The Chain of Visits and Envy
This story taken from Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi’s Masnavi reminds us that even close friendships can be overshadowed by feelings such as envy and jealousy. Prophet Joseph’s being crushed under the weight of his brothers’ envy symbolizes the internal conflicts of humanity. Mevlana emphasizes that overcoming this requires approaching events with patience and acceptance (tawakkul), because difficulties, seen as a trick of fate, can actually lead us to a higher understanding. Just as the lion was uncomfortable with the chain, it is important to struggle with the feelings that disrupt our inner peace.
Polishing the Heart and the Mirror of Truth
In Mevlana’s teachings, the heart is like a mirror; when cleansed from external influences and polished through remembrance (dhikr), it reflects truth. To preserve the brightness of this mirror, we must cleanse our hearts with beautiful words, thoughts, and actions. Nourishing our innate nature with beauty helps us to reveal our inner potential. The person who has polished their heart sees the light of true love and humility, which makes them a more beneficial individual to humanity. Mevlana emphasizes the importance of the heart-mirror, hoping it will be a means for humans to know themselves and understand the secrets of the universe.
Spiritual Gifts and Selflessness
Mevlana states that those who wish to embark on a spiritual journey must know themselves by purifying themselves from selfish feelings. Just as in the visit to the sultan, the true gift is not material but an inner transformation. Giving up self-admiration and submitting the heart and soul is the first step towards seeing the truth. Mevlana advises abandoning egoistic desires and drawing closer to Allah by standing before the “Subhan” hymn. This approach allows a person to transcend themselves and understand the secrets of the universe. The person progressing on the path of spirituality becomes more compassionate and tolerant towards others through self-knowledge.