M6:3482 — چنگ حکمت چونک خوش‌آواز شد / تا چه در از روض جنت باز شد

Translation: When the lute of wisdom became melodious and sweet-sounding, See what door from the garden of paradise opened. Meaning: Mowlana suggests that when wisdom articulates itself with a beautiful, harmonious sound, it signals the opening of doors to paradise for humanity, revealing a sublime and delightful experience.

This verse, without doubt, is a pivotal passage in the Masnavi that not only reveals Mowlana's profound inclination towards music but also illustrates his deep insight into the nature of wisdom and speech. Mowlana teaches us here that wisdom, contrary to dry, lifeless perceptions, possesses a melody and a sound—a sound that can become "melodious" (khosh-āvāz). When the lute of wisdom reaches this degree of joy and harmony, one must recognize that a grand event is unfolding.

This "melodious sounding" of wisdom is, in essence, like the "sound of a door" (bāng-i dar). As I have repeatedly stated, in the sensible world, we hear the sound of a door, but sometimes the door itself remains unseen. Mowlana subtly employs this point to argue that human speech, and even more so, the speech of wisdom, is like the sound of a door emerging from the "palace of secrets" (qaṣr-i rāz). This sound, for some, is the sound of doors closing—signifying deprivation and veiling—while for others, it is the sound of doors opening—denoting access and union. This discernment depends on the listener's "far-sighted eye" (chashm-i ākhur-bīn) and inner insight.

What Mowlana presents in this verse transcends a simple metaphor. He uses the "lute of wisdom" (chang-i ḥikmat) as a symbol for the manifestation of divine wisdom in the form of music or speech that possesses a spiritual quality. This is the "revelation of the heart" (waḥy-i dil) that arises from a chest that is itself the "reed" of existence, empty of self-determinations and ready to receive the divine breath. When this "reed" sounds, it produces a sweet and delightful tone that signifies the presence of the taste of sugar (ṭaʿm-i shakar) and the fragrance of loyalty (būy-i wafā).

The opening of the doors to the "garden of paradise" (rawẓ-i jannat) following this "melodious sounding" signifies access to higher stages of spiritual understanding and experience. Paradise, in this context, is not merely a place in the afterlife but a state of inner union and tranquility that results from a correct and profound understanding of wisdom. This paradise is continually being built, not solely through outward actions, but by opening hearts to spiritual wisdoms that, like the pleasant melody of the lute, call us to it. Here, the importance of listening and paying attention to the "sound of the door" becomes clear, for those whose "inner sight" (manẓar) has not yet opened, this very sound must serve as a guide to discern from afar whether a door to paradise is opening or another door. Blessed are those whose eyes are open and who see the door itself, not merely hear its sound.

Key takeaways

• Wisdom possesses a melodious sound that heralds spiritual openings.
• Wise speech and music act as a 'sound of a door' emerging from the unseen realm.
• Some hear in the language of wisdom the opening of paradise's doors, while others perceive their closing.
• Discerning which door is opening requires insight and a 'far-sighted eye'.
• The opening of paradise's doors signifies access to higher realms of understanding and inner peace.
• Mowlana emphasizes the importance of sensory and experiential perception of wisdom, beyond mere intellectual grasp.