Rumi

I died to the mineral state and became a plant,
I died to the vegetal state and reached animality,
I died to the animal state and became a man,
Then what should I fear? I have never become less from dying.
At the next charge (forward) I will die to human nature,
So that I may lift up (my) head and wings (and soar) among the angels,
And I must (also) jump from the river of (the state of) the angel,
Everything perishes except His Face,
Once again I will become sacrificed from (the state of) the angel,
I will become that which cannot come into the imagination,
Then I will become non-existent; non-existence says to me (in tones) like an organ,
Truly, to Him is our return.

From: Masnavi

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The life and works of Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī, more commonly known simply as Rumi, span a remarkable journey of spiritual depth, literary production, and enduring influence. Rumi was born on September 30, 1207, in Balkh (present-day Afghanistan) in the Persian Empire, and he lived most of his life in the region that is now Turkey. He died on December 17, 1273, in Konya, then part of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, from which his pen name “Rumi” (meaning “from Rum”) is derived.

Early Life and Education

Rumi was born into a family of learned theologians. His father, Baha’uddin Walad, was a noted mystic, theologian, and preacher. Fleeing the Mongol invasion, Rumi’s family traveled extensively in the Muslim lands, including pilgrimage to Mecca, before finally settling in Konya. Rumi received a traditional education in religious sciences, philosophy, and literature under his father and later under his father’s successor, Sayyed Burhan ud-Din Muhaqqiq.

Meeting with Shams-e Tabrizi

The pivotal moment in Rumi’s life came in 1244, when he met Shams-e Tabrizi, a wandering dervish. Their intense spiritual friendship transformed Rumi, deepening his spiritual practice and inspiring him to express his mystical experiences through poetry. Shams’ disappearance and eventual death had a profound impact on Rumi, leading him to express his spiritual longing and love in his poetry.

Literary Works

Rumi’s major works include:

• Masnavi: Also known as “Masnavi-ye Ma’navi” or “Mathnawi,” this is Rumi’s magnum opus, a six-book epic of spiritual teachings and stories intended to guide the reader on the path to enlightenment. The Masnavi is often referred to as the “Quran in Persian” for its deep spiritual insights and is considered one of the greatest works of mystical poetry.
• Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi: A collection of over 40,000 lyric verses of ghazals and other poetic forms, this work is named after Shams, the great friend and spiritual instructor of Rumi. These poems reflect Rumi’s love and devotion to Shams and his longing for the divine.
• Fihi Ma Fihi: A collection of prose writings, also known as “The Discourses of Rumi,” which provides insights into Rumi’s spiritual philosophy and thoughts on various subjects.
• Majāles-e Sab’a: Seven sermons or lectures given by Rumi on various occasions, showcasing his theological and spiritual teachings.

Legacy and Influence

Rumi’s influence transcends national and ethnic borders and historical epochs. His works have been widely translated and are celebrated worldwide for their profound insight into the human heart and the spiritual journey. Rumi’s poetry emphasizes the concept of tawhid (the unity of all creation) and the importance of seeking love and the divine within. He has had a significant impact on both Eastern and Western poetry and spirituality, inspiring countless individuals seeking spiritual insight and connection.

Rumi’s teachings and poetry continue to be relevant in contemporary discussions on spirituality, poetry, and philosophy, making him one of the most universally admired poets in world literature.

Question: Describe Rumi’s influence on non- Islamic cultures.

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Rumi’s influence on non-Islamic cultures has been profound and wide-ranging, spanning literary, spiritual, and artistic realms across the globe. His works, which transcend religious and cultural boundaries, have made him one of the most beloved and universally admired poets worldwide. Here’s an overview of Rumi’s impact on non-Islamic cultures:

Literary Influence

• Global Readership: Rumi’s poetry has been translated into numerous languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Russian, and Chinese, among others. This has made his works accessible to a global audience and allowed his spiritual and philosophical messages to resonate with people from various backgrounds.
• Popular in Western Literature: In the West, Rumi has been celebrated by readers and writers alike, influencing poets and authors who seek to incorporate mysticism, spiritual love, and the quest for the divine in their works. His themes of universal love and the interconnectedness of all beings have found a particularly receptive audience in the contemporary world, where his works are often cited in discussions about spirituality beyond religious confines.

Spiritual Influence

• Interfaith Dialogue: Rumi’s emphasis on love, tolerance, and the unity of existence has made him a figure of interest in interfaith dialogue. His teachings are often cited as examples of the shared values across different religious traditions, promoting understanding and respect among diverse faith communities.
• Inspirational Figure: For many in the New Age and inter-spiritual movements, Rumi’s writings offer a direct, experiential approach to spirituality that transcends orthodox religious practices. His poetry encourages a personal connection with the divine, appealing to those who may not adhere to any particular religious tradition but still seek spiritual depth and meaning in their lives.

Cultural and Artistic Influence

• Music and Performing Arts: Rumi’s poetry has inspired composers, musicians, and dancers from various cultural backgrounds. His poems have been set to music in different genres, and his life and poetry have inspired dance performances, including those by the Whirling Dervishes, which have become a symbol of Rumi’s spiritual legacy.
• Visual Arts: Artists have drawn inspiration from Rumi’s imagery and themes, creating artworks that seek to capture the essence of his mystical visions. His influence is evident in various forms of visual art, from painting and sculpture to modern digital art.

Education and Psychology

• Academic Interest: Rumi’s works are studied in universities around the world, not only in departments of Middle Eastern and Islamic studies but also in literature, psychology, and comparative religion courses. His insights into the human condition and the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment have also interested psychologists and counselors exploring the connections between spirituality and mental health.

Popular Culture

• Quotations and References: Rumi’s verses are frequently quoted in books, social media, and speeches, often in contexts that emphasize universal love, inner peace, and the search for meaning. His ability to articulate profound truths in a simple and direct manner has made his words a source of inspiration for people in various stages of life and spiritual inquiry.

Rumi’s enduring appeal in non-Islamic cultures demonstrates the universal nature of his message—a message that speaks to the common aspirations, struggles, and desires of humanity, regardless of one’s religious or cultural background.

Question: List some of Rumi’s famous quotes.

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Rumi’s poetry and prose are filled with wisdom, exploring themes of love, the divine, the journey of the soul, and the interconnectedness of all existence. Here are some of his most famous quotes that capture the essence of his teachings:

1. On Love and Connection:

• “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I’ll meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about.”
• “The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.”

1. On the Self and the Divine:

• “You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean, in a drop.”
• “What you seek is seeking you.”

1. On Suffering and Growth:

• “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”
• “Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.”

1. On Life and the Spiritual Journey:

• “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
• “Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.”

1. On Unity and Peace:

• “Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.”
• “In the blackest of your moments, wait with no fear.”

1. On Inner Discovery and Freedom:

• “Why do you stay in prison when the door is so wide open?”
• “Dance, when you’re broken open. Dance, if you’ve torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance when you’re perfectly free.”

These quotes are just a glimpse into Rumi’s profound insights into human nature, spirituality, and the universe. They continue to inspire and resonate with readers worldwide, reflecting the timeless nature of his wisdom.

Question: Describe Sufi dance, also called “ whirling Dervish” traditionally started by Rumi’s followers.

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The Sufi dance, known as the “Semazen” or “Whirling Dervish” ceremony, is a form of active meditation that is part of the Sufi tradition, specifically linked to the Mevlevi Order founded by the followers of Rumi after his death. This practice embodies Rumi’s spiritual teachings and his belief in the use of music, poetry, and dance as a path to reach God. The ritual is a symbolic enactment of the spiritual journey, aiming to achieve a state of communion with the Divine through love and to reach maturity and perfection, enabling the dervish to be of service to all creatures.

Origins

The practice of whirling is closely associated with Rumi himself. Legend has it that Rumi would spontaneously turn in circles while reciting poetry or during moments of spiritual ecstasy. This whirling was said to be a physical manifestation of his love for God and his desire to connect with the divine essence that pervades the universe. Following Rumi’s death, his followers organized his teachings into a formal order, known as the Mevlevi Order, which institutionalized the practice of whirling as a central act of their spiritual worship.

The Ceremony

The Sema ceremony, the ritual in which the whirling occurs, is highly structured and symbolic, consisting of several parts, each with its own significance:

• Naat and Taksim: A eulogy to the Prophet Muhammad, followed by a solo improvisation on the reed flute (ney), symbolizing the divine breath giving life to everything.
• Devr-i Veled: The circular procession three times around the prayer hall, symbolizing the birth of humanity.
• The Whirling: Dervishes don traditional robes and tall hats, and begin to whirl. Each dervish extends his arms: the right hand directed toward the sky ready to receive God’s beneficence, and the left hand turned toward the earth. The dervish revolves around the heart, from right to left, conveying God’s spiritual gift to the people upon whom God “looks with a Divine watchfulness.” The whirling is performed in four salams (musical movements), each with its own distinct rhythm and meaning, symbolizing different stages of the Sufi path: acknowledging God’s majesty, expressing the rapture of witnessing His beauty, experiencing the love in His presence, and reaching a state of spiritual perfection and peace.
• Conclusion: The ceremony ends with a reading from the Quran, emphasizing the universality of spiritual messages and the unity of all beings.

Symbolism and Philosophy

The whirling dervishes embody a complex philosophy rooted in Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam that seeks a direct, personal experience with the divine. The semazen’s attire is also symbolic: the tall hat (sikke) represents the tombstone of the ego; the white skirt (tennure) symbolizes the ego’s shroud. By removing the black cloak (hirka) at the beginning of the Sema, the dervish symbolically casts off worldly attachments.

Cultural Recognition

The Sema ceremony of the Mevlevi Order was proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005, recognizing its significant cultural and spiritual value. The practice continues to be a powerful symbol of Rumi’s spiritual legacy, representing the universal values of love, service to others, and the pursuit of transcendence and unity with the divine.

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The Mevlana Museum in Konya, Turkey, is a deeply significant site dedicated to the life, works, and legacy of Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī, known as Mevlana in Turkey. Originally the lodge (tekke) of the Mevlevi Sufi order, which was founded by Rumi’s followers after his death, the museum now serves as both a place of pilgrimage and a cultural heritage site that attracts visitors from around the world.

Historical Background

The museum building was originally the Rose Garden (Gülbaharlar Bahçesi) of the Seljuk Palace, given to Rumi’s family as a place to live and teach. After Rumi’s death on December 17, 1273, a mausoleum (known as the “Kubbe-i Hadra”) was built over his grave by his successor and son, Sultan Veled, and other prominent followers. Over the centuries, the complex expanded to include a dervish lodge, a school, and a kitchen, functioning as a major center for the Mevlevi order’s religious and social activities.

Architectural Features

The Mevlana Museum is notable for its distinctive green dome, which is a symbol of Rumi and is prominently featured in the skyline of Konya. The complex includes several key components:

• Tomb of Rumi: The centerpiece of the museum is the tomb of Rumi, marked by a large green dome. Inside, the tomb is surrounded by a silver cage, and the sarcophagus is covered with brocades. Adjacent to Rumi’s tomb are the graves of his family members and some of the early leaders of the Mevlevi order.
• Dervish Living Quarters (Dervish Cells): The museum includes the restored living quarters of the dervish members of the Mevlevi order, providing insight into their daily lives and spiritual practices.
• Semahane: The ritual hall where the Sema, the whirling ceremony of the dervishes, was performed. This space is used to display items related to the Sema ceremony and the Mevlevi order’s practices.
• Courtyard: The museum’s courtyard is a serene space, home to the well-preserved tombs of various Mevlevi sheikhs and notable personalities associated with the order.

Exhibits and Collections

The Mevlana Museum houses a rich collection of artifacts related to Rumi and the Mevlevi order, including:

• Manuscripts of Rumi’s works, including copies of the Masnavi and Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi.
• Personal items belonging to Rumi and his family.
• Historical documents, clothing, instruments, and objects related to the rituals and daily life of the Mevlevi order.
• A collection of carpets and prayer rugs, some of which date back several centuries.

Cultural Significance

The Mevlana Museum is not only a testament to Rumi’s spiritual and literary legacy but also a symbol of the universal messages of love, tolerance, and unity that he preached. It attracts visitors of all cultures and religions, reflecting Rumi’s widespread appeal and the timeless relevance of his teachings. The museum serves as a focal point for cultural events, especially during the annual Şeb-i Arus ceremonies, which commemorate Rumi’s “wedding night,” the anniversary of his death, symbolizing his union with the divine.

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I had never realized how greatly reverenced Rumi is by Islamic people till the first time I visited Mevlana Museum in Konya, Turkey. It was extremely busy and crowded, people lined up to pay respects to his tombs. Some followers were singing his poems outside. It’s most impressive .