The Limits of Moderation
The teachings of Mevlânâ Celaleddîn-i Rûmî offer a journey into the depths of the universe and the inner world of humanity. As emphasized in the source text, everything has its measure; earth needs water, water needs clay. However, while this moderation forms the general principle of creation, a different dynamic comes into play in the pursuit of love and truth. Love is a boundless sea of selfless affection. Therefore, in Sufi thought, love is accepted as a manifestation of boundlessness and limitlessness, because to progress on the path of truth, one must break free from the limitations of the mind and the ego.
The Obstacle of the Commanding Self (Nafs-i Emir) and the Guidance of Reason
Mevlânâ also clearly states the obstacles that prevent a person from knowing themselves and comprehending truth. The desires of the nafs can lead a person away from paradise and into darkness. At this point, reason plays an important role. Bringing together two minds is the most effective way to prevent bad behavior and words. Solitude and inability to discipline the ego can lead a person to ruin, while being with true friends and adopting a divine guide illuminates the soul and helps in reaching truth. Friendship supports a person’s potential to emerge.
The Opening of the Inner Eye and the Ladder of Truth
To see the truth, one needs an inner enlightenment that goes beyond the senses. Mevlânâ points out ways to open this inner eye; cleaning the mirror of the heart, purifying oneself from worldly greed, and progressing under the guidance of a friend. True love, like the story of Ibrahim (Abraham), requires seeing the essence of truth beyond outward false appearances. This is a kind of ladder of truth; a deep journey that a person undertakes within their own inner world. Mevlânâ’s teachings serve as a compass for us to understand both ourselves and the universe more deeply.