Gnostic Compassion and the Critique of Judgmental Asceticism in Jami's Tale of the Ascetic and the Gnostic
This concept examines Jami's critique of self-conceited piety and his defense of gnostic compassion in Section 114 of Haft Awrang. In this narrative, a judgmental ascetic (zahid) curses a sinner (fasiq) and prays for his destruction, whereas a gnostic (arif) admonishes the ascetic, arguing that sinfulness is itself a profound affliction. Instead of self-righteously condemning or worsening the sinner's plight, the gnostic advocates for active spiritual assistance ('taking their hand') and mercy, demonstrating that genuine spiritual realization values compassionate guidance over proud self-righteousness.
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Humanities
Literature
Persian Literature Prerequisite Course