The Fifth Aspect

Look at these affairs and see how they demonstrate that this peerless ruler possesses immense compassion. He hastens to aid everyone struck by misfortune, answers every question and request, and compassionately fulfils even the smallest need of his humblest subject. For example, if a shepherd’s sheep were to injure its leg, he would provide a remedy or send a veterinarian.

Come, let us proceed to that island where a great gathering is taking place. All the distinguished people of the land have assembled there. Look, the most honoured adjutant, bearing a highly exalted insignia, is delivering a speech and presenting a request to his compassionate ruler. The entire assembly responds, “Yes, we too desire the same,” affirming and supporting his words.

Now listen to what this beloved adjutant says:

“O our ruler who nourishes us with Your bounties! Show us the originals and sources of these examples and shadows that You have displayed to us here. Draw us near to the centre of Your dominion. Do not let us perish in these deserts. Admit us into Your presence and have mercy upon us. There, grant us the delightful bounties that You have allowed us to taste here. Do not torment us with annihilation and banishment. Do not abandon Your obedient, grateful subjects who long for You to their fate, nor leave them to perish.”

You hear how he pleads and supplicates.

Now, is it at all possible that such a compassionate and powerful ruler, who carefully fulfils even the smallest wish of his most insignificant subject, would not fulfil the noblest desire of his most beloved and honoured adjutant?

Moreover, the desire of that beloved one is the desire of all people. Its fulfilment is also required by the ruler’s pleasure, as well as by the demands of his compassion and justice. And for him it is easy, not difficult; indeed, it is less burdensome than maintaining these temporary places of enjoyment in the guesthouse of this world.

Since he has spent so much to establish this realm and these places of display, merely to show examples of his treasures and manifestations of his perfection for a few fleeting days, he will certainly reveal his true treasures, perfections, and marvels at the centre of his dominion, and open before us such spectacles that minds will be left in astonishment.

Therefore, those who have been sent to this field of trial have not been left to themselves. Palaces of bliss and dungeons await them.