What the difference between the physical heart and the Real Heart?

The most direct answer to the above question is captured in the following excerpt:

"The ultimate center of man's consciousness, his inmost reality, his "meaning" as known by God, is called the "heart" (dil, qalb). As for the lump of flesh within the breast, that is the shadow or outermost skin of the (real) heart. Between this (physical) heart and that (real) heart are infinite levels of consciousness and realization.

"As man's inmost reality, the heart is always with God. But only the prophets and saints — who are called the "Possessors of the Heart" — have achieved God-consciousness, whereby they are truly and actually aware of God at the center of their being. Most men are veiled by innumerable levels of dross (something that is worthless or of a low standard or quality) or darkness, so that in practice the center of their consciousness or "heart" is their animal spirit or ego." [Source: W. C. Chittick, The Sufi Path of Love, p.37]

Why is enlightenment necessary?

The most direct answer to the above question is captured in the following teaching of Rumi:

"The house of the heart that remains without illumination from the rays of the Magnificent Sun is narrow and dark like a miser's soul, empty of the Loving King's sweet taste. The Sun's light does not shine in that heart, space does not expand, doors do not open: the grave is more pleasant for you — arise from the tomb of your heart! (M II 3129-32)" [Source: W. C. Chittick, The Sufi Path of Love, p.37]

What can be seen in an enlightened heart?

The most direct answer to the above question is captured in the following teaching of Rumi:

"Once the mirror of your heart becomes pure and clear, you will see pictures from beyond the domain of water and clay, not only pictures but also the Painter, not only the carpet of good fortune, but also the Carpet-spreader. (M II 72-73)" [Source: W. C. Chittick, The Sufi Path of Love, p.38]

What does one have to do to see pictures in his heart?

The most direct answer to the above question is captured in the following teachings of Rumi:

"The saints have polished their breasts until cleaned of greed, cupidity (meanness), avarice (materialism) and hatred. Without doubt the pure mirror is the heart acting as a receptacle for infinite pictures. The Moses-like saint possesses within his breast, in the heart's mirror, the infinite, formless Form of the Unseen. What does it matter if that Form is not contained by the heavens, the divine Throne, the Footstool, or the Fish supporting the earth? These things are all delimited and defined, but the heart's mirror has no limits — Know that! Here the intellect must remain silent, or else lead us astray. For the heart is with Him — indeed, the heart is He. (M I 3484-89)" [Source: W. C. Chittick, The Sufi Path of Love, p.38]