M6:3238 — بار گوناگونست بر پشت خران / هین به یک چون این خران را تو مران

Translation: Bār-e gūnāgūnast bar posht-e kharān / Hīn ba yek chūbīn kharān rā to marān Diverse are the burdens upon the donkeys' backs; Beware, do not drive these donkeys with a single stick. Meaning: The loads and destinies of beings are varied; thus, one should not approach or judge all of them with a single, uniform standard.

This verse is a precise and crucial warning from Rumi in the path of spiritual journey and understanding the world. Earlier, the discourse revolved around unity and the negation of 'dubini' (double-vision or squinting), but this verse addresses the other side of the coin: avoiding homogenization and failing to see diversity within unity. Rumi states, "They do not all share one ruling/nature," and he illustrates this key principle with the metaphor of 'donkeys.' Here, 'donkeys' are not meant to be derogatory but rather an allegory for beings carrying diverse burdens—loads ranging from "rubies and jewels" to "stones and marble." These differing loads reflect the inner nature and truth of each being.

"Do not drive these donkeys with a single stick" is an imperative to abandon uniform and singular judgment. The error of the 'ahwal' (the squint-eyed or double-sighted person) is not only in failing to see unity but also in overlooking necessary distinctions and variations. The gnostic gaze, while perceiving the unity of existence, must also be capable of recognizing "the King in every guise." Each manifestation, each appearance, carries its own specific 'load' and must be regarded with a suitable and appropriate vision. This is what Rumi expresses elsewhere by saying, "It depends on the eye that looks into the canal/spring." Sometimes this 'canal' is merely an illusory reflection, and sometimes it is so real that "it fills the basket with fruit." Thus, not all canals and not all beings can be driven with one judgment or one stick and treated uniformly. This understanding of distinction complements the understanding of unity and protects the seeker from reductionism; for the world, with all its multiplicities, is the manifestation of the One Truth, and each multiplicity has assumed a unique aspect of that formless unity.

Key takeaways

• Recognize distinctions and avoid uniform judgment when dealing with beings and situations.
• Every being carries a unique burden and essence, defined by its nature (rubies and jewels, or stones and marble).
• The error of 'dubini' lies both in failing to perceive unity and in neglecting necessary diversity and distinctions.
• A gnostic perspective must be capable of recognizing the divine in its diverse manifestations, observing each 'garment' appropriately.
• The quality of our perception reveals reality; not all phenomena are equally real.
• This verse serves as a warning against reductionism in understanding existence and human relations.