The States of the Universe Laden with Love
Mevlânâ Celaleddin-i Rûmî expresses the effects of love in his Divan-ı Kebir with such depth and universality that it invites the reader to both a personal experience and a cosmic ecstasy. In Mevlânâ’s view, love is not merely a human emotion; it is an energy so powerful and pervasive that it forms the foundation of existence. As appears in the source text, as the manifestation of God’s beauty increases, every particle of the worlds becomes intoxicated. This intoxication is not a weakness; on the contrary, it is the attainment of the true self by created beings through the influence of divine love, their nearness to the Truth (Haqq). The Throne, the Divine Seat, the heavens… all these exalted stations experience ecstasy under the influence of the wine of love poured forth from Mevlânâ’s tongue; this demonstrates the presence and effect of divine love in every layer of the universe.
Abandoning the Self and Unity on the Path of Love
Mevlânâ’s teaching aims to transcend the limits of the self and unite with the Truth (Haqq). This unity requires purification from the carnal self (nafs-i emmared). The reference to Prophet Joseph in the source text symbolizes this process; Joseph’s bowing down while looking at Egypt is an expression of abandoning the self and turning towards the Truth. On the path of love, one seeks refuge with Mevlânâ like a turban (sarık), but the most important thing is that both the turban and the head are captivated by this ecstasy of love. For true surrender is not only in outward appearance but in embracing divine love completely in the heart and mind. At this point, Mevlânâ reminds people that it is a challenging yet rewarding path to break free from one’s self and reach the Truth.
The Depth of Existence and the Limits of Expressing Love
Mevlânâ emphasizes the depth of existence and the inexpressibility of love. The question, “What is there left in this rose garden if the soul has not seen its blessedness?” points to the emptiness of worldly pleasures and the true happiness made possible by divine love. Without the grace of love, the foundation of life becomes meaningless. The gathering established with the arrival of Shams-i Tabrizi into the heart creates an atmosphere that intoxicates the door and walls of love; this demonstrates that love is a power that transcends boundaries and affects everything. Mevlânâ states that the expression of love is not limited by words, but it is a sacred experience to be felt in the depths of the heart, and he expresses the need to conceal the secret of love by saying “let no words from the tablet of the heart fall into writing.” This secrecy is a way of preserving the depth of love and elevating it; because some truths can only be transmitted from heart to heart.