HIDDEN DIFFERENCES OF STAGES.

Men differ, in the gradations of their progress, as heaven from hell, though they are so similar in their outer forms. All men—whether in the past, the present or the future—are the centres of mys­teries. Each body treasures a Divine Secret; each Heart feels impelled to the Path; each Soul radiates a glory unfathomable by human and angelic intelligences … The best and holiest men had an obscure life.

Once upon a time Zun-noon sent a disciple of his, to enquire about Bâyazîd. When the disciple reached the latter’s house at Bustâm, he found him seated on the floor of his cottage. But he did not know that he was Bâyazîd. Bâyazîd asked the disciple what he wanted. He said he wanted to see Bâyazîd. Bâyazîd replied: “Which Bâyazîd do you want, and whence? Now I am Bâyazîd, yet I have been in search of Bâyazîd for several years, and to no effect.” The disciple took him for a madcap, and, returning, reported the matter to Zun-noon. Zun-noon with tears in his eyes exclaimed: “Our brother Bâyazîd has gone forth into God with the true Devotees” . . . .

There was one Helâl, a slave to Mogîra. On his death the Prophet with his companions went to the house of Mogîra. The latter was not even aware of the death of Helâl, for none took care of him, alive or dead, as he was the lowliest in the household. Mogîra came to receive the party and kissed the blessed feet of the Prophet. The Prophet asked Mogîra what had happened in the household. He said that all was well. The Prophet went on: “Mogîra, the worthiest of your household has departed, and you do not know of it.” Mogîra, astonished, remarked “I never sup­posed Helâl to have been so advanced” … The Prophet was then (at His request) taken to the place where the dead body was. He found it in a stable at the feet of the beasts, clasped the head and said with tears in His eyes: “Helâl, thy body lies on this earth, but thy Soul is with the Lord.” All the saints and chiefs then wished in earnest devotion to have been the dust of Helâl’s feet. The Prophet continued: “There are seven men in each cycle who support the world by their bless­ings and lead the faithful to victory by their magnanimity. Helâl was the Head of these.”— Letter 87.