Abandoning the Self and Turning Towards Divine Existence
Mevlânâ Celaleddin Rumi, in his Divan-ı Kebir, expresses with passionate language the transformative power of love, the detachment from one’s self and turning towards divine existence. The phrase “we have departed from ourselves” found in the source text symbolizes purification from the *nafs-i emmare*, that is, liberation from the captivity of ego and worldly desires. This separation is a necessary step for an individual to discover their true self and integrate with universal love; according to Rumi, this process involves a transformation where one loses oneself but simultaneously finds divine love.
The Delight of Love and Spiritual Refreshment
In Rumi’s teaching, love is not merely a romantic feeling, but also a path towards spiritual refreshment. The expressions “the assembly that drank from the wine opening hearts was immersed in bliss” describes how divine love revives and gladdens the human soul. This ‘wine’ symbolically represents a spiritual drink that opens hearts, purifies the mind, and leads one to truth; in Rumi’s Sufi teaching, such spiritual experiences are important elements that fill existential emptiness and bring peace.
The Trials of Love and Ways to Reach Truth
Rumi draws attention not only to the sweetness but also to the trials of love. The expression “love is accompanied by sorrows” emphasizes that reaching truth is not an easy path, but rather a challenging process requiring sacrifice and patience. These trials distance one from their self, bringing them closer to divine love; according to Rumi, those who do not dwell in the valley of love have not found the right way and cannot attain true happiness. The journey of love is an experience that transcends reason, therefore it is taught that problems unsolvable by logic can be overcome with love.