Self: “… If the Sun did not run across the sky the world would not see the colors of morning …” ~ Rumi
If a tree could run or fly
it would not suffer from the teeth of a saw
or the blows of an axe.
If the Sun did not run across the sky
the world would not see
the colors of morning.
If water did not rise from the sea
plants would not be quickened
by rivers or rain.
It’s only when a drop leaves the ocean—and returns—
that it can find an oyster
and become a pearl.
When Joseph left his father
both were weeping.
Didn’t he gain a kingdom and a fortune
in the end?
Didn’t the Prophet
gain the world and a hundred empires
by traveling to Medina?
But you have no need to go anywhere—
journey within yourself.
Enter a mine of rubies
and bathe in the splendor of your own light.
O great one,
Journey from self to Self
and find the mine of gold.
Leave behind what is sour and bitter—
move toward what is sweet.
Be like the thousand different fruits
that grow from briny soil.
This is the miracle—
Every tree becomes beautiful
when touched by sunlight;
Every soul becomes God
when touched by the Sun of Tabriz.
~~ Rumi
This poem, titled, From self to Self, is from Part 3, An Endless Celebration which is from the book Rumi: In the Arms of the Beloved by Jonathan Star (see attribution below). Jonathan is a scholar extraordinaire in the “vast ocean” of Rumi’s utterances (over the last 30 years of his life) … His passion for Rumi has resulted in two books like this one. The book’s Introduction serves as an “in-depth overview” {hmmm… is that an oxymoron? 🙂 …} of Sufism and Rumi’s poetry that is engaging and very readable .. here’s a sampling through this excerpt :
“…
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.…”
~ Jonathan Star
Of course, we wholeheartedly agree with Jonathan … although, in the spirit of “literary liberties,” we humbly 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 ! “
Poetry from Rumi: In the Arms of the Beloved, by Jonathan Star.
Images (edited and logos added): Featured and 1) Mountain Range by cmeder, 2) Dawn View Winding Stream Green Lawns Rural Utah Usa by JohnnyAdolphsonPhotography, 3) The sunset on the beach by silvae, 4) Yoga by rudall30, 5) Abundance of fruits by Nomadsoul1, 7) Two cypress trees along the Saint Johns River by tomfawls. All purchased from depositphotos, for use only on our website/social channels (these images are not permitted to be shared separate from this post). 6) Trees Sunrise by Johannes Plenio, Pixabay License.
