The Soul’s Joy & The Search for Love – Rumi’s Timeless Words

Rumi’s Perspective on Love and the Soul

Rumi’s Thoughts on Love, Mystery, and Truth

Rumi’s Vision: The Role of the Mind, Soul, and Heart

This quote by Rumi is a profound meditation on the purpose of human existence, the nature of love, and the limitations of the intellect. It weaves together themes of perception, joy, love, and the mysteries of life, offering a mystical perspective on how we engage with the world and our inner selves. Let’s break it down:

1. “An eye is meant to see things. The soul is here for its own joy.”

• Rumi begins by distinguishing between the physical and the spiritual. The eye, a symbol of perception, is meant to observe the external world, but the soul’s purpose is deeper—it exists to experience joy and fulfillment. This suggests that while we engage with the material world, our ultimate purpose is tied to the inner life of the soul.

1. “A head has one use: For loving a true love. Feet: To chase after.”

• Here, Rumi redefines the purpose of the mind and body. The head, often associated with intellect and reason, is redirected toward the pursuit of love—specifically, a “true love,” which implies a divine or transcendent love. The feet, symbolic of action and movement, are meant to pursue this love actively. This line emphasizes that love is not passive; it requires both intention and effort.

1. “Love is for vanishing into the sky. The mind, for learning what men have done and tried to do.”

• Love, in Rumi’s view, is a force that transcends earthly concerns. It leads to a kind of dissolution or merging with the infinite, symbolized by “vanishing into the sky.” The mind, on the other hand, is grounded in the temporal and the historical—it seeks to understand human endeavors. Rumi seems to suggest that while the mind has its place, it is love that connects us to the eternal.

1. “Mysteries are not to be solved: The eye goes blind when it only wants to see why.”

• This line highlights the limitations of rational inquiry. Mysteries, particularly spiritual ones, are not meant to be dissected or fully understood by the intellect. The pursuit of “why” can blind us to the deeper, intuitive truths that lie beyond logic. Rumi encourages us to embrace mystery rather than trying to control or explain it.

1. “A lover is always accused of something. But when he finds his love, whatever was lost in the looking comes back completely changed.”

• The lover, often misunderstood or judged by society, is vindicated when they find their true love. The search for love involves sacrifice and loss, but what is lost is transformed and returned in a new, more profound way. This speaks to the transformative power of love, which reshapes our understanding of ourselves and the world.

Overall Themes:

• The Primacy of Love: Love is the central force in Rumi’s philosophy, guiding the soul toward joy and transcendence. It is both a pursuit and a state of being.
• The Limits of Intellect: While the mind is valuable for understanding the world, it cannot fully grasp the mysteries of existence. True wisdom comes from embracing the unknown.
• Transformation Through Love: Love has the power to change us, restoring what was lost and revealing new dimensions of meaning.
• The Interplay of Body and Soul: Rumi acknowledges the physical and spiritual aspects of human life, suggesting that both have their roles but that the soul’s journey toward joy is paramount.

This quote encapsulates Rumi’s mystical worldview, where love is the ultimate purpose and the path to union with the divine. It invites us to look beyond the surface, embrace mystery, and allow love to transform us.

External links

Dar al Masnavi, several English versions of selections by different translators.

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