1. the heart as a spiritual centre and gateway to the divine connection
In many spiritual traditions, the heart is regarded as the innermost centre of the human being, where a direct connection to the divine is experienced. It is the place where divine revelation, wisdom and love are accessible. This is emphasised intensively in Sufism, Bhakti yoga and Christian mysticism:
ufism: The heart is seen as a mirror that reflects the divine light. It is the place of divine secrets that the mind alone cannot grasp. Sufis believe that the heart has the ability to recognise the divine reality once it is purified of ego and worldly attachments. The practice of dhikr (constant remembrance of God) is used to orientate the heart towards the divine.
Bhakti yoga: In bhakti yoga, the heart is the seat of love and devotion. A pure heart leads to a direct and personal connection with God. Bhaktis (practitioners) nurture the heart through smarana (remembrance of God), which fosters a deep emotional connection and devotion. Divine love is recognised in the heart as the ultimate goal through which one can achieve oneness with the Divine.
Christian mysticism: Here, the heart is seen as the dwelling place of God. Mystics such as Teresa of Ávila and St John of the Cross describe the heart as the place where God works and where the deepest union with man can take place. In a state of heart purification through prayer and contemplation, man experiences the divine light and divine love directly.
2. the heart as the centre of inner purification and transformation
Christian mysticism: Here, the heart is seen as the dwelling place of God. Mystics such as Teresa of Ávila and St John of the Cross describe the heart as the place where God works and where the deepest union with man can take place. In a state of heart purification through prayer and contemplation, man experiences the divine light and divine love directly.
Sufismus: Der Prozess der Tazkiyah (Reinigung) entfernt den „Staub“ weltlicher Begierden vom Herzspiegel, damit er die göttliche Wahrheit spiegeln kann. Dieser Prozess der Reinigung ist entscheidend für das Empfangen göttlicher Weisheit und Führung.
Bhakti yoga: The practice of chitta shuddhi (purification of consciousness) frees the heart from negative emotions and false ego in order to feel divine love. The purer the heart, the deeper the devotion and the closer the connection with God.
Christian mysticism: Through prayer, contemplation and penance, the heart is purified and made receptive to God's grace. The purification of the heart frees people from sin and selfishness so that divine love and wisdom can work through the heart.
3. the heart in alchemy as a symbol of inner transformation
In alchemical symbolism, the heart is understood as a place of transformation and enlightenment. It acts as an inner fire that purifies people and leads them to a higher level of consciousness:
Christian mysticism: Through prayer, contemplation and penance, the heart is purified and made receptive to God's grace. The purification of the heart frees people from sin and selfishness so that divine love and wisdom can work through the heart.
Alchemical marriage: The union of opposites, often referred to as an "alchemical marriage", takes place in the heart. It is the place where the lower self is transformed into a higher self. The soul and spirit merge into a new, harmonious state that drives the spiritual evolution of the human being.
Philosopher's Stone: The "philosopher's stone", the ultimate goal of alchemical work, is symbolically found in the heart. A purified and enlightened heart is seen as the source of eternal wisdom and spiritual immortality.
4) In philosophical and ethical concepts, the heart is more than just a physical organ; it is the centre of moral clarity and intuition:
Christian and Islamic mysticism: The heart is seen as a moral organ that helps people to distinguish between good and evil. Ibn Arabi describes the heart as the throne of God, where divine wisdom and truth reside. A pure heart leads people to ethical clarity and helps them to lead a virtuous life.
Rudolf Steiner: In Steiner's anthroposophical teachings, the heart plays a role as a moral organ and centre of heart intuition. The balance between thinking, feeling and willing, which is regulated by the intuition of the heart, enables people to live a harmonious and ethical life. The Christ principle as the cosmic force of love helps people to find the moral balance between the extremes (such as Lucifer and Ahriman).
5 The heart as a source of love and wholeness
5 The heart as a source of love and wholeness
Sufism and Bhakti Yoga: Love of God is the highest power that purifies the heart and leads man to union with the divine. This love dissolves the ego and harmonises people with the divine reality.
Christianity: Love for God and our fellow human beings is the central commandment. Christian mysticism describes divine love as the highest form of union, which is experienced in the heart and leads people to wholeness.
Modern psychology: In the work of Louise Hay and others, the heart is seen as the source of self-love and acceptance. Self-love is the key to healing and a healthy emotional life.
Summarised
The heart unites different dimensions of the human being and reflects the deepest aspects of spirituality, psychology and symbolism:
Spiritual centre: A place of divine encounter where love, wisdom and unity can be experienced.
Spiritual centre: A place of divine encounter where love, wisdom and unity can be experienced.
Symbol of alchemy: a place of spiritual transformation and enlightenment where opposites are united.
Emotional and mental health: centre of emotional intelligence and self-healing through coherence and meditative practice.
Moral and spiritual organ: Source of ethical clarity and intuition that leads people to moral and spiritual fulfilment.
Place of love and wholeness: source of divine and human love that brings the individual to wholeness and inner harmony.
The heart therefore symbolises an interface between the human and the divine and is seen as a place where both the innermost truth and the greatest love and wisdom can be experienced. In all traditions and modern perspectives, the heart is the key to self-knowledge, transformation and a deep connection with inner and outer reality.