M6:3009 — خاک او هم‌سیرت جان می‌شود / سرمهٔ چشم عزیزان می‌شود

Translation: Their dust becomes of the same disposition as the soul, And turns into collyrium for the eyes of the dear ones.

Meaning: Rumi posits that the very dust of the pure-hearted spiritual guide's body becomes so infused with their soulful disposition that it acquires a life-giving and vision-enhancing quality, aiding the insight of seekers.

This verse immediately follows Rumi's profound counsel: "If you possess a heart, go seek a Beloved (Del-dār)." Finding a true spiritual guide, a genuine 'Del-dār', is the foundational step in the inner journey. Here, Rumi delves into the astonishing effects of companionship and proximity to such individuals, an influence that persists even after their physical life.

He states, "Their dust becomes of the same disposition as the soul." This is far more than poetic imagery; it is a deep mystical insight. The very dust of the bodies of saints and seekers of Truth, by virtue of their intense connection to a pure and sacred soul, acquires a soulful identity and quality. This dust is no longer mere inert matter; rather, it becomes a manifestation of the character (sīrat) and essence of that great soul. It is as if their spirit has so thoroughly permeated their physical form, imbuing it with meaning, that even the remaining particles of dust carry this imprint.

This same "dust" then "turns into collyrium for the eyes of the dear ones." Collyrium (kohl) in Eastern traditions was used not merely for beauty, but to strengthen and brighten the eyes. Thus, the dust of such individuals becomes a source of spiritual insight and vision for the 'dear ones' – the sincere seekers of truth. This collyrium clears the dust from the inner eye, opening the spiritual gaze to hidden realities. Its efficacy is not material, but spiritual.

Rumi further deepens this notion elsewhere, remarking, "Many a one, lying dust-like in the grave / Is better than a hundred living in benefit and spread." This means that many who rest beneath the earth, owing to their powerful spirit and awakened soul, bring forth more good and blessing than hundreds of living individuals. The spirits of the great, though freed from the body, are not dead; they are alive, and being liberated from physical confinement, can exert greater influence in the world. Especially if there is a spiritual affinity (ham-jinsī va ham-rūḥī) between the seeker and that great spirit, receiving inspiration, illumination, and succor from them becomes possible.

Therefore, Rumi emphasizes, "Their shadow has departed, yet their dust is still shadowed." The guide has passed on, yet their dust still casts a shadow; that is, it offers peace and refuge. "Hundreds of thousands of living beings are under their shadow." This shadow is the enduring spiritual influence and lasting blessing of divine souls that transcends the boundaries of time and space, illuminating the path for countless humans even centuries later.

This idea resonates with the wise counsel of "al-jār thumma al-dār" – first, choose your neighbor, then build your house. Rumi advises, "Since dust, by proximity to a pure body, / Became honored and auspicious, / Then you too, say 'al-jār thumma al-dār,' / If you possess a heart, go seek a Beloved." In other words, if mere dust acquires such honor and fortune simply by being near a pure body, then you, O seeker, should exercise utmost care in choosing your 'Del-dār' – in choosing the one with whom you wish to unite your soul. This is the most vital choice, not only for outward life but for inner spiritual existence and the soul's perfection. This sacred dust is perhaps the very pure soil that Hafiz says "will be a pilgrimage site for the world's revelers"; not merely for being dust, but for the spiritual influence breathed into it.

Key takeaways

• The physical dust of saints and spiritual guides becomes imbued with the disposition of their pure souls due to intense spiritual connection.
• This 'dust' transforms into collyrium, bestowing spiritual insight and true vision upon the eyes of seekers.
• The efficacy of powerful saintly spirits, even after physical death, often surpasses that of many living individuals.
• The 'shadow' of these saints symbolizes their enduring spiritual influence and blessings, which transcend time and space.
• Choosing a 'Del-dār' (spiritual guide) is the most crucial decision for the soul's perfection; even their physical remnants can be a source of guidance.