M1:308 — صحّت این حس ز معموریّ تن / صحّت آن حس ز تخریبِ بدن

Translation: The health of this sense comes from the body's prosperity; The health of that sense comes from the body's destruction.

Meaning: Rumi posits that our physical senses thrive through the body's well-being and sustenance. Conversely, our inner, spiritual senses – discernment of truth from falsehood – achieve health and clarity only by diminishing bodily desires and through ascetic practice.

In this verse, Rumi touches upon one of the most fundamental teachings of mysticism: the distinction between two kinds of senses and two different paths to their well-being. He states that we possess two types of senses: "this sense," referring to our outer, physical senses, and "that sense," which denotes inner insight and the discernment of truth from falsehood.

"The health of this sense comes from the body's prosperity"; the well-being of our physical senses, such as sight, hearing, and taste, arises from the body's flourishing and comfort. This means that the healthier and more nourished our body is—through proper diet and exercise—the better these senses will function. To maintain this kind of health, one must consult a physical "physician."

However, "the health of that sense comes from the body's destruction"; the health of our inner, spiritual senses follows a different path. This health is achieved through the "destruction of the body." Of course, "destruction" or "ruin of the body" here does not imply annihilation, but rather the curbing of bodily desires and appetites, abstaining from excessive physical pleasures, and, in short, practicing asceticism (riyāẓat). Rumi himself, elsewhere, uses the metaphor of Ramadan: "How much rich and sweet food you have eaten / Test for a few days in fasting / If you empty this sack (the stomach) of bread / You will fill it with glorious jewels." This means that by eating less and starving the body, the soul's sack becomes filled with spiritual gems. Sa'di echoes this sentiment with his verse: "Keep the inside empty of food / So that you may see the light of gnosis within." Even Imam Ali, in Nahj al-Balagha, stated: "Gluttony diminishes sagacity."

This is the path of "Tariqat" (the spiritual path), which transcends "Shari'at" (religious law). While Shari'at allows eating and drinking as long as there is no excess or injustice, Tariqat dictates that for the soul's ascent, one must sometimes forgo even what is permissible. Little sleep, little food, little speech, seclusion, and remembrance (dhikr) are among the five principles recommended by great mystics for "perfecting the imperfect." To restore "that sense's" health, one must turn to a "Beloved" (Ḥabīb)—God's saints—as they are guides on the inner paths.

A crucial point Rumi adds is that this "destruction of the body" or "impairment" is temporary and necessary, not permanent. He illustrates this with several analogies: "The soul's path destroys the body / And after that destruction, it builds it anew." Just as a house is demolished to uncover a treasure and then rebuilt more splendidly with that very treasure; just as a surgeon cuts the skin to extract an arrow, and then fresh skin grows back; and like a fortress ruined in battle that is then rebuilt far grander than before. The central message is that these ascetic practices, however arduous and bitter, are not harmful but lead to a greater prosperity and perfection. This promise of "you will not suffer loss" belongs to the language of Tariqat, not the deeper truth of pure ʿIshq (love). In the realm of love, one should not contemplate outcomes; it is a "gamble" where everything may be lost for the Beloved, yet the very act of losing is the desired outcome, and the seeker does not seek any promise or result.

Key takeaways

• We possess two kinds of senses: physical senses that thrive with bodily well-being, and inner senses that achieve clarity by curbing bodily desires.
• "Destruction of the body" refers to ascetic practice and curbing appetites, not extreme harm or annihilation of the physical self.
• The health of inner senses (insight) is fostered by avoiding excessive eating, sleeping, and speaking—the five core principles advocated by mystics.
• These ascetic practices distinguish "Tariqat" (the spiritual path) from "Shari'at" (religious law); in Tariqat, even what is permissible in Shari'at may be restricted by the seeker.
• Bodily destruction (asceticism) is a necessary, temporary phase that leads to greater spiritual flourishing and perfection, not permanent loss.