The Zen Master of Eternal Now
Dogen Zenji, founder of Soto Zen, revolutionized Japanese Buddhism by emphasizing zazen and the inherent Buddha-nature of all beings, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire practitioners worldwide.
Eastern Philosophy and Traditions
Sufi Mysticism, Poetry
Can you see the divine in the ordinary?
Jalāl Al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī
In Rumi's words, "The wound is the place where the light enters you." This simple yet profound statement speaks to the power of love to heal and transform us. When we open our hearts to love, we allow ourselves to be seen and known, even in our brokenness. In this way, love can lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Sufi Mystic and Poet
BIRTH:
September 30, 1207
Death:
December 17, 1273
Life and times
Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī was born in Balkh, Afghanistan, in 1207. He was the son of Baha al-Dīn Walad, a renowned Islamic scholar and theologian. Rumi received a traditional Islamic education, but he was also drawn to the mystical teachings of Sufism.
In 1244, Rumi met Shams al-Dīn Tabrizi, a wandering Sufi mystic. The two men quickly formed a deep bond, and Rumi’s poetry and teachings took on a new, more passionate and ecstatic tone. Shams’s disappearance in 1247 was a devastating blow to Rumi, but it also inspired him to create some of his most famous works, including the Mathnawi, a six-volume poem of over 25,000 verses.
Rumi’s teachings are based on the idea of love as the path to union with the divine. He believed that love is the ultimate reality, and that it can be found in all things, both the beautiful and the ugly. Rumi’s poetry is full of love, compassion, and wisdom, and it has inspired people all over the world for centuries.
LEGACY
Rūmī’s legacy is vast and multifaceted. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Sufism, and his poetry has had a profound impact on Islamic and Western culture.
Rūmī’s poetry is known for its beauty, wisdom, and universality. It explores themes of love, loss, longing, and the search for meaning. Rūmī’s poems are often translated into many languages, and they have been enjoyed by people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Rūmī’s work has also been influential in the fields of psychology, philosophy, and spirituality. His poems offer insights into the human condition, and they provide inspiration for those who are seeking self-discovery and transformation.
Rūmī was once asked, “What is the meaning of life?” He replied, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
MODERN ECHOES
Rūmī’s legacy continues to resonate in the present day. His poetry is still widely read and studied, and it continues to inspire people all over the world.
Rūmī’s work has been interpreted and reinterpreted by contemporary artists, thinkers, and innovators. For example, the American poet Coleman Barks has translated Rūmī’s poetry into English, making it accessible to a wider audience. Figures like Deepak Chopra draw inspiration, adapting Rūmī’s teachings for contemporary spiritual exploration. The psychologist James Hillman explored Rumi’s ideas on love and the unconscious in his work on archetypal psychology. The philosopher Huston Smith found in Rumi’s work a powerful bridge between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions.The American musician Sting has also been inspired by Rūmī’s poetry, and he has written songs based on his work.
Rūmī’s teachings are also being applied in new ways in the modern world. For example, some therapists are using Rūmī’s poetry to help their clients with issues such as grief, loss, and addiction.
Rūmī’s cat was rumored to dance with him during ecstatic moments.
TIMELESSNESS
Rumi’s teachings transcend specific historical and cultural contexts because they touch upon universal human experiences: love, loss, joy, sorrow, the search for meaning. His poetic language speaks to the heart directly, bypassing intellectual analysis and resonating with our deepest emotions. The themes of transformation, unity, and love that permeate his work remain relevant for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.
Don’t go back to sleep!
You must ask for what you really want.
Don’t go back to sleep!
People are going back and forth across the doorsill
where the two worlds touch,
The door is round and open.
Don’t go back to sleep!
Take Away
Unalome’s journey of self-discovery aligns with Rumi’s emphasis on opening your heart, embracing love in all its forms, and finding unity within yourself and with the world around you. By delving into Rumi’s wisdom, you can learn to dance with life’s uncertainties, spin through challenges with grace, and discover the light that shines within even the darkest corners of your being.
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Further Reading
The Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks
The Mathnawi by Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī
Rumi’s Divan of Shams-i Tabriz by Jalāl Al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī
Recommended Resources
Practice of Whirling: Explore the transformative and embodied practice of Rumi’s whirling dervishes to access deeper states of awareness and connect with the divine within.
Heart-centered Meditation: Cultivate love and compassion through guided meditations inspired by Rumi’s poems, fostering inner peace and connection with all beings.
References:
The Life of Rumi by Annemarie Schimmel
Rumi: Past and Present, East and West by A.J. Arberry
Sufism: Unveiling the Mystery by Idries Shah
Keywords:
Jalāl Al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī, Rumi, Sufi mystic, Poet, Teacher, Love, Compassion, Acceptance, ,Self-discovery, Transformation
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