The Exhausting Power of Love and Submission
In the works of Mevlânâ Celaleddin Rûmî, love is not merely an ordinary emotion but a fundamental force of the universe; a passion, a quest. This love seizes hearts like a thirsty lion and is nourished by the blood in the souls of lovers. Faced with this exhausting power of love, humans find no alternative to submission. When approached with love, humanity actually falls into the trap of love, and from that moment on, love begins to guide them; their will weakens, and the power of love comes to the fore. This situation emphasizes that love is a force beyond individual control, requiring surrender.
The Torments and Transformation of Love
According to Mevlânâ, love is a merciless sovereign; with long arms, immense power and strength. In this court, lovers suffer torments, they are squeezed even if innocent. However, these tortures are actually the pangs of transformation. Love seeks to cleanse humanity from its former self and turn it into a new scholar, a new servant. Just like a chemical reaction that turns copper into gold, love deeply affects the interior of a person and matures them. This manifestation of love, which makes one cry and then laugh; breaks glasses and tears clothes, expresses the destruction and rebuilding of individual identity.
Reaching Truth Through Love and the Key to the Heart
In Mevlânâ’s teachings, love is not only an emotional experience but also a path to reaching truth. Falling into the trap of love means transcending the boundaries of self and turning towards the divine realm. Like the Simurgh’s flight toward Mount Kaf, love elevates humanity to high stations. However, on this path, reason and logic are insufficient; a key that opens the heart is needed. Even if the heart is made of iron, it can be polished with generosity and brought to a state where it reflects light like a mirror. Therefore, Mevlânâ invites his lovers to search for the shop of love, that is, to discover the divine love in the depths of the heart.