The Path toward Episteme (Imam Khomeini's Mystical Viewpoints on Right Episteme)

What kind of path is the path of episteme? What are its ups and downs? What is the true episteme and what requirements and practices does it have? These are questions from the perfect theosophist Imam Khomeini that have been answered with respect to his practical conduct, his scientific and mystical works and through a descriptive-analytical method. Perhaps presentation of these questions is due to indecision in view of the innate tendency and feeling responsibility toward knowledge, Quranic view and traditions, and Imam Khomeini’s scientific profile on one hand, and harsh position to and complaint of knowledge and whatever related to knowledge on the other hand. In opposition to the seclusive manner, Imam Khomeini says any scientific, social, political, … activities are not only permissible but also necessary, but the precondition to the right episteme and realization of the Prophet’s saying “knowledge is nothing but a light that God the exalted casts into one's heart”, according to Imam Khomeini, is purification of the carnal soul and taking distance from whims. These charms are so colorful, sensitive, and delicate that never leave man alone in his path toward acquisition of knowledge and its risk is comparable to hidden polytheism. In principle, carnal desire in all its attributes, is equally dangerous and the hidden polytheism is only an example.