O n e O f t h e m O s t fascinating aspects of the Masnavi is
the use of symbolism.
Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi had a genius for selecting the perfect
object to symbolize
a metaphysical reality. For example, he uses more than thirteen
different animals to
symbolize the nafs (lower self or ego) in order for us to
understand the various aspects of the nafs more comprehensively.
Similarly, one important recurring theme of the Masnavi is the
contrast of forms and meanings. Almost in every story, Rumi
keeps
reminding us that forms change and are not permanent; and so we
should seek the
inner meanings that are hidden within the forms.
Oh my beloved, a story is like a bowl,
The meaning of the story is like the seeds inside the bowl,
The sagacious one looks for the seeds inside the bowl,
Not concerned with the form of the bowl, if it changes
If we seek beyond the symbolism and forms, it becomes clear that
the core teaching
of Rumi is about the self . As the tradition states, one cannot
know his Lord if he
does not even know himself. Rumi reminds us about who we truly
are. He teaches us
that there is a universe inside each of us, and so we need to
travel inward. He says in
the Masnavi, How beautiful and gentle is the inward travel.
To awaken us to the realities of ourselves, the Masnavi of Rumi
teaches us about
death. However, it is not the physical death that he alludes to,
but rather the death
of those human qualities which prevent us from seeing, hearing,
or feeling the Truth.
Rumi says in the Diwan of Shams:
Go and die before your death,
So you dont suffer from the pangs of death,
Die a death that will illuminate you,
Not a death that will leave you buried in a dark grave.
In this course, students will (inshaAllah) discover forms and
meaning, symbolism,
the nafs and its trickery, and the secrets of the remembrance of
death.
