M6:3160 — گر بود داد خسان افزون ز ریگ / تو بمیری وآن بماند مردریگ

Translation: Though the ignoble's gifts outnumber the sand's grains, You shall die, and they shall remain a mere inheritance. Meaning: This verse clearly states that worldly gifts and provisions, however seemingly vast and significant, are inherently impermanent and unstable. With one's death, they lose all true value and lasting substance, serving only as an empty legacy left behind.

This verse emerges from Rumi's parable of the lion and the rabbit; an arrogant lion sees its own reflection in a well, mistakes it for another lion, fights it, and ultimately perishes. Rumi employs this narrative to elucidate the deepest layers of self-knowledge and the concept of 'projection' (farafkāni). He posits that many of the faults and evils we perceive and complain about in others are, in truth, shadows and reflections of ourselves; just as the lion saw its own image in the well.

From Rumi's perspective, everything we behold in this world is a 'reflection' ('aks) and a shadow of a transcendent 'origin' (aṣl) or truth. The 'gifts of the ignoble' (dād-i khasān), meaning the offerings and endowments from the lowly and worldly people, however seemingly abundant—'exceeding sand' (afzūn ze rīg)—lack intrinsic authenticity. Just as sand symbolizes multitude and abundance in Persian culture (in contrast to the English 'like water'), these gifts are merely temporary, superficial forms. Rumi unequivocally emphasizes that 'you' (the human being) 'will die' (to bemīrī), and all this material wealth and transient giving 'will remain a mere inheritance' (v-ān bemānad morda-rīg); meaning a legacy detached from its owner upon death, yielding no lasting benefit or permanence.

The subsequent verse encapsulates this existential lesson: 'How long can a reflection last in sight? Make it your practice to see the origin, O crooked-sighted one!' ('aks ākhar chand pāyad dar naẓar? / aṣl-bīnī pīshe kon ay kaž-nigar). How long will one remain fixated on these transient shadows and worldly appearances? One must strive to cultivate 'seeing the origin' (aṣl-bīnī). This perspective stands in direct opposition to the superficial and 'crooked-sighted' view that engages only with 'form' (ṣūrat) while neglecting 'meaning' (ma'nā) and 'origin' (aṣl).

True provision (rizq) and lasting generosity emanate from the absolute source of existence, God. This divine giving encompasses not only material sustenance but also a blessed and long life, good friends, sound thought, and a virtuous family. It is God's bestowal that creates 'eternals' (khālidīn) and everlastingness, not the 'gifts of the ignoble' which transform into a 'dead inheritance' upon death. Thus, this verse is an invitation from Rumi to transcend the deception of appearances and attain a vision that apprehends the 'origin' and pure truth.

Key takeaways

• Material and worldly gifts, no matter how abundant or impressive, are inherently unstable and transient.
• What comes from the 'ignoble's generosity' is ultimately a 'dead inheritance,' providing no benefit or permanence after one's demise.
• The world of phenomena and forms is merely a shadow of the ultimate 'Origin' (aṣl); one must shift from seeing reflections to seeing the source.
• Many faults and ugliness we perceive in others are reflections of our own imperfections and crookedness (projection).
• True and lasting provision (rizq) flows from the absolute source of existence, God, and brings with it the blessing of a long and fruitful life.