The Mysteries of Existence and the Breeze of Friendship
These excerpts from Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi’s Divan-ı Kebir illuminate the profound secrets of existence and the path to divine love. Rumi expresses that the potential within a person is like flying without wings, achievable through the breeze of friendship. This ‘journey’ is not merely physical but also a state of spiritual purification and elevation; it is the transcendence of one’s self and integration with the universe. Rumi’s teachings emphasize this unity, which is possible by overcoming individual boundaries, and invites humanity to a broader perspective.
The Agony and Healing Source of Love
Rumi’s words express that love also brings pain; in a city filled with the sounds of zurna (a wind instrument) and the harmony of the çeng (a stringed instrument), cries and lamentations rise. However, these agonies are trials on the path to love. The healing described in this passage, through the metaphor of a ‘bee sting,’ is gained through experiences learned from pain. Rumi sees the suffering of humans as an agent of rebirth and maturation. Turning towards the divine presence, which is supremely merciful and intertwined with its servants, opens the way to liberation from these pains and finding healing; thus, humanity experiences the depth of love.
Breaking Down, Building Up, and Transformation
Rumi’s teachings draw attention to the cycle of recreating after destruction. Breaking idols and purifying oneself from old beliefs is a necessity for gaining a new perspective. Just as pots are broken, life is full of ups and downs. However, Rumi emphasizes that the art of kneading clay and making new pots will never be lost. This expresses that humanity is constantly in a state of transformation, learning from its mistakes and surpassing itself. Entering the garden of the heart is stepping into a world filled with beauty; ascending to the heavens signifies the purification of the soul. Even if it burns like oil, becoming radiant, transforming sorrow into silk, and illuminating gatherings, demonstrates that humanity can radiate light even in the face of difficulties.