Rumi Podcast | 14. Love as the Universal Force | Mathnawi

Introduction

Have you ever pondered what truly heals the deepest wounds of the heart? What if the remedy for all our pain—be it emotional or physical—resides in a transcendental force? Today, we delve into Rumi's poetry to uncover the secret of this universal force, which is not merely an abstract concept but a practical remedy for our everyday lives. We all need it, whether we realize it or not.

In this exploration, we will discover how love, the healer of all, can transform not just your soul, but your entire existence. Welcome to the Rumi Podcast! I’m Rasul, and alongside me is Rana. This marks the third part of our series on Rumi's "Song of the Reed," where we explore the timeless wisdom of Rumi and its relevance to our daily lives. Today, we will examine some of Rumi's most profound verses, where he speaks of love as the ultimate healer.

Rumi refers to a divine universal love that elevates the soul and heals all wounds. This is not abstract spirituality; it is a deeply practical and applicable philosophy for our everyday lives. Imagine, for a moment, a force so powerful that it can cure our self-centeredness, our ego, and even our physical ailments. This is the essence of Rumi's message regarding love.

Rumi describes love as both a spiritual physician and a physical healer. What does this mean for us? It indicates that for Rumi, love is not just a fleeting emotion; it is a profound, all-encompassing force with the power to transform every aspect of our being. Hence, love heals us both spiritually and physically. Picture your body, crafted from the Earth, ascending to the heavens because of this divine love.

Rumi vividly articulates that love is the force that makes even mountains dance—a potent and intoxicating energy so profound that it can cause prophets to faint. He illustrates this using the biblical story of the Prophet Moses, who, in a deep yearning to see God, was shown God’s presence through the medium of a mountain. The mountain, overwhelmed by the revelation of love, crumbled to ashes. Rumi uses this narrative not just as poetry but as a testament to the transformative power of divine love.

But how does love reveal itself? Rumi suggests that wisdom about divine love can only be shared with those who are prepared to receive it. Just like a reed can only sing when it meets the right lips—when the reed is in the hands of a skilled musician—love's secrets are only disclosed to those who are ready to hear them, those who have prepared their hearts and souls.

Rumi speaks of a mystic who remains silent in the presence of those unready to embrace love, mirroring a nightingale that only sings in front of fresh flowers. A mystic reveals secrets only to those deserving and receptive.

At the heart of Rumi's message lies the idea that all forms of love are manifestations of the Divine Beloved—the true essence of life and reality. The seeker, often seen as the lover, acts merely as a veil for the Divine. When we surrender to this love, we transcend the physical and the ego-bound self, ultimately uniting with the Divine.

Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey today. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out our previous episodes, where we explore more of Rumi’s profound poetry. Stay tuned for our next episode as we delve further into the depths of divine love echoed in the "Song of the Reed."

Keyword

• Rumi
• Love
• Universal force
• Healing
• Divine
• Poetry
• Spirituality
• Transformation
• Mysticism

FAQ

What is the theme of today’s podcast episode?
The theme revolves around the concept of love as a universal force that heals both emotional and physical wounds, as emphasized in Rumi's poetry.

How does Rumi describe the nature of love?
Rumi describes love as both a spiritual and physical healer, a profound force that has the capacity to transform every aspect of our being.

What story does Rumi use to illustrate the power of love?
Rumi uses the biblical story of Prophet Moses and the mountain, emphasizing how the mountain crumbled under the overwhelming presence of love when God revealed Himself through it.

Who is able to receive the secrets of divine love, according to Rumi?
According to Rumi, only those who have prepared their hearts and souls can receive the secrets of divine love; wisdom is only shared with those ready to embrace it.

What is the ultimate reality in Rumi's teaching?
In Rumi's teaching, the ultimate reality is that the seeker or lover is merely a veil for the Divine, and surrendering to this love leads to unity with the Divine essence.