: The text describes the soul as being "trapped" in the material world, likening its earthly existence to a period of exile. Structure and Content Attar's Thoughts in Asrar Nama
In the words of one of his secrets: "I searched for God and found only myself. / I searched for myself and found only God." book of secrets attar of nishapur pdf
The “secret” ( sirr ) of the title is not esoteric knowledge to be guarded, but an experiential truth: Attar relentlessly attacks the ego ( nafs ), portraying it as a tyrant, a thief, and an idol. In one memorable passage, he compares the self-seeking devotee to a man who prays only to be seen—his worship is not a ladder to heaven but a heavier chain. The secret, therefore, is that spiritual progress is not about adding virtues but about subtracting the self. As Attar writes (in paraphrase), “You are the veil between you and the Beloved; remove yourself, and the road is cleared.” : The text describes the soul as being