Articles

Treasure of Spirituality – Classical Poetry

ABSTRACT

The article is devoted to the problem of conceptual metaphor and its understanding in classical spiritual experience, a metaphor appears as nothing more than a colorful image. poetry. It highlights that wise and profound thinkers have always known the importance of self-knowledge as the first step toward comprehending the mysteries of existence and the universe, and they expressed this awareness through the art of poetic language. Throughout different eras, great minds have emphasized that true knowledge is the knowledge of the self. The article presents the valuable and timeless reflections of great masters of the Turkic world regarding the science of self-knowledge, offers interpretations of their views, and stresses the necessity of studying symbols and metaphors on all levels to truly grasp their essence. In philosophical poetry, it is crucial to uncover the “hidden layers,” determine their functional dynamics, decipher their symbolic-metaphorical language, and provide philosophical interpretation. The article demonstrates the philosophical, historical-scientific, and educational significance of evaluating the works of master poets as a “spiritual treasure.” It also explains, through specific examples and evidence, that the poetic works of these masters presented not openly but metaphorically are in fact based on profound scientific knowledge revealing the secrets of the universe and humanity, grounded in irrational cognition. Since the research focuses on the art of poetic expression, the literary examples are presented in fragments rather than in full form. The underlying meanings of conceptual metaphors are analyzed, and the meanings within lines and couplets are interpreted. The article points out that the metaphorical nature of language serves to conceal difficult-to-understand concepts, keeping them hidden from those who are not yet ready to comprehend them. It argues that examining the issue broadly, deeply, comprehensively, and systematically is essential. One of the aspects emphasized in the article is that approaching the problem, namely the issue of understanding Sufi poetry from various aspects and at the same time as a whole system, can yield effective results. This is possible in the context of the unity of rational and irrational cognition, because for a person whose judgment is limited or whose worldly and spiritual experience is lacking, metaphor is nothing more than a colorful image.

KEYWORDS

sufi poetry, conceptual metaphor, cognition, irrational knowledge, mystery of existence