"Sight" and "Vision" in the Poetry of Sultan Bahu: From Outer Seeing to Inner Insight

Abstract

This study examines the ideas of sight, vision and spiritual perception in the Punjabi poetry of Sultan Bahu. It focuses on how physical seeing develops into inner awareness through the heart, the guidance of the spiritual mentor, remembrance, love and the removal of inner veils. The study uses close textual reading of selected verses that contain images of eyes, seeing, the heart, the guide, presence, unveiling and vision. These verses are also read in the light of Quranic references and studies on Sufi thought. The analysis shows that Sultan Bahu does not treat vision as a simple act of the eyes. For him, true seeing begins when the heart becomes awake and the seeker moves beyond outward appearance. The spiritual mentor plays an important role by directing the seeker toward deeper awareness. The study further shows that vision reaches its highest stage when self centeredness weakens and the seeker experiences presence, recognition, and inner unity. It concludes that Sultan Bahu presents a clear spiritual journey from outward sight to inward insight, making vision a central part of his mystical thought.

Keywords: Sultan Bahu, Vision, Spiritual Perception, Inner Awareness, Spiritual Mentor, Sufi Poetry, Mystical Thought.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21954153