M6:3435 — اندرون سور و برون چون پُرغمی / در تنِ همچون لحد خوش عالمی

Translation: Within [these mystics], festivity and joy, but without, as if full of sorrow. In a body akin to a grave, there is a pleasant world. Meaning: This verse illustrates the paradox of the mystics' inner joy and outer sorrow: while their physical body is a fleeting confinement, their spirit soars within to an unbounded and delightful realm.

I believe that in this verse, Rumi offers a precise and unparalleled depiction of the reality of saints and mystics; an image that exquisitely portrays the duality of their outward appearance and inner state. It is here that we grasp how gnostics, despite their physical presence in this material world, soar through the realm of meaning and boundless existence.

Rumi states: "Within [these mystics], festivity and joy, but without, as if full of sorrow." This duality clearly indicates that the internal states of gnostics differ from what appears externally. Their exterior might seem sorrowful, lethargic, or even weak, but this is merely a veil. Internally, they are immersed in indescribable ecstasy and joy. This outward "sorrow" is not genuine grief, but perhaps a consequence of being in the "prison of nature," or by the necessity of addressing people according to their "capacity of intellect" (qadr-i ʿuqūl). Gnostics, like prophets, are tasked with speaking to people in a language they can comprehend and living among them as humans, not as angels or super-humans. It is here that, to maintain social interaction and compromise, they must adopt outward demeanours appropriate to the earthly realm.

But the more crucial point lies in the second half of the verse: "In a body akin to a grave, there is a pleasant world." This body, which will one day be the grave of the soul and confines us, becomes for the gnostic a window to a delightful and pleasant world. It is astonishing that this transient body becomes the sanctuary for that transcendent soul. Rumi, in a ghazal I have repeatedly referenced, so beautifully expresses this state: "I was a bird of the divine realm, / You saw that I became earthly. / I did not see its snare suddenly, / And in it, I became caught. / Do not see us with the outer eye, / See us with the inner eye. / Come there and see us, / For here I came light-burdened." This verse reiterates the same theme. The gnostic's presence in this earthly realm and in this physical body does not signify mere imprisonment; rather, it is an experience of lightness and freedom even amidst captivity. The body becomes a "grave" that encompasses a "pleasant" world, rather than burying it.

Thus, this verse offers an important lesson about judging individuals, especially saints and prophets, by their outward appearance. One should not assume, from their deceptive or simple exterior, that their interior is untroubled or devoid of gnosis. On the contrary, the opposite is often true: the simpler and more humble the exterior, the closer the interior is to the realm of meaning and subtlety. This contrast between earthly presence and celestial journey is the essence of the mystical experience that Rumi portrays with unparalleled brilliance.

Key takeaways

• The inner and outer states of saints and mystics are often in contrast: their interior is full of joy, while their exterior may appear sorrowful.
• The gnostic's body, despite its limitations and transience, can be a window to delightful and boundless realms.
• For connection and to respect people's level of understanding, mystics sometimes adopt an outer demeanor suited to the earthly world.
• This verse serves as a reminder to look at people's inner essence and not be misled by appearances.
• The mystical experience is the lightness and freedom of the spirit, even while dwelling in the physical confines of the material world.