THREE ASPECTS OF THE WAY 115

Raja Yoga. Clearly the technique in question can be
described by means of different symbolisms. Sufi
writers usually treat of this question implicitly by in-
dicating the use of the symbols which are the object of
concentration ; indeed the ‘““alchemical” work, in the
sense in which it is envisaged here, cannot be separated
from the nature of the symbols used as “means of
Grace’ and these symbols are the intermediary through
which the “‘alchemical” aspect of spiritual work is
linked with its intellectual aspect. The pre-eminent
spiritual means of Tasawwuf is the verbal symbol repea-
ted either inwardly or aloud with or without a synchro-
nising of the breath ; hence the various phases of the
inner alchemy—the successive ‘‘liquefactions’ and
“crystallisations”—appear as permutations (tasrif) of
the symbol in the soul in conformity with the different
Divine Realities (haqa’iq) it expresses.

During invocation of a Name of God the three
constituent aspects of the Way—doctrinal truth, virtue
in the will and spiritual alchemy—are summed up in a
single inner act; virtue is the human reflection of the
divine aspect symbolised by the sacred Name while the
spiritual alchemy will result, in its most intimate work-
ing, from the theurgic power of that same Name, which
is mysteriously identical with God.

Doctrine is addressed to what is “naturally” meta-
physical in man; spiritual virtue and concentration
have for their aim the dissolution of the knot of egocen-