WISDOM

A Free Versification from the Mathnawi of Rumi
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> Work is not just a word, nor exertion a vain fancy.
> From whom shall we flee? from ourselves? how absurd,
> From whom shall we run away? From God? such a crime.
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> Let us consider the efforts of all the Prophets,
> God prospered their exertion and saved them from
> oppression,
> Their plans were perfect, all performed by good men
> excells,
>
> They snared the Paradise Bird, weaknesses were
> expelled.
> Exert yourself following the lead of Prophets and Saints!
> Endeavour is’nt a war against fate ; fate’s laid her
> trials on us,
>
> Be a rebel no one is lost while treading the path of
> faith.
> Your head won’t be broken and doesn’t need a
> bandage,
> Perform good works and laugh until everlasting life!
>
> He sought an evil haven that sought this world,
> He sought a good state that sought heaven to come.
> Plans for gaining goods in this world are worthless,
> Plans for renouncing this world are God inspired.
>
> The right plot is to dig a hole in one’s jail to escape,
> If one fills up that hole it’s an idiotic mistake.
> This world’s the prison, dig a tunnel, set yourself
> free!
> What’s life worth forgetting God? It isn’t just
> girls or boys and gold.
>
> As for religious wealth, how pure are self- righteous
> riches?
> Water in the boat sinks the unfortunate vessel,
> Water beneath the boat supports it on the voyage.
>
> Since Solomon cast from his heart the wish for wealth
> This King didn’t call himself by any other name but
> ‘poor’.
> The sealed jar floats on water, it’s heart is empty,
> When poverty sits within, one’s at peace on
> life’s water.
>
> Although the All is one’s kingdom, at heart it’s as
> nothing,
> So seal the mouth of one’s heart, and fill it with
> God’s air.
> Effort is a reality, so are disease and its antidote.
> The sceptic, by denial of effort, also makes an effort.
>
> That which God taught bees is not the way for the lion and
> wild ass,
> If the bee makes a hive of honey, God taught it that
> skill,
> How God taught worms to weave silk isn’t for elephants.
>
> Adam learned knowledge from God which shot beams to
> heaven,
> Adam broke the name and fame of angels to end all doubt,
> God even made Lucifer a muzzle for that young calf,
> So he couldn’t drink the milk of religious knowledge
> And might not graze around that hallowed lofty palace.
>
> The science of the followers of external common sense
> Became a muzzle, so that belief in sense knowledge
> Would prevent drinking milk from that sublime source.
>
> But into the ruby core of his heart there fell a precious
> jewel,
> For how long will you plead?, hasn’t your truth seeking
> soul advanced,
> If human beings were men of virtue through form alone,
> Then Ahmad and Bu Jahl would be exactly the same.
>
> A portrait is like Adam, see from its form what it lacks.
> If spirit’s missing, dive for that precious pearl so
> rarely found!
> The world’s lion heads were laid low whn God gave a hand
> To the mongrel of Ahmad’s Companions of the Cave.
>
> Where is the loss from an ugly shape, if the spirit’s a
> blaze of light?
> Its not for words to describe the excellent outward
> form,
> Qualities like learned and just are the spiritual essence,
> The Sun of Self strikes the body from where place does not
> exist,
> The Sunbeams of Self are not contained in the blue of
> sky.
>
> Knowledge is the seal of King Solomon, the world is the
> form,
> Esoteric knowledge is buried secret treasure.
> Because of this virtue, spirits of sea, hill and plain.
> Are helpless before the wisdom of God knowing men.
>
> The leopard, lion, mouse and crocodile all fear
> them,
> Even devils and demons seek refuge and hide.
> Man has many secret foes, the prudent man is wise,
> There are hidden creatures, wicked and good, in every
> heart,
> At every moment perverse voices are seducing the will.
>
> If you bathe in fresh water a thorn will still prick,
> The thorns of angelic inspirations and satanic
> temptations,
> Are from thousands of beings, not only just one.
> The thorn is low in the stream but you know when it
> stings.
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> Wait patiently for your bodily senses to be transformed,
> So you may know hidden things and problems can be solved.
> You’ll see whose words you rejected and whom you made
> your Chief!
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