The Splendor of Existence and the Attraction of Love
In the works of Jalaluddin Rumi, admiration for the splendor of existence is intertwined with the attractive power of love. The phrase “Come, for both my soul and the world are captivated by your beautiful face; come, for you are a wondrous beauty in the celestial realm” expresses both a deep admiration for worldly beauty and a turning towards the divine reality beyond that beauty. The mystery inherent in the nature of love and its enchanting attraction invites humanity on a journey to the secrets of the universe; in this journey, while worldly pleasures are transient and limited, the divine reality which is the source of love is eternal and boundless.
The Depth of Celestial Love: The Influence of Shams
The influence of Shams-i Tabrizi is significant in Mevlana’s understanding of celestial love. The phrase “Go seek the currency of meaning from Shams of Tabriz” indicates not merely a material transaction, but also a spiritual acquisition process. Because the depth and truth of celestial love can only be comprehended through the grace of a divine guide, such as a Sufi like Shams. Shams’s love was instrumental in opening the market of love in Mevlana’s heart, causing the mine of the heavens to shine, and thus conveying the message of divine love to humanity.
Beyond Venus: The Reflection of Divine Reality
Mevlana emphasizes that the beauty existing in the celestial realm is reflected within human beings. By saying “Come, for there has never been one like you, nor will there be; come, for the eyes of the heavens have never seen one like you, nor will they see,” he expresses that every human being potentially holds a divine beauty. This beauty can only be discovered and revealed through the path of love; thereby, humans transcend their own selves and become aware of the secrets of the universe. The proclamation that even the sun is eclipsed, and thousands of Venus exist in the sky of the heavens, reminds us to move beyond attachment to the material world and be illuminated by divine love.
Liberation through the Heavens and the Mysteries of Existence
Mevlana’s understanding of the heavens is more than just a dance ritual; it is a journey of spiritual purification and liberation. The statement “When you enter into the heavens, you shall exit from both worlds; this realm of the heavens is outside of both realms” is a metaphor for how the heavens liberate humanity from the boundaries of the material world and lead them to divine realities. Even surpassing the dome of the seventh heaven symbolizes the potential of humans to discover the mysteries of existence; this discovery elevates them to a higher level of consciousness and enables their integration with the universe.