A Mystical and Comparative Perspective to the Role of Active Interaction with the Environment in Conferring Meaning to Life

Asadov, Tofig; Sharifi, Mohammad-Hossein

doi:10.22034/imjpl.2026.24397.1265

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

¹ Department of Philosophy and Studies of Religions, Faculty of Philosophy and Studies of Religions, Al-Mustafa Open University, Iran.

² Department of Philosophy and Studies of Religions, Faculty of Philosophy and Studies of Religions, Al Mustafa Open University, Qum, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22034/imjpl.2026.24397.1265

Abstract

SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: This paper expounds upon the status of active engagement with the environment on the pathway toward theomorphism and the actualization of the human viceregency. The objectives of this article include critically confronting the instrumental view of nature within secular thought and explaining its link to modern nihilism, showing that relating to nature is not merely a moral duty but an existential, mystical, and transformative spiritual practice, and explaining how this relationship cultivates inner joy, serenity, and meaning, rooted in the human natural drive to contribute positively to the world.
METHOD & FINDING: A descriptive-analytical and comparative investigation, informed by the principles of practical mysticism and classical theosophical hermeneutics, is applied in this article. Service to the environment can be elucidated at three levels of meaning-making: the level of theophanic phenomenology, in which every element of nature is regarded as a mirror of the divine names; the level of viceregency and theomorphism, in which planting a tree is a theophany of the attribute Muḥyī (the Life-Giver), and caring for an animal is a theophany of the attributes Rāziq (the Provider) and Raḥmān (the All-Merciful); and the level of spiritual wayfaring, wherein the sālik (wayfarer) is liberated from worldly attachments and attains the maqam of Riḍā (station of contentment) and annihilation in the divine will.
CONCLUSION: The adoption of an active and reverential relationship with nature presents a viable pathway out of the modern crisis of meaning. It paves the way for a balanced, holistic relationship between human beings and the entire created order, thereby elevating natural life to a plane of transcendent meaning and lasting purpose.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

Main Subjects

The Meaning of Life

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International Multidisciplinary Journal of Pure Life (IMJPL)

A Mystical and Comparative Perspective to the Role of Active Interaction with the Environment in Conferring Meaning to Life

References

References

Volume 13, Issue 46 - Serial Number 2
June 2026
Pages 83-96

A Mystical and Comparative Perspective to the Role of Active Interaction with the Environment in Conferring Meaning to Life

References

References

Volume 13, Issue 46 - Serial Number 2June 2026Pages 83-96

Volume 13, Issue 46 - Serial Number 2
June 2026
Pages 83-96