1Cademy - The Concept of Spiritual Self-Sufficiency (Istighna) and Temptation in the Masnavi

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دفتر ششم - بخش ۱۳۴ - وسوسه‌ای کی پادشاه‌زاده را پیدا شد از سبب استغنایی و کشفی کی از شاه دل او را حاصل شده بود و قصد ناشکری و سرکشی می‌کرد شاه را از راه الهام و سر شاه را خبر شد دلش درد کرد روح او را زخمی زد چنانک صورت شاه را خبر نبود الی آخره / Book Six - Section 134 - The temptation that appeared to the prince due to the independence and revelation he had attained from the king of the heart, and his intention of ingratitude and rebellion; the king became aware of this through inspiration and inner secret, his heart ached, and he struck his spirit a wound such that the outward form of the king was unaware of it, and so on to the end
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Concept

The Concept of Spiritual Self-Sufficiency (Istighna) and Temptation in the Masnavi

In the Masnavi, Jalaluddin Rumi warns seekers about a subtle spiritual hazard: the state of spiritual self-sufficiency (istighna) and pride that can arise after receiving high spiritual revelations (kashf) or blessings from a guide. Using the story of the prince who attained spiritual illumination from the king of the heart, Rumi illustrates how a disciple, feeling newly empowered and independent, can be tempted into ingratitude and rebellion (tughyan). Believing they no longer need their guide, the disciple mistakenly views themselves as an equal ('both king and prince') and resents submission, unaware that their spiritual light is entirely dependent on the master's grace, just as the moon depends on the sun.