Anwar-e Ma`rifat

According to Sadr al Muta'alhin's view and considering the evolutionary and didactic nature of the discussion in his works, we can have two interpretations of the theory of “ Relational Existence’’. The first is a philosophical interpretation, in which relational existence, compared to the Necessary Being as well as the form in which contingencies have somehow a share of existence, suggests a pure connection property of existence of contingencies. In this interpretation of transcendent philosophy, the order of existential gradation maintains domination. The second interpretation suggests that Sadr al Muta'alhin's aim of delineating all philosophical discussions is to come up with the idea that “relational existence” , is the very mystical interpretation of this theory. According to this interpretation" relational existence" and " pure relation" as ascribed to the contingencies mean that these kinds of existence are, in reality, modes and states of existence that have no share of existence, and in this interpretation existence in essence, is an "Individual One"; a view which corresponds to that of gnostics. From among the consequences of mystical interpretation of relational existence is removal of instauration and causality (notions) as well as domination of mystical order and oneness of individuality. The present study makes explicit mystical interpretation and then discusses the stated consequences.