Overview

In Chapter 8, Poem 30 of the Mokhtar Nameh, Attar of Nishapur explores the relationship between spiritual poverty (faqr) and non-existence (fana). He contrasts the burden of worldly existence with the peace of non-existence, arguing that true spiritual poverty offers liberation from the traps of the material world.

Key Concepts

• The Trap of Existence: Attar warns the seeker not to fall into the snare of the world, which drains one's spiritual resources ('kiseh-kash').
• The Value of Non-Existence: Human existence is described as inherently unpleasant and limiting. In contrast, non-existence (fana) is depicted as a pleasant and desirable state of liberation.