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Masnavi I, 2046-59
The Prophet said, "Give heed, my friends! Do not
cover
your bodies from the cold of spring,
For it does to your spirits the same thing that spring does
to the trees;
But flee from the cold of autumn, for it does what autumn
did to the garden and vines."
The traditionists have referred this (saying) to the outward
(sense), and have been content with that same (outward) form.
That class (of people) were ignorant of the spirit: they saw
the mountain, they did not see the mine in the mountain.
In the sight of God that 'autumn" is the flesh (nafs) and
(its) desires: the reason and the spirit are the sense of spring
and are everlasting life.
Thou hast a partial reason hidden (within thee): (now) in this
world seek one whose reason is perfect.
Through his whole thy part is made whole (and perfect):
Universal Reason is like a shackle on the neck of the flesh.
Therefore, according to the (right) interpretation, it (the
meaning) is this, that the holy breaths are like spring and the
life of leaf and vine.
The saying of the saints, whether soft or rough, do not thou
cover thy body (against them), for they are support of thy
religion.
Whether he (the saint) speak hot or cold, receive (his words)
with joy: thereby thou wilt escape from the hot and cold
(of Nature) and from Hell-fire.
His "hot" and "cold" is life's new season of spring, the
source of sincerity and faith and service.
Inasmuch as the garden of the spirits is living through him,
and the sea of (his) heart is filled with these pearls,
Thousands of griefs lie (heavy) on a wise man's heart, if from
the garden of his heart (even) a toothpick fail (be missing)1.
Translation and Commentary by Reynold A. Nicholson
The Mathnawi of Jalalu'ddin Rumi
Published and Distributed by
The Trustees of The "E.J.W. Gibb Memorial"
1 I.e. the
wise man feels bitter remorse if he neglects the least opportunity of
enriching himself with the spiritual blessings dispensed by
the
saints.
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