The Bowl of Saki Commentary

Mind is Heaven and Hell. The akasha or accommodation is not so different from the sky. We see sky at day or night: in the day there is a single torch—the Sun—yet all illumination; in the night there are many lamps-the Stars—yet darkness. Sky at night is like the mind replete with knowledge of names and forms—it is still in darkness, while sky at day is like illuminated mind.

These two aspects have been called astral and Buddhic, which are not so much conditions of mind but conditions related to mind. The astral world is the result of mind divided, and it is impossible for Sufis to be contained here, as they practice Darood and thus escape all delusion and all snares. The Buddhic condition indicates heart and mind coordinated making truth possible. Therefore Buddha has sometimes been regarded as a solar deity. This is true insofar as mind is concerned, but it is equally true with respect to everyone of the rank of Rassoul.

Higher than this is the condition where there is neither day nor night.