Who is ostad elahi?

Answer 1

Born into a distinguished family on September 11, 1895 in Jeyhounabad, a small village in Western Iran, Ostad Elahi was a contemporary philosopher, jurist, scholar, and musician. His father, Haj Ne'mat (1871-1920), a writer and mystical poet, wrote many works including "The Book of the Kings of Truth," a hagiographic history in verse published by the French scholar and authority on Islamic mysticism, Henry Corbin, who described it as "a Bible onto itself." From early childhood, Ostad Elahi led an ascetic, secluded life of rigorous spiritual discipline under his father's attentive supervision. Aside from religious and moral instruction, he also received the classical education of that time. It was during his youth, entirely devoted to study and contemplation, that he established the basis of his philosophical and spiritual reflections. By the time his father passed away in 1920, Ostad had already reached the zenith of mysticism. Although he was revered and even worshipped by a large number of followers, he determined that the time for classical spirituality had come to an end, and that the quest for spiritual growth and development could no longer take place in the tranquility of ascetic seclusion. Instead, Ostad believed that spirituality had to be practiced in the context of an active life in the midst of society. Thus, at the age of 24 he left behind his prominent social and spiritual status and parted from an age-old form of spirituality to test his ethical principles in the crucible of society. After attending to his father's affairs, Ostad eventually settled in Tehran, where he decided to enter the civil service. In 1930, he cut his long hair (which had not been cut since the age of six), shaved his beard, and replaced his dervish robes with a business suit. By his own will, the "Mystic of Mystics" was now a government employee at the bottom of a vast administrative hierarchy. A few years later, Ostad enrolled in the newly formed National School of Jurisprudence. Although only six months remained in the three-year curriculum, through extraordinary effort and perseverance Ostad was able to complete his coursework and graduate with distinction in 1934. The remarkable transition from mystic to judge had been completed, and Ostad was ready to embark on a judicial career that would span some twenty-three years. His professional career as a judge would serve as the perfect vehicle for him to personally experience, demonstrate, and lay the foundations of his revolutionary new approach to spirituality. Many years later, Ostad would say: Before I entered government service, I was unaware that all my prayers and twelve years of asceticism on the mystical path had the same spiritual value as a single year working in the government. Each of the years spent in public service, often in delicate positions where I could have erred at any moment, was equal in value to those twelve years of asceticism. It is because of this principle that I say: live in society, earn your livelihood, and take care of your health, but strengthen and develop your soul to the point that, like a solid tree, nothing can shake you. It was not long before Ostad Elahi's profound insight and judicious verdicts became apparent to others. He was appointed to positions of increasing responsibility throughout the country before culminating his distinguished career as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals for the province of Mazandaran. Throughout his tenure as a judge, Ostad Elahi continued to devote a great deal of time to his personal studies and research, especially in the areas of philosophy and theology. Although little is known about the unfolding course of his thought during those years, it is clear that this period was filled with experiences that nourished his metaphysical investigations and helped him to formulate his later works. At the same time, music continued to occupy an important place in his life as his exceptional mastery of the tanbur reached new heights. It was only after his retirement in 1957 that Ostad Elahi really began to reveal the results of a lifetime of research and personal experiences. He wrote two scholarly works, both authoritative treatises in the fields of religious science and authentic spirituality, as well as an extensive commentary on his father's writings. In addition to his published works, the practical aspect of his philosophy was more fully developed in the teachings that he relayed to a few close friends and students until the end of his life. Two extensive volumes of his sayings have been published to date on the basis of notes transcribed by his students. These inspired sayings reveal a profound knowledge of human beings, a great erudition serving an innovative thought. Ostad Elahi passed away on October 19, 1974 at the age of seventy-nine. A memorial, which remains a place of pilgrimage today, was erected in his memory in Hashtgerd, a rural town located on the outskirts of Tehran. For a complete account on the life and philosophy of Ostad Elahi, please visit www.ostadelahi.com RELEVANT LINKS www.OstadElahi.com www.OstadExpo.com www.OstadRadio.com

Answer 2

Ostad Elahi (1895-1974) was a renowned Iranian philosopher, jurist, and musician. He emphasized the importance of spiritual values and ethical principles in daily life, teaching that self-improvement and connection to one's true self are essential for a meaningful existence. His teachings have inspired many individuals seeking personal growth and spiritual development.