The Resources of the Human Spirit - Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi Society

The Resources of the Human Spirit29As a consequence the spirit becomes ill, although it is not subjectto death, decay or decomposition since, as we have alreadysaid, its life is essential; this is because it grows weak and nolonger has the power of the spirits which are not subject to thematerial. Indeed, the power does not form part of the essence ofthe human spirit, which in itself can be either powerful or weak.Ibn ¡Arabi uses two examples to describe the health or sicknessof the spirit: the wind and the rays of the sun. He says:[The spirits] are affected, undoubtedly, by all of the places theypass through. Can’t you see that if the wind blows over somethingrotten, you will smell this stench? And if it blows over somethingperfumed, it will carry a pleasant aroma? … Don’t you see thatwhen the sun shines through a green glass, the rays themselvesturn green? And if the glass is red, they turn red. The subtlety ofthe wind and the rays of the sun allow them to be easily impregnatedby things. 17How can a human being preserve the original power of thespirit? How can our spirits be protected from their original weakness?The answer Ibn ¡Arabi gives is: by virtue of a noble character.He states: “The good health of the spirit stems from nobilityof character, acquired from the moment of birth of the elementarybody; the sickness of the spirit stems from vileness of character,also acquired from the moment of birth of the elementarybody … Spirits can be at the same time both powerful and weak,due to their origin.” 18II. The location of the human spirit in theKingdom of Man: the Castle of the SpiritIn order to distinguish it from the “animal spirit”, Ibn ¡Arabi givesthe human spirit several names, each denoting one attribute oraction characterizing it. For example: “the commanded spirit”(al-r¬¢ al-amr¨), 19 since it is created by God’s order; “the spirit of17. Idem.18. Idem.19. Fut. I.85.