M6:1294 — چونک دل غیبست خواهی زو مثال / زو بجو که با دلستش اتصال

Translation: Since the Heart is hidden, if you seek a sign from it, Seek it from that which has a connection to the Heart. Meaning: This verse asserts that to perceive or understand the hidden essence of the soul or the cosmic Heart, one must turn to entities or individuals that maintain a direct connection to it.

Here, Rumi immediately elevates the discourse, moving from the physical heart or individual soul to the 'Heart of the cosmos'—the hidden reality of existence itself. The essence of the cosmic Heart is concealed, and we lack direct access to its true nature. However, if we seek a sign or trace of it, we must search for it in that which possesses a connection to this hidden reality. This principle is akin to discerning the wind from the rustle of leaves—the wind itself is unseen, but its effects are manifest. Or, recognizing intoxication from languid eyes—the state of inebriation is not visible, but its signs are clear. Rumi explicitly states that this profound connection is embodied in prophets and the awliyā (saints or mystics).

I firmly maintain that the awliyā and prophets are themselves channels and exemplars who, by virtue of their deep bond with the cosmic Heart, can reveal its hidden signs to us. Within these individuals, 'a hundred Resurrections are ready at hand'; meaning they are perpetually experiencing an inner resurrection and transformation. The least of their presence's effect and connection is that their companions also partake in the warmth and spiritual intoxication of their being. One who seeks proximity to a fortunate and connected soul has, in essence, become a companion of God, for the hearts of the awliyā are the dwelling and presence of the Divine. They are 'filled with God'—not metaphorically, but in the deeper sense that every being has a share of God, and the awliyā possess the greatest share and intensity of existence.

This hidden connection enables the awliyā to create 'bread without the substance of dough'; that is, they can bestow blessings and manifest miracles beyond conventional means and capabilities. The miracles of the prophets, which affected inanimate objects—such as Moses' staff or the splitting of the moon—were transient and borrowed effects. However, if that same miracle impacts our very soul, it connects us directly to the 'hidden relationship' with the reality of the world. It is this effect upon the soul that is primary and enduring. Thus, although the Heart is hidden, those connected to it are our guides to this concealed truth.

Key takeaways

• The 'Heart' (Dil) in this verse transcends the physical heart or individual soul, referring instead to the 'Heart of the cosmos'—the hidden reality of existence.
• To apprehend the unseen, one must seek its signs and effects in that which is connected to it.
• Prophets and the awliyā (saints) are prime examples of those directly connected to the cosmic Heart, serving as conduits for perceiving truth.
• Proximity to realized awliyā transmits spiritual warmth and existential intoxication, awakening an inner resurrection within the seeker.
• The miracles and karamāt (divine graces) of the awliyā directly impact the soul, connecting an individual to a hidden relationship with the essence of existence.