M6:1636 — با تو قلماشیت خواهم گفت هان / صوفیا خوش پهن بگشا گوش جان

Translation: O Sufi, since you have opened wide the ear of your soul, I will speak to you without reserve. Meaning: Rumi addresses the seeker, declaring his intention to reveal profound truths without pretense, and urges the listener to pay utmost spiritual attention to his words.

Following a profound exploration of 'inverted divine guidance' (nāl-e maʿkūs) and the notion that 'truth is submerged in truth,' leading to the multitude of sects and ideas, Rumi, in this verse, turns to his specific audience. I have elaborated on how this world is seemingly constructed 'upside down' where treasure lies in ruins, ease in hardship, and pleasure in adversity. This is 'divine jealousy' (ghayrat-e ilāhī), which conceals blessings from the unworthy. Now, after these deep epistemological and existential preparations, Rumi declares his intention to 'qalmašīṭ' to his discerning Sufi listener.

The term 'qalmašīṭ' derives from the Arabic 'qul mā shiʾt' meaning 'say what you wish.' However, in Rumi's idiom and context, it signifies 'to speak without reservation,' 'to open one's mouth and utter the unspoken.' It implies that Rumi has thus far exercised a degree of caution, and now he is prepared to reveal secrets hitherto concealed, fearlessly and without inhibition. This is a promise of transparency and directness.

Yet, this 'unveiling speech' comes with a condition, addressed to 'O Sufi' and inviting him to 'open wide the ear of the soul' (khosh pahn bogshā gūsh-i jān). This is not merely an invitation to hear with the physical ear; rather, Rumi implores the Sufi to fully open the ear of the soul. The ear of the soul is one that does not stop at the apparent meaning of words but penetrates to the hidden layers and esoteric dimensions of meanings. This is precisely what we need when engaging with the Masnavi: a readiness to hear what lies beyond the literal surface of the text. Such an ear possesses the capacity to comprehend 'divine inverted guidance,' meaning it can recognize what our ego-driven nature recoils from (such as pain and hardship) as the true path to treasure and comfort.

Immediately following this promise of candor, Rumi delves into one of the most crucial secrets: the wisdom behind suffering and tribulations. He states: 'Every wound that comes to you from heaven, expect a robe of honor after it.' This means that every apparent pain or harm that befalls you from the divine realm is, in truth, a prelude to a great reward and a divine robe of honor. This reward may be intangible, manifest in this world or the next, physical or spiritual; but it is never futile. This is a monotheistic worldview that regards no suffering in the universe as arbitrary or purposeless. Whereas in materialistic philosophies, suffering is pure loss, in Rumi's view, suffering is an 'infinite bribe,' an immense offering for a greater blessing.

This verse, in essence, bridges the preceding multi-faceted philosophical and theological discussions (on pluralism and truth) with practical, ethical, and mystical counsel on how to live in the world, especially when confronting pain and difficulty. Rumi urges the Sufi, by opening the ear of the soul, to gain a deeper understanding of the divine order of the universe and to prepare himself for receiving the rewards hidden within suffering. This is the 'inverted horseshoe' that must be correctly identified: what seems disagreeable to the ego's nature is, in fact, the path to truth.

Key takeaways

• After deep epistemological discussions, Rumi promises his dedicated listener an unreserved and unveiled discourse.
• The term 'qalmašīṭ' signifies Rumi's readiness to reveal profound secrets previously unspoken or hinted at.
• The necessity of opening the 'ear of the soul' (gūsh-i jān) to receive Rumi's deeper truths, transcending mere sensory perception.
• The divine wisdom of suffering: every wound or tribulation from God is a prelude to immense reward and divine honor.
• A monotheistic worldview sees no suffering as futile; what appears as loss is inwardly a preparation for greater good.
• Understanding the 'divine inverted guidance' (nāl-e maʿkūs) is key: what the ego shuns is often the true path.