Exploring Rumi's Metaphysical Quest: Finding God in the Human Heart
What did Rumi mean when he said he found God in his heart? This statement often sounds like it belongs to the realm of new age thinking. However, to truly understand Rumi, one must delve into the depths of his spiritual journey and the metaphysical significance of his words.
Understanding the Core Message
Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet and mystic, frequently spoke about God. He believed that everyone is on a quest to find their true selves and ultimately, to find God. In his poem, he emphasized that he searched for God everywhere and found Him within his own heart. This indicates that Rumi's search was an internal journey rather than a search for a divine entity outside oneself.
Interpreting the Metaphorical Heart
The word "heart" in Rumi's poetry is not merely a reference to the physical organ, but to the deeper, more profound region of the mind. It symbolizes the true essence or core of an individual. When Rumi speaks of finding God in his heart, it is a metaphor for the spiritual awakening that occurs when one discovers the divine within.
The capitalization of "Him" in "God" in the original text emphasizes the profound, personal relationship Rumi had with the divine. He did not have to search further because God was already present within him. This realization is a fundamental aspect of Sufi mysticism, where the ultimate goal is to recognize the divine presence in oneself.
Conventional Theology vs. Spiritual Awakening
Traditional theological concepts often describe God as omnipresent, meaning God is everywhere. However, Rumi's perspective suggests a different interpretation. He implies that if one looks elsewhere, they would not find God because He is already within. This can be seen as a paradox, but from a mystical standpoint, it means that the divine presence is most directly experienced within oneself.
The question inevitably arises: how does Rumi know that his experience of God is not simply imagined? Many things in our minds are indeed imaginary, especially during dreams. Yet, the profound realization of God often comes after a lifetime of searching and spiritual awakening. This journey is not always easy to discern, as the line between reality and imagination can blur.
The Journey to a Profound Realization
The journey to finding God within is often likened to a lifetime of spiritual growth, leading to various states such as eternal life, nirvana, or heaven. In Eastern philosophy, this journey is sometimes referred to as "Self-Realization."
The Philosophy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal
According to the poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, this path to Self-Realization begins with a deep contemplation of one's purpose and destiny. Iqbal states, "Raise your realization of what God has made you and for the purpose you are born," meaning that God will ask the individual to reveal their true essence.
Iqbal elaborates that this realization will only occur when the universe submits to the individual, acknowledging their exceptional sincerity. This moment of summit is described as discovering that God has always been within oneself, and the realization of this truth is a profound moment of enlightenment.
As Rumi put it, "I was once lost but now am found." This line beautifully encapsulates the experience of discovering the divine within oneself after a lifetime of searching and spiritual growth.