M6:17 — چونک سرکه سرکگی افزون کند / پس شکر را واجب افزونی بود

Translation: When vinegar increases its sharpness, Then it is incumbent upon sugar to increase its sweetness.

Meaning: This verse points to the principle of reciprocal balance among opposing forces in the cosmos; whenever one opposing element intensifies, the other must likewise augment itself to maintain equilibrium.

This verse follows Mawlana's discourse on the balance of opposites in the cosmos. I have often reiterated that Mawlana's world is a pluralistic and balanced one; it is neither entirely light nor entirely darkness. In his preceding examples, he alludes to the very necessity of the dog existing alongside the moon, stating that 'everyone acts according to their own nature.' Here, Mawlana takes a step further, introducing the exquisite and profound metaphor of sekajbin (oxymel). He does not suggest that vinegar should be discarded and only sugar embraced; rather, he posits that these two together form the essential components of a beneficial compound.

In my understanding, this metaphor is not merely a pharmaceutical or culinary wisdom, but rather articulates a cosmic law. Vinegar (سرکه) here symbolizes 'Divine Wrath' (qahr-i ilahi), that harsh and biting aspect of existence which may appear undesirable; and sugar (شکر) symbolizes 'Divine Grace' (lutf-i ilahi), the sweetness and pleasantness of life. Mawlana asserts that this wrath and grace are perpetually flowing in the world, and neither wrath can be eliminated nor grace. Instead, these two are interdependent and complementary. Our world is like a grand sekajbin, formed from the admixture of divine wrath and grace, and its equilibrium lies precisely in this blend.

The verse declares that when 'vinegar-ness' (sarkagī), meaning harshness and acerbity, is present, then commensurately, 'sugar' (shakar) and grace must also be increased to maintain balance. This implies not only that opposites must exist, but that the intensification of one calls for the reciprocal response and intensification of the other, thereby preserving the overall harmony of the universe. We, as humans, should not be the sole measure of all things, nor should we deem anything that displeases us as absolute evil and wish for its annihilation. The wisdom of creation transcends our individual tastes and preferences; it is in this commingling of opposites that perfection and moderation reside. This point, unequivocally, reveals the essence of Mawlana's insight into the architecture of being.

Key takeaways

• Mawlana's worldview is founded on the balance of opposites; it is neither absolute good nor absolute evil.
• Divine Wrath (symbolized by vinegar) and Divine Grace (symbolized by sugar) are two essential pillars of cosmic order, neither of which can be eliminated.
• Balance and moderation in existence arise from the interaction and intermingling of opposing forces, much like oxymel.
• The intensification of one pole (e.g., hardships) reciprocally causes the intensification of the opposing pole (e.g., divine aid) to maintain equilibrium.
• Human criteria for good and bad offer a limited perspective; the wisdom of creation transcends our desires.