Transcending the Boundaries of Existence: The Transformative Power of Love
The couplets from Jalaluddin Rumi’s Divan-i Kebir are gems whispering the transformative power of love to humanity. The simile of Judgment Day in the source text strikingly expresses the potential for love to transcend worldly boundaries; as if the lover is a force that upheaves the entire universe with their love. Love is not merely an emotional experience, but also a divine encounter that enables the individual to question and surpass the limits of their own existence. This experience aims at the person’s liberation from their ego and integration with truth, namely annihilation (fana) and ultimately attaining eternal existence (beka).
Death and Resurrection in the Quest for Union: The Path to Truth
Rumi presents death and resurrection as indispensable stages of the love journey in his works. The simile of the appointed time of death emphasizes that death is not an end, but rather a gateway to a new beginning. True union, i.e., merging with truth, is possible only through the death and rebirth of the current self. This resurrection occurs by being burned by the fire of love, disciplining the lower self (nafs), and turning towards divine love. Rumi’s expression, ‘If you want to be resurrected, order me for the path of union,’ indicates that reaching this truth requires a price, namely personal sacrifices.
Melting of the Self and Turning Towards Divine Existence: Steps in the Quest for Truth
In Rumi’s poetry, the melting of the self and turning towards divine existence expresses a state of deep surrender and humility. By saying, ‘Life without you has no value,’ Rumi states that worldly life can only be completed with Allah’s love. This shows that worldly pleasures are transient and incomplete, while true happiness is found by progressing on the path of truth. Despite the difficulties of the path, despite the presence of ‘hundreds of ambushes’, the path appears close and smooth with the light of love; because on the path to truth, disciplining the self and transcending the ego brings about an inner transformation.