M6:235 — گرچه او خود شاه را محبوب بود / ظاهر و باطن لطیف و خوب بود

Translation: Though she herself was beloved by the king, Both in appearance and inner disposition, she seemed gentle and good. Meaning: This verse describes a character who, both outwardly and, at first glance, inwardly, appeared to be very pleasant, kind, and held in high regard by the king.

This particular verse is situated at the heart of one of Rumi's most profound, and at times, unsettling psychoanalytic insights. I consider this analysis to be unparalleled. Rumi here addresses a fundamental human fact: humanity's perpetual flight from free will (ikhtiar), from awareness (hoshyari), and from self-consciousness. Humans, as Rumi diagnoses, shy away from confronting themselves and the responsibilities that come with it, seeking refuge in a state of 'intoxication' (sarmasti) in order to 'escape awareness for a moment.' This intoxication can manifest as 'wine' (khamr), as 'sensory music' (zomr — the distracting, not the spiritual kind of ney music), or even as 'occupation' (shoghl), meaning excessive busyness and immersion in work. The ultimate goal of all these is 'unawareness' (bikhodi): a flight from the 'self' and liberation from the hell of conscious thought and deliberation.

I firmly believe that Rumi, unlike many other mystics such as Ibn al-Arabi, who focused more on the 'Five Divine Presences' and higher realms, delves into the 'dark chamber of the human soul' (tarīk-khāna-ye ravān-i ādamī) and its intricate corners. This verse is an embodiment of that very insight. He teaches us a bitter truth: that our very existence (hasti) is a 'trap' (fakh). Life, in itself, is a prison surrounded by four fundamental anxieties: death, loneliness, meaninglessness, and responsibility/freedom (ikhtiar). To escape the pressure of this prison, instead of surrendering to and confronting reality, humans choose the path of oblivion. They strive to avoid seeing the prison, or worse, to make it appear beautiful and gentle.

It is here that the verse, 'Though she herself was beloved by the king / Both in appearance and inner disposition, she seemed gentle and good,' takes on a fearsome meaning. What Rumi elaborates on in the continuation of this story (the tale of the maidservant and the lady) is how 'a beautiful person can be a viper within.' This verse, in essence, is the depiction of that deceptive and gentle exterior which, at first glance, makes even the interior seem 'good.' Yet, this 'gentle and good' inner disposition is itself a veil for the hidden viper. This is precisely the flight from self-awareness; it is the self-deception that Rumi, with his unparalleled mastery, uncovers. Rumi warns us, 'Do not be fooled by outward smiles, and do not be enchanted by the green gardens they show you.'

This verse is a prime example of how humans, to escape the anxiety of responsibility and freedom, resort to 'intoxication' and 'unawareness.' This 'gentle and good appearance and inner disposition' can itself be one of the methods by which a person chooses to lose themselves and escape self-questioning. This superficial beauty and gentleness become a tool for inducing oblivion, both for oneself and for others. Ultimately, Rumi does not consider these to be solutions. Such activities, as he himself states, are 'nothing but idleness.' The truth is hidden behind these pleasing facades, and only through awareness and by not fleeing from free will can one attain it.

Key takeaways

• A gentle appearance and seemingly good inner disposition can be a cover for escaping self-awareness and its responsibilities.
• Rumi, in the Masnavi, delves into the dark chambers of the human psyche and its flight from free will, rather than solely metaphysical realms.
• What appears 'good' can, in fact, be a 'fakh' (trap); a snare to conceal the fundamental anxieties of existence.
• Humans resort to intoxication or superficial busyness to avoid the four core anxieties (death, loneliness, meaninglessness, and responsibility), with 'seeming goodness' being one such manifestation.
• Rumi warns against being deceived by outward smiles and alluring appearances, as the inner reality can be entirely different.