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Briefly, this is the principal argument of the Sufis; and if we wished to mention all their proofs and explain their answers, it would take a very long time. This is their decisive proof and their plain argument-- at least, of the savants of the Sufis and the Theosophists (294:1) But the question of the Real Existence by which all things exist-- that is to say, the reality of the Essence of Unity through which all creatures have come into the world-- is admitted by everyone. The difference resides in that which the Sufis say, "The reality of the things is the manifestation of the Real Unity. " But the Prophets say, "it emanates from the Real Unity"; and great is the difference between manifestation and emanation. The appearance in manifestation means that a single thing appears in infinite forms. For example, the seed, which is a single thing possessing the vegetative perfections, which it manifests in infinite forms, resolving itself into branches, leaves, flowers and fruits: this is called appearance in manifestation; whereas in the appearance through emanation this Real Unity remains and continues in the exaltation of Its sanctity, but the existence of creatures emanates from It and is not manifested by It. It can be compared to the sun from which emanates the light which pours forth on all the creatures; but the sun remains in the exaltation of its sanctity. It does not descend, and it does not resolve itself into luminous forms; it does not appear in the substance of things through the specification and the individualization of things; the Preexistent does not become the phenomenal; independent wealth does not become enchained poverty; pure perfection does not become absolute imperfection
(294:2)
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