M6:1352 — تو رسن‌بازی نمیدانی یقین / شکر پاها گوی و می‌رو بر زمین

Translation: You certainly do not know rope-walking; / Give thanks for your feet and walk on the ground. Meaning: Since you lack the necessary skill and understanding of the dangers, refrain from unnecessary risks, be grateful for your ordinary faculties, and choose a safe and grounded path.

This verse appears within a series of warnings from Mawlana, where he speaks of the perils of carelessly entering unknown and risky territories. He asks, earlier, why one would consume something, unsure if it's nectar or poison, when no antidote is at hand. This is precisely an analogy for the winding path of spiritual journeying or venturing into realms of knowledge for which one is unprepared.

I argue that Mawlana here calls us to self-knowledge and realism. Yes, occasionally, amongst billions, one person might fall from a minaret and, by chance, a gust of wind catches their garment, allowing them to land safely. Such a person is sa'īd, divinely fortunate. Or, as he says elsewhere, someone with divine backing, whose very being is a chemical factory converting poison into antidote, like the Prophet Adam, upon whom snakes had no effect. But these are exceptions; one should not dwell on these rare instances and compare oneself to such exceptional 'fortunate ones.' If you are not among that one in a million, why throw yourself into destruction?

"You certainly do not know rope-walking." This means you lack the skill of a tightrope walker; you are not adept at these dangerous, acrobatic arts. Therefore, you must not imitate those who are masters of such techniques or follow in their footsteps. This is a form of unjustified pride and recklessness. False courage will lead you into the clutches of Satan and the 'commanding self' (nafs-i ammāra), which are always lying in wait. Hence, Mawlana's advice is profoundly down-to-earth and concrete: "Give thanks for your feet and walk on the ground." Be grateful for the feet you possess, grateful for the safety of treading on firm, secure ground. This means to be content with your moderate and safe path, to recognize your true capabilities, and to avoid dangerous and reckless ventures. This is not cowardice; it is the essence of wisdom and rationality in spiritual quest and even in ordinary life.

Key takeaways

• Recognize your limitations and avoid undue spiritual or intellectual hubris.
• Imitating exceptionally fortunate or skilled individuals without adequate preparation is dangerous and unwise.
• Gratitude for one's ordinary faculties and choosing a secure, grounded path is the essence of wisdom.
• True courage lies in discerning dangers and avoiding unjustified recklessness.
• The 'ground' here symbolizes a realistic, prepared, and cautious approach to life's challenges.