“… Why look for God ? …. Look for the one looking for God … but then Why look at all ? … He is not lost … He is right here … Closer than your own breath!” ~Rumi
“… The supreme vision of Sufism is to see God everywhere, to view every part of creation as a reflection of God’s glory. The poet Jami writes: “Every branch and leaf and fruit reveals some aspect of God’s perfection: the cypress gives hint of His Majesty; the rose gives tidings of His beauty.” Every atom was created by God so that man could know the highest truth and learn the secrets of love.
Rumi’s poetry has the magical ability to show us this truth and to unlock love’s precious secrets. Within the folds of his words we gain entrance to a hidden chamber; we hear whispers that are ancient, yet intimate; we behold the endless love story between the individual soul and God.
Like looking into a polished mirror, or like being in the presence of a holy being, reading Rumi’s poetry shows us ourselves and our state, but more than that, it shows us the boundless glory of what we can become. …”
This exquisite prose is by Jonathan Star, whose Rumi translations are in the collection of our favorites … we wholeheartedly agree with Jonathan though we would offer some edits of the last line (plus would change from “His” to “His/Her”)… for your consideration 🙂
“… it shows us the boundless glory of what we already are ! “
NOTE: This post is just a tiny sampling of Rumi and Sufism … we will be featuring more in-depth coverage of Rumi/Sufism in future from various sources … so stay tuned …
In Gratitude,
Cherie and Sanjiv
Poem and above prose excerpt from Rumi, In the Arms of the Beloved, Translations by Jonathan Star.
Image: Solar Flare, NASA/GSFC/SDO, CC-BY-2.0 , Rumi illustration, by Toksoz, CC BY-SA 3.0, and the Rumi quote on image
Originally posted on Google+ by Sanjiv Manifest on Jul 14, 2013.
Using the pronoun “He”?Really? God has no gender.
Indeed ! .. we agree …. which is why the post included the note re “… we would offer some edits of the last line (plus would change from “His” to “His/Her”)…”
Thanks for taking the time to drop by and commenting 🙂
…graciously forgive the awkwardness, limitations and tradition of the English language… (i.e. God referred to as “he”)
<3