ISLAMIC MYSTICAL LITERATURE 709
THIS DESCRIBES THE BODY AS MICROCOSM
Jabir said, "My lord, what can be the proof
that the highest command descends from clouds?"^126
Baqir answered, "Here is truth. Each particle
of holy light sent through this cloud down to
the path of breathing earth is consonant
with the highest command. The cloud itself
consists of substance of Azazi'il.
Jabir, if clouds were not from Azazi'il,
the sun and moon sloping along their spheres
would not be hidden to the waverers.
Azazi'il shows in the microcosm
with seven faces: evil thoughts and greed,
jealousy, doubt, uncertainty. The glow
of faith's spirit and the intelligible sun
are also hidden from the spirit of lust.
"Clouds of the macrocosm are combined
with light of the high king as a nude body
combines with spirit. And the other cloud,
highest in the command, is spirit's speech,
color of cloud, the thunder and lightning
and the moon's rain are knowledge of the light.
The earth on which it tumbles is the heart,
the sky from which it comes is spirit's faith,
its sphere is language: 'All float in a sky.'"^127
SOULS ARE CREATED
Jabir said, "My lord, please tell us the rest
about the meaning of the macrocosm."
Baqir said, "Jabir, when this cloud kept the world
moistened and fresh, yellow and green, and it issued
- The following lines may be an addition to the text.
- Qur'an sura 36.
