Self-awareness Through Spiritualism: A Critical Study of Shafak’s The Forty Rules of Love

Abstract

The present study aims to explore the influence of spiritualism in Elif Shafak’s The Forty Rules of Love. The novel illustrates how spiritualism alters a person's thoughts, perceptions, and vision, with the individual remaining under the sway of their thoughts. They interpret messages conveyed by the mind and act accordingly. A person upholds the standards of right and wrong and often pretends to be morally correct. However, spiritualism allows an individual to think on a higher and purer level and helps maintain the correctness of decisions and laws. From Rumi’s perspective on spiritualism, the study notably aids in understanding how certain characters change their perceptions and enhance their quality of life through self-awareness. The study identifies various forms, elements, and types of spiritual self-awareness in the selected text. It is significant because it paves the way for further research by scholars, readers, and academics interested in exploring the Eastern tradition of spiritualism or mysticism.