M6:512 — آنک تنها در رهی او خوش رود / با رفیقان سیر او صدتو شود

Translation: He who travels a path alone, he goes happily; But with companions, his journey becomes a hundredfold. Meaning: This verse underscores that while one might make progress alone, the presence and company of like-minded companions will multiply one's speed, joy, and effectiveness a hundredfold.

I believe that Mowlana, in this verse, teaches a crucial point about social and individual spiritual journey that remains invaluable in our time. He states: "He who travels a path alone, he goes happily; But with companions, his journey becomes a hundredfold." The core question here is: what is rah (the path) and who is yār (the companion)? The path Mowlana speaks of is not a pristine, untrodden way, but a path "full of footprints," meaning one that many mystics and wayfarers have crossed before us. Such a path secures us from spiritual brigands and ogres, for it has guardians, watchers, and protectors; the collective will of others accompanies us. Thus, one should not embark on an unknown path haphazardly or unprepared. But who is the yār? A yār is someone with whom you can "consult" and exchange thoughts. Not just any companion, but a "fellow traveler" (musāfir) who is himself dedicated to movement and journey, not one who sits idly at home, devoid of the will to set out. Such a companion is one who aids you in reaching your goal and encourages you, rather than disheartening or holding you back. Mowlana further emphasizes that even if we assume someone, due to extreme caution, never ventures into territories where wolves roam and thus incurs no harm; still, without "companionship" (jamʿiyat), they will never find "joy" or "zeal" (nashāṭ). In solitude, one's resolve weakens, leading to stagnation and no real progress. This is a very important argument Mowlana puts forth against terahhob (asceticism), enzivā (isolation), and ʿozlat (seclusion). I contend that any benefit one might derive from solitude and reclusion will be multiplied a hundredfold within a vibrant, like-minded, and accompanying community. To illustrate this point, he offers the parable of a donkey. Though "crude" (ghalīz) and lacking in refinement and intellect, even this donkey gains nashāṭ and becomes "strengthened" (qūvat-pazīr) when it is among its herd, running with other donkeys. But if left alone, it becomes so lazy and slow that to cover the same distance, it must be prodded with thorns and beaten with sticks, traversing the path with immense difficulty. The donkey, through its very state, tells us: "If you are not a donkey, do not travel alone like me." Meaning, O human, if you are discerning, do not feign ignorance and neglect the benefits of community. Therefore, even if one "happily goes" (khosh ravad) alone and can continue their path by themselves, Mowlana decisively states: "with companions, it is undoubtedly better" (bī-gumān khoshtar būd) and "his journey becomes a hundredfold" (sayr-i ū sad tū shavad). This means that companionship not only brings more joy but also multiplies the speed and effectiveness of the spiritual journey by hundreds. This is the "ladder of counsel" (nardebān-i rāyhā) that helps us ascend, and collective endeavor prevents individual downfall. Spiritual quest, though it begins individually, reaches its peak and flourishes within the community of believers. This in itself is a kind of tawḥīd-i afʿālī (unity of actions), for a collective force is at work that multiplies an individual's capacity.

Key takeaways

• Spiritual journeying relies on companionship and collective effort; solitary travel never leads to desired joy or speed.
• Mowlana refutes reclusion and isolation, emphasizing the importance of a joyful, like-minded community.
• Even if one is capable of progressing alone, the company of companions multiplies the journey's speed and quality a hundredfold.
• A true companion is a fellow traveler who knows the path and can offer counsel and encouragement, not one who discourages.
• The path of spiritual quest must be 'full of footprints,' meaning a safe and well-trodden way, traversed by many before us.