The Four Elements and Three Kingdoms of Nature in Sanai's Cosmology
In Section 50 of Hadiqat al-Haqiqah, Sanai outlines a fundamental cosmological framework by detailing the four classical elements (arkan or tabayi') and the three kingdoms of nature (mawalid-i thalatha) that emerge from their interaction.
The Four Classical Elements:
Sanai describes a nested, hierarchical structure descending from the celestial spheres down to the terrestrial center:
- Fire (Atash): The first and uppermost element immediately below the celestial spheres.
- Air (Hava): The space and atmosphere filling the region below the sphere of fire down to the center.
- Water (Bahr-i Akhzar or Green Sea): The third layer, representing the oceans and water bodies.
- Earth (Aghbar-i Tireh): The fourth, lowest, and most solid element forming the physical center of the universe.
The Three Kingdoms of Nature:
Combining these four elements creates the sublunary world, categorized into three ascending kingdoms of generation:
- **Plants (*Nabat...
0
1
Tags
Humanities
Literature
Persian Literature Prerequisite Course
Related
The Four Elements and Three Kingdoms of Nature in Sanai's Cosmology
The Three Kingdoms (Mawalid-e Thalatha) in Sufi Cosmology
Cosmological Symbolism in Section 66 of Sanai's Hadiqat
The Four Elements and Three Kingdoms of Nature in Sanai's Cosmology
Sanai's Description of Planetary Auspiciousness and Aspects in Hadiqat al-Haqiqah
Sanai's Classification of the Twelve Zodiac Signs by Elements and Planetary Rulers