Methodology of Knowledge in Mawlana's Masnavi (Relying on the Tradition and Mystical Disposition)

One of the important conditions for the use of scientific, purposeful and program-based method in mystical research is to determine and explain the tradition and mystical disposition of mystics, or in other words, the principles and practices of Islamic mysticism. The methodology of knowledge is one of the main features of mystical traditions that can be derived from various sources, quotes, and, discovery and intuition. This study seeks to investigate the reflection of traditional and rational methods in Masnavi, and to prove ‘discovery and intuition’ as the only reliable epistemological method. The other two methods are valuable when they are consistent with discovery and intuition. In other words, according to Mawlana's tradition and mystical disposition, theology (the knowledge about God) depends on self-knowledge (the knowledge of the Self). Therefore, the seeker, using various tools of intuition, strives to gradually increase his mystical sensations to come out of himself and what is beyond God and to reach to knowledge. In Masnavi- Ma'navi, it starts from the order of the purity of the inside and goes on with love. It is then perfected in a state of intoxication and amazement, until at least the seeker at the ending stage is completely devoid of non-God entities and moves only in His power and will. At this stage, the seeker achieves his ultimate goal, that is, monotheism or the knowledge of God.