A Reflection on the Relationship Between Unity and Multiplicity in the Ontology of Light and Its Manifestation in Human Existence
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Author's Note:
I am an ordinary person with no formal academic training in psychology, philosophy, or religious studies. What follows is the fruit of personal reflection, free reading, and lived experience — not a proven theory, not a religious decree, and not a claim to authority. It is simply "notes from a thirsty soul" on the path to understanding truth. For practical decisions and actions, always consult qualified experts.
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Author: Mehdi Amirahmadi
Light Self-Knowledge
Abdul Mubin
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**Statement of Transparency**
"All the content on this page is the author's personal reflections from the Quran and Islamic mysticism. I have no group or organizational affiliations. This writing is a personal roadmap for self-knowledge, not a closed organization, sect, or ideology. Anyone may use or not use this material. There is no compulsion. This writing has been compiled within the framework of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran and with the belief in Islam as the most complete and final religion."
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Abstract
"Unity" and "Multiplicity" in this view are not two opposing concepts, but "two sides of one truth." "Unity" refers to the "single Light" that is the source of all existence; and "Multiplicity" refers to the "modulations" and "manifestations" of that single Light across various levels of existence. In this view, multiplicity is not a "deviation" from unity, but "mirrors" in which the single Light is reflected and manifests itself in the form of diverse beings (from inanimate objects to humans). We, as the "microcosm," are the point of convergence of unity and multiplicity: we experience multiplicity in our "body" and "ego," and attain unity in our "Witness" and "Core Self." The journey of wayfaring is a journey from "scattered multiplicity" (Vain and disorientation) to "present unity" (Presence and bearing the light). This article, with a structured approach, explains the relationship between unity and multiplicity in the ontology of Light, its manifestation in human existence, and the ways of passing from multiplicity to unity, and shows that "knowledge of this relationship" is the "essential condition for self-knowledge" and "conscious movement on the path of wayfaring."
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1. Introduction: Unity and Multiplicity, Two Sides of a Coin
We have mistaken multiplicity for "deviation."
We have equated unity with "sameness."
And in this confusion, we have lost the "Light."
In this view, "Unity" and "Multiplicity" are not two opposing concepts, but "two sides of one truth." "Unity" refers to the "single Light" that is the source of all existence; and "Multiplicity" refers to the "modulations" and "manifestations" of that single Light across various levels of existence. Multiplicity is not a "deviation" from unity, but "mirrors" in which the single Light is reflected and manifests itself in the form of diverse beings (from inanimate objects to humans).
We, as the "microcosm," are the point of convergence of unity and multiplicity: we experience multiplicity in our "body" and "ego," and attain unity in our "Witness" and "Core Self." The journey of wayfaring is a journey from "scattered multiplicity" (Vain and disorientation) to "present unity" (Presence and bearing the light).
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2. Unity: The Single Light, the Source of All Things
2.1. Definition
"Unity" in this view refers to the "single Light" that is the source and origin of all existence. This unity is not "numerical sameness" (which reduces everything to one form), but "hierarchical unity" in which all beings are "manifestations" of that single Light at various levels.
2.2. Characteristics of Unity
- Originality: Unity is the "origin" and multiplicity is its "branch."
- Hierarchy: Unity manifests itself with "intensity" and "weakness" in beings (not with "multiplicity").
- Presence: Unity is present in all beings, but not equally manifest.
- Namelessness: Unity is beyond any "name" and "sign" and can only be perceived through "intuition."
Key Verse:
"God is the Light of the heavens and the earth." (Quran 24:35)
All multiplicity is a manifestation of this "single Light."
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3. Multiplicity: Modulations of the Single Light
3.1. Definition
"Multiplicity" in this view refers to the "modulations" and "manifestations" of that single Light across various levels of existence. Multiplicity is like "waves" appearing on the surface of the "ocean of Light": each wave is a "manifestation" of the ocean, but is not the ocean itself.
3.2. Characteristics of Multiplicity
- Dependent on unity: Multiplicity, without unity, is "nothing."
- Mirror-like: Every being is a "mirror" that reflects the "single Light."
- Fluid: Multiplicity is not fixed and changes in "spiral time."
- Test: Multiplicity is a "field of test" for us to return to unity through our "free will."
Analogy:
Unity is like the "light of the sun" and multiplicity is like the "rays" falling on various objects. Each object reflects the "light" in a different way, but the light itself is one.
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4. The Relationship Between Unity and Multiplicity: Not Contradiction, but Manifestation
Unity and multiplicity are not "two opposing things," but "two sides of one truth":
| Aspect | Unity | Multiplicity |
|--------|-------|--------------|
| Nature | Origin and source | Manifestation and reflection |
| Relationship | Original | Borrowed |
| Role | Destination of wayfaring | Field of test |
| In the human | Witness, Core Self | Body, ego, social self |
Key Point:
Multiplicity is not the "enemy" of unity; it is the "field" for returning to unity. We live in "multiplicity" (the material world, relationships, and the body), but we can, through the "Witness" and "Presence," perceive "Unity" in the heart of multiplicity.
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5. The Human at the Convergence of Unity and Multiplicity
We, as the "microcosm," are the point of convergence of unity and multiplicity:
- In the "body" and "ego": we experience multiplicity (immediate desires, habits, contradictions).
- In the "Witness" and "Core Self": we perceive unity (pure presence, primordial nature, the primordial covenant).
- In the "Republic of Being": we make the balance between unity and multiplicity possible.
The Goal of Wayfaring:
"Seeing unity in the heart of multiplicity" and "living in multiplicity, but with the heart present in unity."
Key Verse:
"Wherever you turn, there is the Face of God." (Quran 2:115)
Multiplicity is a "veil," but "Unity" is present behind it.
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6. The Journey from Multiplicity to Unity (The Map of Wayfaring)
The journey of wayfaring is a journey from "scattered multiplicity" (Vain and disorientation) to "present unity" (Presence and bearing the light):
- First Stage (Recognizing Multiplicity): Knowing the "self-centered ego" and "material attachments" as the "veils of multiplicity."
- Second Stage (Evacuation): Releasing from "attached multiplicity" (habits, attachments, illusions).
- Third Stage (Adornment): Adorning oneself with "light-based virtues" (Truthfulness, Justice, Faithfulness) which are "mirrors" for reflecting unity.
- Fourth Stage (Manifestation): Flowing the "Light of unity" into action and "bearing the light."
- Fifth Stage (Union): "Seeing unity" in the heart of multiplicity and "nameless presence."
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7. Pathology: Two Dangers on the Path of Unity and Multiplicity
7.1. Clinging to Multiplicity (Vain and Disorientation)
When we become immersed in "multiplicity" (matter, pleasure, power) and remain heedless of "unity," we fall into "Vain" (emptiness, anxiety, and disorientation).
Treatment: The "practice of presence" and "returning to Beli."
7.2. Claiming Unity Without Accountability (The Mirage of Knowledge)
When we, without "passing through multiplicity" and "purifying the ego," claim to have "attained unity," we fall into the "mirage of knowledge" and "spiritual pride."
Treatment: "Truthfulness with oneself" and "accepting existential poverty."
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8. Unity and Multiplicity in the "Best System"
In the "Best System," unity and multiplicity are designed such that "multiplicity" (matter, suffering, contradiction) serves as a "ground for growth" and a "test," and "unity" (Light, presence, meaning) serves as the "ultimate destination of wayfaring." The "Best System" places us in "multiplicity" so that through our "free will," we may return to "unity."
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9. Conclusion
Unity and multiplicity are two sides of one truth. "Unity" is the single Light and the source of all things; "Multiplicity" is the modulations and manifestations of that Light across various levels of existence. We are the point of convergence of these two. The journey of wayfaring is a journey from "scattered multiplicity" (Vain) to "present unity" (Presence and bearing the light). Through the "practice of presence," "purifying the ego," and "awakening the Witness," we can see "Unity" in the heart of "Multiplicity" and return from "Multiplicity" to "Unity."
Three Key Implications of This View:
1. Multiplicity is a "veil," not an "enemy."
2. Unity is the "destination," not a "delusion."
3. Wayfaring is the "journey from multiplicity to unity."
Key Verse:
"Nothing is like unto Him." (Quran 42:11)
Nothing is the equal of "Unity." But everything is a "mirror" for its reflection.
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📚 Related Notes:
If you found this writing useful, I suggest you also read the following notes:
- Note 164: The Four Realms of Existence (Divinity, Omnipotence, Sovereignty, Materiality): The Macro-Map of Existence in Light Self-Knowledge
- Note 163: Treatise on Light-Based Anthropology: Explaining the Structure, Journey, and Ultimate Goal of Human Existence within the Framework of Light Self-Knowledge
- Note 144: The Inner Witness: The Non-Judgmental Observer in the Republic of Being
- Note 159: Methodology of Wayfaring: The Roadmap of Existential Transformation in the Framework of Light Self-Knowledge
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Short Note
This text has no connection to any group, organization, sect, or movement. It is merely the personal understanding of an Iranian Shia Muslim on a path they have traveled themselves. Everyone is free to read it or not, accept it or not.
