Read› Daftar 4› The story of that eulogist who, for the sake of reputation, praised his patron, but the scent of sorrow and inner grief and the disheveledness of his outer garment showed that those praises were boasting and lies› beyt 1787
M4:1787 — سرنگون از چرخ زیر افتد چنان / که شقی در جنگ از زخم سنان
M4:1787
Meaning · به زبانِ تو — Your language · AI
This couplet describes the swift, ignominious fall of a demon (or any malicious entity) from the celestial sphere, comparing it to the sudden, fatal collapse of a wretched warrior struck by a spear.
This beyt appears in a section where Rumi is discussing the subtle ways in which evil influences (like 'devils' or 'thieves') attempt to penetrate the spiritual realm, and how they are repelled. The preceding verses explain that just as physical thieves are adept at finding cracks and openings, spiritual 'devils' also seek to invade the inner thoughts and hearts of people. Rumi then contrasts the apparent cleverness of these 'devils' with the true awareness of enlightened souls.
The couplet specifically illustrates the fate of such a 'devil' who attempts to sneak into the heavens (گردون). It is 'struck down' (مطعون شود) by a 'fiery meteor' (شهاب محرق), falling 'headlong' (سرنگون). The imagery is vivid and violent, comparing this fall to a 'wretch' (شقی) in battle who is pierced and brought down by the 'thrust of a spear' (زخم سنان). The 'wretch' here implies someone deserving of their fate, or at least someone whose defeat is decisive and humiliating.
In the broader Sufi context, this imagery underscores the protective mechanisms of the spiritual cosmos. Just as the physical heavens are guarded against demonic intrusion by meteors, so too are the hearts of sincere seekers protected by divine grace and the 'jealousy' (رشک) of 'pleasing souls' (روحهای دلپسند) mentioned in the following verse. It's a warning against spiritual arrogance and intrusion, and an affirmation of the sanctity of the inner spiritual domain.
- سرنگون
- Headlong, upside down, inverted
- چرخ
- Heaven, celestial sphere, sky
- شقی
- Wretch, unfortunate, miserable person (often implying one deserving of their fate)
- سنان
- Spearhead, point of a lance or spear
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