The Highest Aspect Of Human Nature Is Transcendence

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 23 January 2025 "The highest aspect of human nature is transcendence." P B Shelley "Go beyond the limits of the Cosmos to find your worth." Persian poet and mystic, Anwari The abovementioned similar thoughts of two diametrically opposite individuals have always intrigued me. While Shelley was an atheist, he was expelled from Oxford University because he was considered an atheist and refused to deny authorship of a pamphlet titled "The Necessity of Atheism," which expressed his radical anti-religious views, Anwari was a devout Muslim. He lived a life of renunciation, and never cared for money. The people of Persian literature and mysticism consider Anwari to be no less than a prophet. Yet, they expressed similar mystical thoughts. In these notable quotes, Percy Bysshe Shelley and Anwari profoundly assert that the pinnacle of human nature lies in transcendence. This idea encapsulates the idea that human beings have the capacity to reach beyond their ordinary limits and connect with something larger than themselves. Transcendence signifies a shift from the mundane to the extraordinary, and it can occur in various realms, whether it be in the realm of intellect, creativity, spirituality, or personal growth. It is through the pursuit of transcending our limitations that we are able to truly soar to the heights of our potential and experience a profound sense of fulfilment. Shelley and Anwari's quotes challenge us to continually push our boundaries, venture into uncharted territories, and strive for transcendence in every facet of our lives. Dr Muhammad Iqbal also said the same thing in his Ghazal, "Sitaron Se Aage Jahan Aur Bhi Hain/ Abhi Ishq Ke Imtihaan Aur Bhi Hain/ Agar Kho Gaya Ek Nasheman Toh Kya Gham/ Maqaamaat-e-Aaho-Fugaan Aur Bhi Hain." Ali Sardar Jafri also expressed similar views in his immortal Rubai (quatrain): "Sirf Ek Mit-Ti Hui Duniya Ka Nazzara Na Kar/ Aalam-E-Takhleeq Mein Hai Ek Jahan Ye Bhi Toh Dekh/ Maine Mana Marhale Hain Sakht, Raahein Hain Daraaz/ Mil Gaya Hai Apni Manzil Ka Nishaan Ye Bhi Toh Dekh." Simat Aati Hain Tamaam Hadein Kaainaat Ki/ Insaan Aage Nikal Jaata Hai Jab Apne Vajood Se " (Sikandar Ali 'Wajd'). Remember, what Robert Browning said in 'Andrea del Sarto' (1855): "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or, what's a heaven for?' Or this one from 'Asolando' (1889) 'Epilogue'- " Greet the unseen with a cheer! " To optimize one's worth is the ultimate objective of human life. Go beyond all limits and limitations. Mind you, here 'transcendence' is not an intangible term that's often used in the realms of spirituality and mysticism. Here 'transcendence' means going beyond what the mind perceives as the ultimate end or limits. Khud Se Aage Nikal Ja; Khuda Ho Ja (Go beyond yourself and become the god). This is what we all need (to become) at this moment. We don't need scriptural or conventional gods. Man himself can become god and proclaim like Bayazid Bastami and Mansur-Al-Hallaj, An-al-Haq (I'm the Truth/ Aham Brahmasmi of Upanishads). No one can dare peel your skin off for saying this. ------ A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/aspect-human-nature-transcendence/d/134408 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism