Abstract:

This paper introduces Tercüme-i Risale-i Etvar-ı Seb‘a to the literature by discussing its topics in detail and providing the full transcription of the original text in Latin alphabet. Tercüme-i Risale-i Etvar-ı Seb‘a is a pamphlet written by Cemal-i Halveti (899/1493), one of the most prominent dervishes in XVth century. As indicated by the title itself, it is about variable states associated with seven stations of the soul (nefs). The pamphlet consists of parts on six stations of the soul and twelve variable states associated with those stations. Specifically, it specifies the dhikr necessary to be completed in each one of twelve variable states to overcome impurities of the soul and discusses the stations of the soul needed to be passed to attain the status of being a complete person (insan-ı kamil). The pamphlet also covers such topics as stationsthat change depending on the six directions, soul (nefs), intellect (akl) aql, hearth (gonul) and spirit (ruh), providing references from Qur’an and hadiths to justify the points being made regarding these topics. According to the pamphlet, a person or a seeker willing to reach Allah should contemplate about Allah constantly and progress through hard work under the supervision of a qualified spiritual guide. The seeker also should benefit from the variable states of twelve names. The pamphlet elaborates on stations that change depending on the six directions, the masters associated with those stations and the station of difference. Then, it talks about the multitude of paths going to Allah. In this study, topics covered in Tercüme-i Risale-i Etvar-ı Seb‘a are explained in detail; and the full transcription of the original text in Latin alphabet is presented at the end.

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