M6:3719 — تا چه صورت باشد آن بر وفق خود / اندر آرد جسم را در نیک و بد

Translation: Whatever that inner form (intention or motive) may be, according to its own nature, It shall lead the body into good and bad. Meaning: This verse asserts that an individual's inner intentions and motives, which can be divinely inspired, dictate their physical actions, directing the body towards either moral good or evil.

I believe this verse continues Mawlana's discussion on the relationship between 'form' (surat) and 'formlessness' (bisurat), a theme introduced in the preceding verse. Mawlana asserts that the Formless Creator, God, sows 'forms' within us. These 'forms,' which here primarily signify inner thoughts, intentions, or motives, compel the human body to act. This verse explicitly states that our bodily actions, whether good or bad, are contingent upon that 'form' or motive that takes shape within us—a 'form' that, in a sense, God plants in our soul. This 'form' should not be understood as mere outward appearance; rather, it is an idea, an intention, or an inner longing that serves as the driving force behind our behavior. To clarify this concept, Mawlana provides numerous examples: if the 'form' of blessing appears, we become grateful; if the 'form' of respite manifests, we become patient. The 'form' of compassion makes us nurturing and supportive, while the 'form' of injury makes us wail. Here, you see that 'form' can refer both to an inner stimulus (like the motive for compassion) and to a perception (like the perception of a blessing or an injury), each propelling the body towards a specific action. However, an important point to note is that Mawlana does not offer a precise philosophical distinction between various types of 'form' and 'formlessness.' Instead, he elaborates on this dialectic with a poetic and intuitive language. He speaks of "diverse imaginations" (khayāl gūnagūn) that are the "motivators of action" (dāʿī-yi fiʿl); meaning our actions stem from various thoughts. Ultimately, Mawlana concludes that all creeds and professions (kīshhā va pīshehā)—that is, rituals, rules, occupations, and positions—are all "shadows of the forms of thoughts" (ẓill-i ṣūrat-i andīshehā). This implies that everything that manifests in the apparent world as an action, a career, or a belief, is a shadow cast by a formless thought that has taken shape in the hidden depths of our mind and soul. This perspective profoundly underscores the significance of the realm of intentions and thoughts in shaping our external world and behaviors. This is what distinguishes us from animals; an animal acts based on instinct, while a human acts based on intention and thought.

Key takeaways

• Our bodily actions (good or bad) originate from 'forms' or inner intentions.
• Here, 'form' signifies an inspired thought, motive, or intention, not merely an outward appearance.
• Mawlana emphasizes that all creeds and professions are shadows cast by our inner thoughts.
• The dialectic of 'form' and 'formlessness' in the Mathnavi is presented intuitively, not with precise philosophical distinctions.
• This verse highlights the profound importance of intentions and the inner world in shaping human actions and external identity.