M6:2044 — کوه‌ها ببرید و وادی دراز / بهر دید شیخ با صدق و نیاز

Translation: He traversed mountains and long valleys, / For the sake of seeing the Sheikh, with sincerity (sidq) and yearning (niyāz). Meaning: This verse describes the immense effort and hardship a disciple willingly endures, driven by profound sincerity and spiritual longing, to meet their spiritual master.

This verse, from the sixth book of the Masnavi, appears in the story of a disciple from Taleqan who undertakes an arduous journey to visit Sheikh Abu al-Hasan Kharaqani, the eminent mystic of the fourth century. Here, Rumi's vivid imagery transcends mere geographical description, delving into the profound symbolism embedded within this arduous pilgrimage.

The act of "traversing mountains" and "cutting through long valleys" is not simply a physical depiction; it is a potent symbol of the immense hardships and obstacles that the seeker of truth encounters on their spiritual path. Each mountain scaled, each valley crossed, signifies a struggle with the lower self (nafs), an overcoming of self-centeredness, and a detachment from worldly attachments. Rumi often asserts that the path to truth is a "bloody" one, where love initially bares its fangs, ensuring that only the truly courageous remain; it is never a smooth or effortless journey.

The emphasis on "with sincerity (sidq) and yearning (niyāz)" is pivotal. These two qualities are the key to understanding the disciple's motivation and the secret to his triumph on this difficult road. Sidq signifies truthfulness and unpretentiousness in seeking; that the seeker steps forward not for fame, nor for worldly gain, nor out of ego, but purely from a desire for truth. Niyāz denotes the existential thirst and inner poverty of the seeker, drawing them towards the source of spiritual richness—the master or the Ultimate Truth. Without this sidq and niyāz, overcoming the "mountains" and "long valleys" would be impossible; or, if possible, it would not lead to the true destination, for only a pure intention can smooth the rough terrain of the self and the temptations of the path.

The story of Sheikh Hasan Kharaqani reveals that even after such physical tribulation, the disciple faces another test, this time from the Sheikh's wife, who insults him and calls him a "vagabond." This incident illustrates that the path of truth is fraught with continuous trials. Sometimes these trials appear as natural and geographical obstacles, and sometimes as the injustices of others or the "difficult endurance" of fellow human beings. As I have noted elsewhere, individual intellect (ʿaql) can be "self-centered and selfish," obstructing the perception of truth. Such affronts are akin to the kicks of the nafs, demanding that the seeker resist them and learn the lesson of "patience (ṣabr)." Thus, the disciple's journey is not merely a step towards the master but an inner spiritual striving, preparing them to embrace truth and bear its hardships. This journey, as it were, is the very "travelogue of the soul" that Rumi narrates throughout the Masnavi.

Key takeaways

• The journey to the master symbolizes the arduousness of the spiritual path.
• External obstacles (mountains and valleys) represent the struggle with the ego and worldly attachments.
• Sincerity (sidq) and heartfelt yearning (niyāz) are the core motivations of the truth-seeker.
• The purpose of these hardships is inner purification and preparation for deeper truths.
• Trials on the path may also come from human interactions, requiring patience (ṣabr).
• This verse underscores the importance of endurance and perseverance in the quest for gnosis.