M6:2996 — منتظر بنهاده دیده در هوا / از زمین بیگانه عاشق بر سما

Translation: The expectant one has fixed their gaze upon the air/sky; Alien to the earth, the lover is set upon the heaven. Meaning: This verse illustrates how the true lover, with a hopeful and detached gaze, constantly looks towards the celestial and spiritual realms, indifferent to the material world and its concerns.

This verse is, in truth, a vivid portrayal of the human inward orientation, the very core of one's will and inclination. Rumi keenly observes that what truly draws us and directs our path is our inner 'gaze' (naẓar), or more precisely, the dominant qualities and disposition within us. If the 'attributes of Gabriel' become manifest in a human being, meaning that specific 'lightness of soul' (sabok-ruḥī) characteristic of angels is attained, then it is natural for one to fix their gaze upon the sky and yearn to fly through the air. Such a person becomes 'alien to the earth,' utterly devoted to the 'heaven' (samāʾ) and the celestial realm. This is not a mere choice but an inevitable outcome of inner transformation. One who has become light-winged and light-souled cannot cling to the earth; their gaze inexorably turns towards the heights of the heavens, as if seeking their ultimate destination there, awaiting its union. Conversely, Rumi powerfully reinforces this point: 'If attributes of a donkey are placed in you, / Even with a hundred wings, you'll fly to the manger.' This is the zenith of Rumi's realism. If lowly, animalistic qualities prevail within us, even if we possess hundreds of potential wings, we will still gravitate towards the 'manger' and base material desires. This metaphor illustrates that the fundamental principle is the inner disposition and intrinsic will, not external capabilities or even potential aptitudes. One whose inclination is towards gluttony, carnal pleasures, and worldly delights, regardless of their potential to ascend, will ultimately bury their head in the earthly manger. From this perspective, the verse serves as a spiritual barometer; if your gaze is fixed on the heavens and detached from the earth, it is a sign of lightness of soul and resemblance to Gabriel. But if you still have your head buried in the earthly manger, even if you claim to fly, the disposition of a donkey rules you. The true lover is one who is alienated from the earth and whose gaze is fixed solely on ascension, not on dust.

Key takeaways

• Human inclination and direction stem from one's inner character.
• "Lightness of soul" (akin to Gabriel's attributes) inspires longing for and flight towards the celestial realm.
• Attachment to earth and material pleasures signifies a "donkey-like disposition" and spiritual heaviness, even with the potential for ascent.
• The true lover is alienated from the earth, fixing their gaze on spiritual horizons rather than worldly concerns.