An Explanation of the Processes of Rational Training on the Basis of the Stages of the Soul from the Viewpoint of Mulla Sadra

The purpose of this research is to explain the processes of rational training based on the stages of the soul from Mulla Sadra's view. This is a qualitative research based on Marshall and Rossman’s qualitative content analysis method. Hence, Mulla Sadra's works were reviewed first and the issues relating to rationality were collected. Next, in order to achieve the stages of rational training, the researchers referred to the educational theory of Mulla Sadra and others who have worked in this field. Having considered all these theories, Mulla Sadra's views on rational training as well as its stages were identified. The results indicated that Mulla Sadra recognized rationality as one of the last stages of human soul and considered it to have two powers: knowing and acting. The knowing power is capable of understanding the generalities including four potential, internalized, actual and applied levels. The practicing power is able to perceive details related to action, and has four levels: purification of the appearance, purification of the interior, decoration of interior, and annihilation to God. Accordingly, from Sadra's point of view, rational training means creating proper conditions for training of going through the rational procuresses and reaching the last stage of the power of reason, that is, the applied rationality and annihilation to God. In the end, the stages of rational training were explained in terms of five levels including: pre-introductory, introductory, preparation, moderation, and transcendence, and explained.