Escaping Plato’s Cave as a Mystical Experience: A Survey in Sufi Literature

This paper puts forward a mystical reading of Plato’s Allegory the Cave by comparing it with some allegories from Sufi literature, Islamic tradition. The argues that determining parts allegory, such as escaping cave world shadows; seeing sun/truth and becoming philosopher; necessity returning to cave, have significant similarities what Sufis said about their experience spiritual enlightenment. compares similar in focusing on prison, hunting shadows flying bird, dying before dying, elephant dark Room Rumi’s works. After an introduction reception Plato intellectual tradition different interpretations Cave, this discusses four between these allegories. Finally, supports using Pierre Hadot’s thesis Philosophy Way Life, which challenges sharp dichotomy philosophy mysticism mainstream historiography.