Someone can be in the stage of the lower self yet still hold a very high position. He may be a minister, a lawyer, a president, or a prime minister. Don't think that only an illiterate person is in the stage of the lower self, no! He could be a doctor, an engineer, a merchant, or a businessman. This stage isn't related to wealth or education. Anyone who lies and isn't upset by it is in the stage of the lower self. Whoever seizes people's property without worry is in the lower self stage. They might even trample on the rights of themselves and their family without concern. A person in this stage might destroy their child's belongings and still not feel upset. They could kill without any remorse, commit all kinds of crimes, and think they are very clever and smart.

As mentioned, these individuals are at a low level of knowledge and refinement in the hierarchy of evolution. They often act based on feelings and personal interests, usually disregarding reason and logic. A person in the commanding and lower self stage simply pursues their desires without concern for whom it affects or who it belongs to, and without any worry. On the surface and in the short term, they seek to provide themselves with happiness. However, in the long term, they face trouble, misfortune, failure, disease, destruction, and distress because they have created these problems for themselves. Someone in the lower self stage might gain benefits   in a short time, but ultimately, it leads to their own downfall and destruction.

It might seem that those who are cruel are doing well. However, we've seen many people who have stolen from others and appear to be happy now. But we don't know what the future holds for them, nor do we know what’s happening in their inner lives right now. We're not aware of that. Besides, there is God, there is accountability, and everything is recorded in a book. So, it’s only natural that people operating from their lower self will eventually encounter many problems.

So, I'll read this part again because it's important: A person in the stage of the lower self commits all kinds of betrayals and thinks they are very clever and intelligent. As mentioned, these individuals are at a low level of knowledge and refinement in the evolutionary ranking. Most of their actions and desires are driven by emotions and personal interests, usually lacking reason and logic.

It may be said that some of their actions are rational. No, they are not rational, but calculating. Their actions are driven by calculation, not reason. Well, the second stage is the middle self or the reprimanding self. While the lower self commands, the middle self blames. Some people have completely closed off their conscience. They might ask, "What is conscience? What does it do? Is it something you can eat or wear?" These people have nothing to do with conscience and are all at the stage of the lower self, always commanding. A person who disregards conscience and does not believe in it is definitely in the stage of the commanding self. This means they are almost in the animal stage. They can be in any grade, in any position, but it doesn't matter.

Some who have passed this stage and reached the necessary awareness and knowledge understand that knowledge is not the same as education. A worker, athlete, farmer, cattle breeder, or a poor person might have much higher knowledge than a professor. The feeling of regret is tied to conscience, something we often referred to in the past as "our conscience was hurt." When a person enters the stage of the middle self, it means that a bit of conscience is coming in. At this stage, if a person surpasses the commanding self and gains higher knowledge and consciousness, they will enter the realm of the blaming self.

In the self-blaming stage, if a person does something wrong, they immediately blame themselves and feel regret. They question their actions, wondering, "Why did I upset him? Why did I take that money? Why did I eat that food? Why did I drink from his glass? Why did I puncture his car? Why did I gossip about him? He hadn't done anything wrong, so why did I lie about him? Why did I do that?"
These discomforts cause people to feel regret. In fact, they experience the torment of their conscience. If they tell a lie, they regret it. If they take a bribe, they feel sad. If they use drugs, they suffer. A person who uses drugs and feels regret is in the stage of the self-blaming self, which means they are aware of their conscience. If a person uses drugs and does not suffer, it means they are still in the stage of the lower self. If they gossip, they will feel ashamed, even in front of themselves.

Of course, it's important to note that the transition from the lower self to the middle self isn't marked by a specific point or moment. It's not like finishing third grade and moving on to fourth grade. The education system is becoming more like the selves, where a fourth grader might still carry some third-grade courses. There's no clear cut-off point. This process is gradual. A person may have traits of the lower self while beginning to develop the middle self. Over time, they may gradually distance themselves from the commanding self and settle into the valley of the blaming self.

The transition from the commanding self to the blaming self happens gradually. A person might still exhibit some traits of the commanding self while developing the attributes of the blaming self, distancing themselves from the lower self over time. This progression from the commanding self to the blaming self signifies an advancement in human evolution and knowledge, carrying great value and importance. Moving into the self-blaming stage from the commanding self is a significant achievement and represents a considerable advancement. Most of us are in the middle self stage, having moved past the lower self in many areas, although traces of the commanding self may still linger in some aspects of our being.

When we pass the middle self stage, we enter the third stage: the reassured self. The perfected self, as the name suggests, signifies a state of complete confidence and stability. By cultivating, refining, and gaining knowledge, one moves beyond the commanding and blaming selves to reach the reassured self. At this stage, a person generally refrains from doing anything unreasonable or illogical. It’s important to note that while the reassured self typically avoids irrational actions, this isn't an absolute rule. This applies both outwardly and inwardly, whether in public or in private. Interestingly, this also extends to one’s dreams, as the desires of the reassured self are inherently reasonable and logical. This is notable because people often refrain from certain actions while awake but might still engage in them while dreaming.

Of course, you can't say it like this, but I'll use this analogy to illustrate the point. It’s like the virtual space on a computer. In virtual spaces, you might do many things and say a lot because no one knows or has seen you. However, you wouldn't act that way in the normal, physical world. In a similar sense, one's actions are less restricted in dreams. In sleep, people have more freedom to engage in various actions, whether wrong or right, because it’s a special space without the usual limitations. So, when we say that someone at the reassured self stage does not commit wrong actions even in their sleep, it highlights the depth of their refinement. Normally, people might avoid certain behaviors while awake due to societal norms, personal restrictions, or situational constraints. However, these inhibitions often disappear in dreams. Therefore, reaching the reassured self stage means that even in the uninhibited realm of sleep, the person maintains their integrity and does not commit actions they would avoid while awake.

So, we said that the reassured self is reliable. When a person progresses through the stages of the commanding self and the blaming self with cultivation, refinement, and knowledge, they enter the gates of the reassured self. This journey requires knowledge and cultivation. Cultivation here means refinement and self-improvement. When a person reaches the stage of the reassured self, they usually do not engage in unreasonable or irrational behavior, whether in appearance or inwardly, in front of others or in private.

It is fascinating to note that a person with a reassured self acts reasonably and logically both while awake and asleep. We mentioned that a person might refrain from certain actions when awake, yet engage in them while asleep. Various reasons may prevent them from committing these actions when awake, but they still do so in their dreams. Achieving and residing in the state of the reassured self is extremely valuable and significant, potentially placing one in a position higher than that of an angel. This is because the Almighty may invite the person who has reached the reassured self into His heaven, referring to it as "Jannati," which means "my heaven."

The self-assured stage is extremely challenging to achieve fully and perfectly. Very few people can reach this stage because their actions are consistently reasonable, and they avoid unreasonable behavior altogether. The key point is that a person at the self-assured stage does nothing unreasonable, making the position of the self-assured self higher than that of an angel. This is why God says, "O reassured self, enter My paradise." Now that we have explained these concepts, let's see what the conclusion of Valley Four is.

The conclusion is that we must take responsibility for our lives and make the necessary efforts to achieve our goals. We can be confident that the Almighty and superior forces will assist and guide us. "God helps those who help themselves." This does not mean that we reject God; rather, we recognize the importance of taking personal responsibility. By accepting the responsibilities of our lives and working hard towards our goals and desires, we can trust that God will support us, in other words, God helps those who help themselves.

We have come to understand this well. If a person follows unreasonable and unworthy desires of their self, praying from morning to evening and from evening to morning for God to remove their shortcomings is futile. It's like a driver who signals to turn right but turns left. If someone prays continuously for God to remove their shortcomings but does not take any practical steps to do so, it is similar to the famous poem: "Repentance on the lips, the rosary in the hand and a heart full of guilt make the sin laugh because of our seeking forgiveness." (This highlights the irony of seeking forgiveness while continuing to sin.)

"Astaghfirallah" is on his lips, he is repenting and praying with the rosary. But then he eats yogurt and cucumber (laughter from the master and audience), uses drugs, or does something else unworthy. His heart is full of guilt. Acting this way is like getting into a car, signaling to turn left, but then turning right. You signal one way but go in the opposite direction.
Therefore, if we pray regularly but continue engaging in negative actions, yet still ask higher powers to guide us away from these negative behaviors and towards positive ones, and we do not take responsibility for our actions, we are not willing to make any effort or sacrifices to reach our goals, then aren't we just mocking ourselves? We pray and ask God for help to solve our problems, but our hearts are full of guilt, and we are unwilling to take any steps ourselves.
He is constantly praying, "God, remove my personality defects. God, take away these drugs from me. God, heal this illness. God, rid me of this bad behavior. God, do this for me..." But it doesn't work this way if we are not willing to take any action or make any effort. Sometimes we want to achieve things without putting in the effort. We want God to do everything for us without any cost to us. For example, we want to pass the university entrance exam for a prestigious medical or engineering school, but we don't study, don't attend any prep classes, and don't read our textbooks. Instead, we are willing to pray a hundred thousand "rak'ahs"(It refers to a unit of Islamic prayer, consisting of a series of movements and recitations.) You can pray a hundred thousand "rak'ahs", but if you don't study, don't go to exam prep classes, and don't read your books, do you think that will get you into the university? Instead of praying a hundred thousand "rak'ahs", pray regularly, but also study your books. See if God helps you then. It can't be done without effort.

So, if we pray regularly but still engage in actions that go against our values, and then ask higher powers, like God or, for us Muslims and Shiites, the Imams, to guide us away from those actions and take on the burden of our responsibilities—aren’t we being hypocritical? Are we making a mockery of ourselves? Isn't it naive to think that we can escape our own responsibilities by leaving them to others or to a higher power?
We are drawing conclusions. Aren't these actions of ours just a way to escape responsibility? Haven't we made a mockery of ourselves? We want to avoid responsibility and shift the blame onto someone else. The principle of accepting responsibility for our lives and having authority delegated to us is crucial at every stage of life, whether we are at the level of the lower self, middle self, or higher self. We have accepted that we are responsible for our own lives, and with that responsibility comes the authority to manage our own lives. This principle applies at every stage, and it does not free us from our responsibilities, no matter where we are on our journey

Each of us must take full responsibility for our own lives and not rely on others. We must accept our responsibilities and not shift them onto anyone else. We shouldn't have the mindset of 'let others take care of it for me.' This includes not even entrusting absolute power to someone else. Therefore, when we say that we should leave vital responsibilities to God, it essentially means abdicating our own responsibility. It is unclear who must accept the responsibility to get closer to the wisdom command, human or God?! God, being omnipotent and all-knowing, has given us the authority to act, even if it means we may make mistakes, learn from them, and grow. If I've learned anything, it's that life can be dark, difficult, and full of suffering. But enduring those hardships and accepting responsibility led me towards healing. Initially, I refused to take responsibility and faced numerous challenges, including illness. However, once I started accepting my responsibilities, I slowly began to move towards better health.

God, who is the ultimate power, has granted humanity the ability to learn certain things. Imagine a math teacher who gives you a series of problems to solve. If you were to ask the teacher to solve them for you, they'd refuse—not because they can't, but because you need to solve them to learn. Similarly, there are things we entrust to God, but they are for us to work through. If God had wanted to create beings with flawless character like angels, He could have done so. But instead, He challenges us to shape our own character.
So, what is free will? The ultimate power, who is the supreme ruler, didn't place us at the lowest point of creation without reason. He gave us autonomy and the responsibility to use it. (I can't read my own handwriting. Let me go back and read from an earlier part.) Why would the absolute ruler, who governs all, place us in such a position? The descent of man from the heavens, as described in sacred texts, isn't just about a fall—it’s about rising. It’s about using our free will and responsibility to elevate ourselves from the lowest point to the highest, in harmony with reason and peace. Is it not that we are meant to take on this responsibility and ascend from the lowest point to the highest, aligning ourselves with the command of reason with tranquility and purpose?

You often hear about the "command of reason." Every day in your prayers, you encounter this concept, urging you to align yourself with it. The "command of reason" means that whatever you decide should be done, gets done. If you follow through on everything you set out to do, you are in tune with this command.
In your everyday life, you might experience something like this: you decide you want to eat a certain food, but you can't. You want to brush your teeth, but even that simple task seems impossible. You find yourself unable to do many trivial things. You plan to go shopping, but you can’t; you want to teach your child a lesson, but you can’t; you intend to go swimming, but you can’t. You might want to visit the hairdresser tomorrow, but you can’t; even something as basic as going to the bathroom seems out of reach. No matter what you want to do, you just can't seem to do it. This shows that you haven't yet aligned with the command of reason. But when you're able to do everything, you set your mind to, it means you've entered a new dimension, one where you are truly following the order of reason.

God willing, after 120 years, when we enter another dimension, we’ll finally understand the true importance of the command of reason. It’s said in sacred texts that in the paradises, whatever you desire will appear instantly, just as the command of wisdom dictates. If you wish for a pear, a pear will appear; if you wish for an apple, an apple will appear. In other words, in this other dimension, when a person fully aligns with the command of reason, they can create everything through their own thoughts.
How does this work? Take, for example, the idea that a 1.5-liter bottle of Coca-Cola can be instantly created in everyone’s mind. Right now, this might be something only you can visualize, and it’s not something you can actually consume. But in another world, if we attain the command of reason and think of a cold or hot 1.5-liter bottle of Coca-Cola, it will be immediately prepared and real—ready to drink. Your thoughts could manifest food not just for yourself, but for others too, and it would be visible and tangible.
This concept might be hard to believe because we’re used to working within the physical world, where such things seem impossible. But that’s the power of the command of reason.

The final stages of the body's development involve the command of thought and reason, which creates a virtual image within its dimension. This virtual image is comparable to what we experience on Earth. What do these virtual images do? This is why it's said that if a person is good, whatever they desire will be provided for them in heaven and other worlds. These provisions are all under the command of intellect. So, when we talk about getting closer to the command of intellect, it means reaching a stage where we can manifest our desires.
I’m not suggesting we reach some unattainable peak of humanity or the eternal presence of God, but we do understand this: whenever we call upon the Almighty, He will guide and help us, as long as we also take steps in a logical and rational direction. Remember, it’s said, "Call upon Me, and I will answer you." This promise holds true, but only if we move in the right direction. Nothing will happen if we don’t make an effort.
It's like the story I mentioned before about the man who visited Imam Reza every year, praying and crying that Imam Reza would help him win the lottery. After seven, eight, ten years, he finally dreamed of Imam Reza, who told him, "Go buy a ticket, and I will help you win. But if you don't buy the ticket, how can I help you win?

Now, we must act in a way that allows the absolute power to work with us. Just like buying a lottery ticket to win, we have to take action. We know that whenever we call on the Almighty, He will guide and help us, but only if we also take steps in a logical and rational direction. Imagine that we’re connected to the absolute power by a wire. To maintain this connection, we need to move towards the source of the wire—towards God.
Think of it this way: there’s a wire between us and God. If we move away, the wire could break, so we need to stay close. This wire is as thin as a hair. In the end, whether we feel distant from or close to God is up to us, but remember, absolute power is closer to us than our jugular vein. This is just an example, but it shows how intimately connected we are to that power.
In the fourth valley, we outline our responsibilities—what they are and how they work. Responsibilities can sometimes be unclear or overlap, but this valley is about defining them. These four valleys have focused on responsibility, thinking, and understanding. God willing, the fifth valley will be about putting those thoughts into action. It’s time for our thoughts to move into the action phase.
The end of the fourth Valley 91.
Thank you for listening to me.

The End of the Fourth Valley

Translated by Marjan