The Spiritual Journey: From Rumi’s Mesnevī, Part 1 of 2

Today, it is an honor to present selections from “The Greater (Spiritual) Warfare,” in “The Masnavi,” translated by Sir James William Redhouse. Here, the venerated Master Rumi expounds on the importance of finding God and our inner self through the story of a Roman ambassador’s journey to an enlightened Master who helps him open his heart to God.

The Greater (Spiritual) Warfare.

“[…] We’ve fought our fight and conquered in our outward strife. Now, turn our attention to the inner life. We’re done with outer warfare, lesser as it is; And as the Prophet, wage the greater warfare, His. We put our trust in God; from Him we ask for aid; With His assistance, faith can move a mountain staid. To rout an armed foe is nothing very fresh; A lion true is he who conquers his own flesh. To illustrate this truth, give ear unto a tale, That thou of these few words the moral may inhale.

From Cæsar, an ambassador to ‘Umer came, Through deserts far-extending, from Madīna’s fame. He asked: ‘Where is the palace of the Caliph, men; That I to it may lead my cavalcade, my train?’ The people answered: ‘Thou shall no Caliph’s palace find, Our Caliph’s sole pavilion’s his enlightened mind. Through his “Commandership,” his fame to Rome has come; But like our other poor, a hut’s his ample home. How should thou see that palace, brother, stranger, guest, When in thy mind’s eye thou a beam has, unconfessed? Cast out that beam; make clear thy eye from every mote Then may thou entertain the hope to see his cote.’

Whoever shall his heart cleanse from all passions’ bale, Will soon perceive therein a court and presence hale. When Ahmed’s heart was cleansed of evil’s fire and smoke, Whichever way he turned, God’s countenance bespoke. So long as man keeps company with evil thought, How can he understand God’s countenance in anything? He that a window’s pierced from heart towards Heaven’s recess, Sees in each mote a ray from Sun of Righteousness. God shines apparent in the midst of other things, As moon in majesty among the stars’ twinklings. […]”