M6:1385 — طول و عرض و وصف قصه تو به تو / در کلام آن بزرگ دین بجو

Translation: The length and breadth and interwoven description of this tale Seek in the words of that great religious figure. Meaning: This verse directs the reader to the work of Attar of Nishapur for the complete story of Sultan Mahmud and the Hindu boy, acknowledging its intricate details.

This verse explicitly directs the reader to an external text—Attar of Nishapur's Musibatnama—to find the full and “interwoven” details of the story of Sultan Mahmud and the Hindu boy. Here, Mevlana exempts himself from providing an elaborate narrative, choosing instead to refer the reader to the original source. This reveals several important points:

Firstly, the Masnavi is not a self-contained text that holds everything one needs within itself. Rather, it is in dialogue with other mystical texts and classical Persian literature. Mevlana assumes his audience is aware of and familiar with this cultural heritage, capable of pursuing these references.

Secondly, the use of the title “that great religious figure” for Attar elucidates his sublime status in Mevlana's view. For Mevlana, Attar is not merely a poet but a “great religious figure” and a spiritual guide whose words contain profound religious truths. This reference underscores Mevlana's deep respect for his predecessors, especially Sheikh Attar, whom he considered highly influential in his own spiritual journey.

Thirdly, the story of Sultan Mahmud and the Hindu boy itself, to which this verse alludes, serves as a prominent example of human “inverted perception” and the transformation of understanding. Just as the Hindu boy initially perceived Sultan Mahmud as the embodiment of fear and calamity but ultimately found him to be a manifestation of mercy and fortune, many spiritual truths may initially appear frightening or unpleasant, yet at their core, they are mercy and guidance. Mevlana likens this story to “poverty” (in its mystical sense), which we initially flee but which is, in truth, the gateway to felicity and growth. This verse, concisely, guides the reader to the roots of this key allegory within mystical literature.

Key takeaways

• This verse demonstrates that the Masnavi is not a self-contained text, but rather refers the reader to other mystical works.
• The title "great religious figure" for Attar highlights Mevlana's profound respect for his spiritual and intellectual stature.
• The allusion to the story of Sultan Mahmud and the Hindu boy serves as an allegory for humanity's inverted perception and the transformation from fear to mercy.
• The hidden lesson of the story: many spiritual truths, including mystical "poverty" (faqr), initially appear frightening but ultimately lead to guidance.