Abstract

The hypothesis of  the  present  research is that in Iranian mysticism, there is an outlook that according to Sohravardi’s opinion is called the philosophy of  the spiritual insight or the Hekmat khosravāni (Philosophy of Kings) and everybody who has been in line with this philosophy is the follower of Hermes. The present research tries to show that the Hermesian characteristics are the main cause of the appearance of a structure in the Iranian mysticism that is based on common Hermesian identities.

The common characteristics in the present structure are as follows:

Hermesians are alchemists, doctors, grocers, and those who know about drug and wine. The origin of their work is based on metamorohosis. Their contemplation has an astrologic structure and they know magic.  They ascend and they write about their ascensions.  They believe in light philosophy. Their way of writing is symbolic, as represented in Mantiq-al-Tayr or the language of birds. The language of birds is their secret language. They are influential in variation of the symbolic meanings. They believe in reincarnation and, as Hermes and Hallāj reincarnate. They defend Satan. They are Showbiz (patriots). They have dual viewpoints toward Hajj. They believe in unity.

There is an interaction among the Hermesian components. Hermesian component interrelation –that we call it Hermesian structure- has caused a special mechanism in Iranian mysticism that we call it Hermesian structure.

Keywords

• Mantiq al-Tayr
• Hekmat Ishrāq (The Philosophy of Spiritual Insight)
• Philosophy of Hermes
• Iranian Mysticism