We Reflect What We Love

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ 

The following is from Mawlana Jalal ad-Din Muhammad ar-Rumi’s (q.s.) Matsnawi, as translated by Shaykh Kabir Helminski and Shaykha Camille Helminski. 

“Whatever it is you wish to marry,

Go; absorb yourself in that Beloved,

Assume its shape and qualities.

If you wish for the Light, prepare yourself to receive it,

If you wish to be far from God, nourish your egoism and drive yourself away.

If you wish to find a way out of this ruined prison, don't turn your head away from the Beloved,

But bow in worship and draw near.” 

Whatever we love in this world, we reflect it.  But only to eyes that discern.  The truth is, what do we see?  When we see the rose bud, and it has not bloomed, do we see the Hand of the Creator?  Do we understand that it blooms in its own time and to force it would tear it?  For surely, He is the Best of Planners, and He is al-Lathif, the Subtle One.  We look around and see the world.  But do we see the Light?  And yet, it is by light that we see.  So in truth, we have seen nothing but the perceived.  So if we do not know what we see, how do we know what we love?  Love is His.  We Love by Him not because we love, but because He Loves.  We know nothing of Love unless we Know Him.  And that is the Truth.