Love is a Divine Ocean
Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi depicts love as an ocean in his Masnavi, stating that each individual has their own unique path within its depths. Prophets like Jesus and Joseph swim in this ocean like fish; Ahmed exhibits a stance of feeling separate from them. However, Ahmed too, like the others, is part of that divine ocean of love; he shines as a pearl of that ocean. This metaphorical expression used by Rumi emphasizes the universality of love transcending boundaries, highlighting that even people belonging to different faiths are in pursuit of the same truth; love is a unifying force that eliminates all barriers.
Dissolution of the Self and Union with Truth
In Rumi’s poetry, the dissolution of the self is the fundamental step towards encountering truth. The divine intoxication of love, expressed through the metaphor of wine, allows the individual to transcend ego boundaries and unite with Truth. This state of being unaware due to intoxication is, according to Rumi, a condition lost by those who are wise; for they possess an absolute truth that cannot be contained by numbers or limitations. With expressions such as ‘being a jewel in the king’s ring,’ and ‘not being water nor fire from the earth,’ Rumi narrates the individual’s surrender to Truth, relinquishing all attributes; this surrender signifies the annihilation of the self and integration with the divine presence.
The Mad Heart and Essence of Existence
Rumi uses the concept of ‘mad heart’ to represent a perspective outside the conventional. True madness is not knowing the heart and not being attached to ties; for true love requires transcending boundaries and freeing oneself from all worldly attachments. The intoxication of the heart in this state is an indicator of breaking free from the limitations of reason and reaching the essence of existence. Rumi’s emphasis on ‘rindship’ expresses being in a passionate connection with divine love rather than adhering to rules; this passion directs humanity to transcend itself and explore the secrets of the universe.