of the realization of that much-to-be-desired consciousness which is
fittingly described in Occidental phraseology as "cosmic consciousness."
Whether this realization is the result of union with the soul's "other
half," or whether it is an impersonal reunion with the Causeless Cause, The
Absolute, from which we are earth wanderers, is not the direct purpose of
this volume to answer, although the question will be answered, and that
soon.

From whence and by whom we are not prepared to say, but the "signs and
portents" which precede the solution of this problem have already made
their appearance.

Christian students of the Persian mystics, take exception to statements
like the above, and regard them as "erotic," rather than spiritual.

Mahmud Shabistari employs the following symbolism, but unquestionably seeks
to express the same emotion:

"Go, sweep out the chamber of your heart,
Make it ready to be the dwelling-place of the Beloved.
When you depart out, he will enter in,
In you, void of your_self_, will he display his beauty."

The "Song of Solomon" is in a similar key, and whether the wise king
referred to that state of _samadhi_ which accompanies certain experiences
of cosmic consciousness, or whether he was reciting love-lyrics, must be a
moot question.

The personal note in the famous "song" has been accounted for by many
commentators, on the grounds that Solomon had only partial glimpses of the