Section 1: Ibn al “Arabi ad Din

Mystic, philosopher, poet, sage, Muhammad b. 'Ali Ibn 'Arabi is one of the world's great spiritual teachers. Known as Muhyiddin (the Revivifier of Religion) and the Shaykh al-Akbar (the Greatest Master), he was born in 1165 AD into the Moorish culture of Andalusian Spain, the centre of an extraordinary flourishing and cross-fertilization of Jewish, Christian and Islamic thought, through which the major scientific and philosophical works of antiquity were transmitted to Northern Europe. Ibn 'Arabi's spiritual attainments were evident from an early age, and he was renowned for his great visionary capacity as well as being a superlative teacher. He travelled extensively in the Islamic world and died in Damascus in 1240 AD.

He wrote over 350 works including the Fusûs al-Hikam, an exposition of the inner meaning of the wisdom of the prophets in the Judaic/ Christian/ Islamic line, and the Futûhât al-Makkiyya, a vast encyclopaedia of spiritual knowledge which unites and distinguishes the three strands of tradition, reason and mystical insight. In his Diwân and Tarjumân al-Ashwâq he also wrote some of the finest poetry in the Arabic language. These extensive writings provide a beautiful exposition of the Unity of Being, the single and indivisible reality which simultaneously transcends and is manifested in all the images of the world. Ibn 'Arabi shows how Man, in perfection, is the complete image of this reality and how those who truly know their essential self, know God.

Firmly rooted in the Quran, his work is universal, accepting that each person has a unique path to the truth, which unites all paths in itself. He has profoundly influenced the development of Islam since his time, as well as significant aspects of the philosophy and literature of the West. His wisdom has much to offer us in the modern world in terms of understanding what it means to be human.

Ibn Al ‘Arabi is considered the greatest Sufi theorist and expounder of metaphysical doctrine. He provided an amazing theory of imaginative cognition and claimed to have considerable visionary experiences and a profound lucid imagination. He claimed his “power of active imagination” was buoyed by an apparition in the form of the angel Gabriel; the whole experience leaving him in an astonished state for days. He took no nourishment during that time and experienced no hunger or thirst. This event was the source of al ‘Arabi’s work, The Spiritual Conquests of Mecca. During a visit to the Black Stone in Mecca another figure appeared to him in a vision. He described as a young man neither living nor dead. He asked this young visitor to accept him as a disciple so that he may be taught all of his secrets. The overwhelming experience causes him to lose consciousness.

It makes perfect sense that as an explorer of altered states of consciousness, al ‘Arabi advocated what we know today as lucid dreaming. According to al ‘Arabi, “A person must  control his thoughts in a dream. The training of this alertness … will produce many benefits for the individual. Everyone should apply himself to the attainment of this ability of such great value.” (citation Van de Castle, Robert L. Our Dreaming Mind, Pg. 441)

Section 2: How To Remember Your Dreams

By Asoka Selvarajah, Ph.D.

Dreams are a powerful tool in developing deep insight about yourself and your life purpose. They are a priceless source of inspiration and creativity, as witnessed by geniuses spanning the entire range between Einstein and Salvador Dali; both of whom worked with dream and fantasy in their work.

In sleep, your spirit is unbound and you touch the subtle realms beyond waking reality. This is the place where the highest part of your consciousness, your Higher Self, can communicate directly to you. The language of this communication is the language of symbol and metaphor.

Everyone dreams, but not everyone remembers their dreams. The following simple 3-step process will enable you to work with your dreams to gain deeper insights into your psyche:

(1) Make a written declaration before you sleep.

Say, or better still, write down a statement such as “I want to remember my dreams in order to receive valuable guidance”. If you are already able to remember and capture your dreams, modify this question to “Which direction should I go in life?” or “Should I take that job?” or whatever.

Put the declaration under your pillow before you go to sleep.

(2) Perform stretching exercises before you get into bed.

If you can touch your toes, then do so. At any rate, gently stretch your body so that it is relaxed and flexible. Once you are in bed and ready to sleep, you can also relax your body further. Tense and release each of your muscle groups in turn, beginning with your legs, and gradually working all the way up your body to your face. Take several deep breaths, and feel yourself relax more with each breath.

The fact is that much of our sleep time is spent de-stressing the body, which is why people often do not sleep that well. Much of this de-stressing can be done before you ever drop off.

(3) Write something down when you awake.

It is necessary to awaken gently. If you can use an alarm clock that plays GENTLE music, e.g. chimes, that would be best. Once you are awake, write something down about your dream, even if it is just a feeling.

Sometimes, if you cannot remember the dream straight away, simply lying there in your bed and pondering it will bring a fragment of the dream back. Write that piece down and often, the rest will return to you. If it does not, be content with what you have.

If you really cannot remember anything at all, then still write something down. Often, your physical, mental or emotional state upon awakening is a direct result, a hangover if you will, from the dream you have just experienced.

Be prepared for the need to persist with this process. It DOES work. Like any muscle that has been unused for years, your dream muscles may have atrophied through disuse. If you persist, the spiritual rewards and insights you gain will be very well worth it.

Resources:

Section1:

 http://www.ibnarabisociety.org/ibnarabi.html

The Dream Dictionary, Lewis & Oliver, pgs. 111-112

Section 2:

http://newagejournal.com/how-to-remember-your-dreams

Bio: Dr. Asoka Selvarajah is an active writer/researcher on personal development and esoteric spirituality. Asoka’s work helps people achieve their full potential, deepen their understanding of mystical truth, and find joy in their true soul’s purpose.