V. Showing that when the Self is strengthened
by Love it gains dominion over the outward
and inward forces of the universe 43
VI. A tale of which the moral is that negation
of the Self is a doctrine invented by the
subject races of mankind in order that by
this means they may sap and weaken the
character of their rulers 48
VII. To the effect that Plato, whose thought
has deeply influenced the mysticism and
literature of Islam, followed the sheep’s
doctrine, and that we must be on our
guard against his theories 56
VIII. Concerning the true nature of poetry and
the reform of Islamic literature 60
IX. Showing that the education of the Self has
three stages: Obedience, Self-control,
and Divine Vicegerency 72
X. Setting forth the inner meanings of the
names of Ali 85
XI. Story of a young man of Merv who came
to the saint Ali Hujwírí--God have
mercy on him!--and complained that he
was oppressed by his enemies 95