Lire› Livre 2› Le compagnon de Jésus (paix sur lui) demande à Jésus (paix sur lui) de ressusciter des ossements› Verset 146
M2:146 — عمرها بایست تا دم پاک شد / تا امین مخزن افلاک شد
M2:146
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This couplet explains that the spiritual power Jesus possesses is not a magical trick but the result of a lifetime—or many lifetimes—of spiritual purification.
In this story, a foolish companion sees Jesus resurrect the dead and demands to be taught the divine name that accomplishes the miracle. Jesus refuses, explaining that such power requires a specific inner state, a spiritual readiness the man lacks. This couplet is the core of Jesus's explanation.
He states that the breath (dam) capable of reviving the dead is not merely a spoken word but the outward expression of a purified soul. This purity is not achieved overnight; it takes "ages" (ʿumr-hā), a long and arduous process of spiritual discipline and refinement. The ability to channel divine power is a sacred trust, granted only to one who has become a trustworthy guardian (amīn) of heavenly secrets (makhzan-i aflāk).
Rumi contrasts the companion's impatient desire for a shortcut with the long, patient work of the true prophet. The miracle is not in the formula but in the person. Just as holding Moses's staff does not grant one Moses's power (as the next couplet states), knowing the words is useless without the purified spirit that gives them life-giving force. The companion's demand is foolish because he sees the external act but is blind to the immense internal transformation that makes it possible.
- دم
- Literally 'breath'. In this context, it signifies the life-giving spiritual power of a prophet's utterance, which is an extension of their purified soul. It is both the physical breath and the holy spirit it carries.
- امین
- An Arabic term for 'trustee,' 'keeper,' or 'one who is trustworthy.' It implies being entrusted with something of great value, in this case, divine secrets and power.
- مخزن
- Literally 'treasury' or 'storehouse.' Here it refers to the repository of divine secrets and creative power.
- افلاک
- Plural of 'falak' (celestial sphere). 'Makhzan-i aflāk' means 'the treasury of the heavens' or 'celestial store,' a metaphor for the source of divine mysteries and power.
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