M6:3725 — این ز حد و اندازه‌ها باشد برون / داعی فعل از خیال گونه‌گون

Translation: This is beyond all bounds and measures; the impetus for action arises from diverse imaginings. Meaning: Rumi posits that the countless and varied motivations behind human actions and deeds are beyond estimation, all stemming from the diverse thoughts and imaginings within the human mind.

In Rumi's worldview, the root of every action, profession, and creed traces back to 'thought' (andīshe). This verse, in my view, is Rumi's most eloquent expression of the fundamental principle that thoughts and imaginings are the primary drivers of human behavior, shaping the world around us. Rumi offers a series of examples to illuminate this relationship between 'form' (ṣūrat) and 'formless' (bi-ṣūrat): if the form of a blessing takes root in the soul, gratitude emerges; if the form of respite presents itself, patience is born. The form of mercy leads one to flourish and be helpful, while the form of a wound elicits lament. The thought of a city prompts travel, and the imagination of an arrow causes one to raise a shield. The contemplation of beauty initiates joy and revelry, and the form of the unseen leads to solitude. A sense of need impels one towards earning a livelihood, while the perception of one's own might leads to usurpation and oppression. Rumi encapsulates all these instances in this verse, asserting that these impetuses and motivations for action, arising from our diverse imaginings, are beyond measure and count.

Key takeaways

• Human actions and behaviors are deeply rooted in internal thoughts and imaginings.
• The boundless variety of human conduct reflects the limitless diversity of one's thoughts and motivations.
• This verse emphasizes the primacy of the inner world of thought over the outer world of action and structures.
• Understanding the truth of actions and creeds requires recognizing the hidden 'form' (ideas) behind the 'formless' (actions).