680 ISLAMIC MYSTICAL LITERATURE
THE CARNEL1AN SPHERE
"Below this sphere is a curtain the color
of carnelian, and five lights of five angels
from the fire-colored sphere appear in this sphere
of carnelian color, five splendid figures
inhabiting the sphere. Their names are mind,
soul, victory, happiness, and imagination.
'A row and row of angels.'^58 In this sphere
the aura from 124,000 lights dazzles
like 100,000 suns and moons
mixed with red. Holiness shines in good food.
As it is written, A spring where the lord's
servants drink and let water gush endlessly.'^59THE EMERALD SPHERE
"Below this curtain is a sphere the color
of emeralds. One hundred twenty-four thousand lamps
and glimmering green torches. Five great lights
from the carnelian line up in a row.
A hundred thousand birds of color float,
and the bright peacocks stand majestically
in rows and rows of feathers. In their sphere
they are on fire. They sing and echo praise
to the high king and chant endlessly
to affirm the word of god: 'Have you not seen
how birds spread their wings and pull them back in?
Only the merciful one keeps them aloft.'^60THE VIOLET DOME
"Below is a violet dome called the gardens
of paradise. A hundred thousand luminous- Qur'an sura 89.
- Qur'an sura 76.
- Qur'an sura 67.