A Deep Dive into Rumi’s “You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life”

Rumi’s poetry, particularly his Masnavi, is a rich tapestry woven with profound spiritual insights, often expressed through simple yet evocative metaphors. The line “You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life” is one such example, encapsulating a universal human experience and offering a profound invitation to spiritual growth.

The Metaphorical Wings

• Symbol of Potential: The “wings” in this context symbolize our innate potential, our divine spark, or our soul’s capacity for flight. It represents the limitless possibilities and aspirations that reside within each individual.
• Freedom and Transcendence: Wings are often associated with freedom and the ability to soar above earthly limitations. In this metaphor, they represent the human capacity to transcend the mundane and connect with something greater than ourselves.
• Spiritual Awakening: The image of wings also hints at a spiritual awakening, a moment of realization where one recognizes their true nature and purpose beyond the physical realm.

The Choice to Crawl

• Earthly Attachments: To “crawl through life” suggests a state of being rooted in the material world, overly attached to earthly pleasures and possessions. It implies a limited perspective, focused on the immediate and tangible.
• Fear and Doubt: Choosing to crawl often stems from fear of the unknown, doubt in one’s abilities, or a resistance to change. It can also be a result of societal conditioning or cultural norms that discourage individuals from pursuing their higher aspirations.
• Missed Opportunities: By choosing to crawl, individuals may miss out on the extraordinary experiences and deep fulfillment that can be found by embracing their full potential.

The Invitation to Soar

• Spiritual Growth: Rumi’s invitation to fly is a call to spiritual growth and self-discovery. It encourages individuals to explore the depths of their being and to connect with a higher power.
• Overcoming Limitations: To soar is to overcome the limitations imposed by the ego and to embrace a more expansive view of reality.
• Living a Purposeful Life: By choosing to fly, individuals align themselves with their true purpose and live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Deeper Implications

• The Human Condition: This verse speaks to the fundamental human experience of longing for something more, a yearning to transcend our limitations. It acknowledges the tension between our earthly desires and our spiritual aspirations.
• The Power of Choice: Rumi emphasizes that the choice between crawling and flying is ultimately up to each individual. We have the power to shape our own destinies and to create the lives we desire.
• The Journey of the Soul: The metaphor of wings and crawling can be seen as a representation of the soul’s journey. We are born with the potential for greatness, but we must actively choose to nurture and develop our spiritual wings.

In conclusion, Rumi’s verse “You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life” is a timeless reminder of the human spirit’s capacity for growth and transformation. It invites us to break free from the constraints of our ego and to embrace the limitless possibilities that lie within. By understanding and applying the wisdom contained in this simple yet profound statement, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.