In the Presence of Light: The Conduct of the Murid Before the Imam in Ismaili History and Literature

OPENING REFLECTION: THE GINAN AS OUR GUIDE

Our tradition begins its teachings not with rules, but with reminders of presence. Pir Ṣadardin, in his timeless wisdom, offers us a spiritual imagination that prepares the heart before it prepares the body.

In the Ginan Satgur Sathe Gothadi Kije [1], he evokes a powerful image:

Jyote jagadine jumloji betha…

Translation

The Lord sits with His Light in full blaze.

This is not poetry for the mind alone. It is a vision for the murid. It invites us to imagine the Jamatkhana not as a hall of bricks and lamps, but as a sanctified space where the Divine Light is already present, already radiant. When a murid enters with this awareness, the heart softens, the senses awaken, and the soul becomes receptive.

Another Ginan by Pir Ṣadardin [2] deepens this inner posture:

Eji Gat mahe avine Virabhai sanmukh rahiye,nida thai tya thi uṭhne jaiye.

Translation

When you enter the Jamatkhana, O chivalrous brother, remain in the presence of the Light; avoid slander and idle talk.

Here the Pir gently redirects us: the Jamatkhana is not a place for distraction, gossip, or worldly chatter. It is a sanctuary of presence. The murid is encouraged to feel, not merely know, that he or she stands before the Light of the Imam. CLICK HRE TO READ MORE