M6:2356 — گو بدو چندانک افزون می‌دود / از مراد دل جداتر می‌شود

Translation: Say to him: the more he runs, The further he gets from his heart's desire. Meaning: This verse asserts that an excessive, misdirected pursuit of truth through purely intellectual and complex means, rather than bringing one closer, actually distances one from the heart's true yearning and ultimate goal of union.

This couplet, without a shadow of a doubt, delivers a trenchant and direct critique of those who seek truth solely through abstract intellect and circuitous philosophical or theological paths. Here, Rumi addresses the mutakallimun (theologians) and philosophers, especially those who, in their quest for God, remain oblivious to His absolute proximity – closer than their jugular vein – and cast their arrows of thought far afield, failing to see the treasure of presence at their very feet. As Rumi says elsewhere: 'What is Truth is closer than the jugular vein / But you have thrown the arrow of thought far.' I have always stressed that Rumi consistently teaches that God is not in distant realms, but right here, in our homes, on our rooftops, in our rooms, and even in our beds. He does not point to 'far signs,' but rather to absolute closeness.

The 'running' described in this verse outwardly appears to be effort, diligence, and activity, but inwardly it is sheer misguidance. This running is 'running with one's back to the destination'; it is running to move away from the treasure, not closer to it. This philosopher, who has 'killed himself with thinking,' believes that by traversing difficult stages and meticulously dissecting arguments and proofs, he will reach God. However, this very path separates him further from his heart's desire. This is an active movement of estrangement, not merely treading water. The more one runs, the greater the distance from the goal.

This critique does not signify an absolute rejection of thought and reason; rather, it is a rejection of their improper application. Rumi clarifies elsewhere: 'The King said, Strive in Us (jāhadū fīnā) / He did not say, Strive away from Us (jāhadū ʿannā), O restless one.' This means that striving must be 'in Our way,' not 'away from Us.' Engagement must be 'with' truth, not 'from' truth. Philosophical contemplation, when it becomes 'paper wings' that awaken a longing to fly but then dash you to the ground instead of lifting you, is perilous. The path must lead towards the destination, not turn its back on it. And this path is the path of the heart, the path of presence, the path of unmediated intimacy, not the path of a multitude of reasons and complexities of proofs.

Key takeaways

• Seeking truth solely through intellect, devoid of heartfelt presence, leads to misguidance.
• God is 'closer than the jugular vein'; one should not seek Him in distant realms.
• Effort without proper direction is not only futile but actively distances one from the goal.
• Rumi advocates for 'striving in God's way' (jāhadū fīnā), not 'striving away from God' (jāhadū ʿannā).
• The true path to reality is through the heart and unmediated presence, not through complex proofs and philosophical arguments.