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Masnavi III, 3693; 3698-3700
The penetrating intellect, when separated from its friends,
becomes like an archer whose bow is broken.
When something makes you rejoice in this world,
consider at that moment the parting from it.
Many have been gladdened by what made you glad,
yet in the end like the wind it escaped.
It will escape from you, too: don't set your heart upon it.
Escape from it before it flies from you.
Before the slipping away of your possessions,
say to the form of created things, like Mary,
"I take refuge from you with the Merciful God."*
*Maryam, 18
Rumi: Jewels of Remembrance
Threshold Books, 1996
Version by Camille and Kabir Helminski from
Persian transliteration courtesy of Yahyá Monastra
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