Beauty Behind the Veil – Understanding a Deeper Meaning of Rumi’s Writings

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By Farzad Khalvati, Doug Marman

As the most famous Sufi mystic of all times, Rumi’s poetry and writings have been the source of inspiration for some, and a source of confusion for others. While some scholars and Sufi enthusiasts find deep and meaningful teachings behind his writings (Chittick, 2005), there have been debates among academic scholars who suggest that Rumi’s writings are entirely random and lack any organizational structure (Palmer, 2015). The lack of solid causality and linearity in the construction of Rumi’s writings, such as Masnavi and Discourses (Fihi-Ma-Fihi), have made them notoriously difficult to understand (Arberry, 1995). This might have contributed to an impression that most of Rumi’s work can only be seen as a linguistic artwork and not a foundation for a teaching.

The psychology of learning has mainly focused on linear or analytical thinking where we clearly differentiate between thoughts, understanding, and learning of a subject matter (Sperry, 1952). This gives the impression that learning occurs linearly and hence, it can only digest writings that are presented linearly with strong causal relationships between the consequent elements.

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The Call of the Unknown

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The Call of the Unknown — A Spiritual Adventure

A Talk on Hidden Teachings of Rumi – Sep 30, 2018

By Doug Marman

The spiritual path is not a path where we find answers that bring an end to our questions. It is a path that leads deeper and deeper into the unknown.

As the Sufi poet, Rumi, says, we have to continually give up everything we think we know to take the next step on the spiritual path. This means, over and over again, becoming a beginner, like a child who sees life as completely new. We need to keep starting over because our experience with life changes us as we grow spiritually. We are changed so deeply that we see the world through different eyes.

We like to reassure ourselves about how much we know and how much we have learned, especially as we grow older. It gives us the feeling that we are standing on firm ground and that we know who we are. However, this won’t do us much good if we are seeking what Rumi calls the real jewel of life—the treasures hidden in the unknown. To find the wisdom of the invisible worlds within us we must let go of the firm ground beneath our feet and who we think we are. We must risk everything. This is every bit a true adventure.

Love and Mind

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When the flood of tears is overwhelming, love grows flowers.
Lovers can do everything with the beauty of the spiritual love.

Mind says the three dimensions are the limit and there is no way out of this world.
Love says there is a way, and I have taken it many times.

–  Rumi Divan-e-Shams
Translation by Farzad Khalvati and Doug Marman

© 2018 Hidden Teachings of Rumi

Upcoming Talk: Beauty Behind the Veil 

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I invite you to join us in a talk on Rumi’s teachings at the University of Toronto Initiative for Iranian Studies, Department of Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations.

Facebook Event

Date: Friday Nov 23, 2018 at 4pm
Address:4 Bancroft Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1C1  Map
Title: Beauty Behind the Veil – A practical approach for understanding a deeper meaning of Rumi’s writings
Speaker: Farzad Khalvati

Rumi

Abstract

Beauty Behind the Veil – A practical approach for understanding a deeper meaning of Rumi’s writings

By Farzad Khalvati, Doug Marman

As the most famous Sufi mystic of all times, Rumi’s poetry and writings have been the source of inspiration for some, and a source of confusion for others. While some scholars and Sufi enthusiasts find deep and meaningful teachings behind his writings (Chittick, 2005), there have been debates among academic scholars who suggest that Rumi’s writings are entirely random and lack any organizational structure (Palmer, 2015). The lack of solid causality and linearity in the construction of Rumi’s writings, such as Masnavi and Discourses (Fihi-Ma-Fihi), have made them notoriously difficult to understand (Arberry, 1995). This might have contributed to an impression that most of Rumi’s work can only be seen as a linguistic artwork and not a foundation for a teaching. Continue reading →

Moments of Awakening

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Moments of Awakening 🌹

By Farzad Khalvati

To get a glimpse of awakening moments, let’s challenge ourselves to go deep within and find a moment in our lives that brings us the breeze of awareness and inner freedom. The moment that although might have happened a long time ago, putting our awareness on it awakens a deep sense of connectedness in us with Life. This moment could be an event in awakening, an uplifting vision in contemplation, or a dream.

Have you had a dream so profound that to this date, thinking about it uplifts you? Have you met someone that has influenced you so deeply that you are never the same person again? Have you had a vision in contemplation that has given you a glimpse of inner worlds that its beauty and magnificence is just beyond imagination?

These moments of awakening are gifts from The Beloved so that we don’t despair and keep seeking. 🌹

“Don’t despair, my love, hope has arrived.
The hope of Soul has come from the invisible.

Don’t despair, O Love, even in the darkness of this prison cell,
For the King who freed Josef from prison has arrived.”
Rumi 🌹 Continue reading →