Poem- Vital Companions by Rumi's Father

A poem by Rumi’s Father – Bahauddin



Vital Companions

People approach God according to their levels of understanding, some to discuss profit and loss, others to find a name for the divine mystery. Others are interested in astrology; others argue being and non-being.

Assertions in this area feel to me like being lost in a jungle with no familiar landmarks. There was a time when everyone had different names for God. Then the nine-nine qualities came through the prophets.

I suppose we should ask the advocates of predestination whether they oppose crime or consider it part of our fate as planned out and directed by God.

If all nations were equal, there would be no ambition, no jostling for advantage, and no vitality. The essence of humanity is a nervous competitive fire. When that goes out, we are motivated only by hunger and thirst, and sex like animals.

The doctrinal position of the Mu’tazilis has strengthened in me as the ideas of the predestination have weakened. I tell my students that we are like an army resting in camp, used to an easy life with lots of military benefits. Then we look, and a well-organized, well-equipped force is almost upon us. As we run away, we are wishing we were part of that opposing contingent.

We’re talking easily with friends; then something happens. Someone new enters the group, a new subject, and the air is full of confrontation and challenge. Some of us stand aside and observe, waiting to see who will win. Others pretend to be content with either side, but then they see that some are living better. They become upset. It’s not good to spy into people’s houses.

Conflict comes into the heart area because the ego and the soul are living there in the same place. The nafs (our animal desirous energies) and our longing for God (the clearest part of human intelligence) both inhabit the heart, the source of love.

If a man lives in a house dominated by a woman, things will not go well, or end well. A delicate balance is needed for the harmonious life. A woman is a mirror. Do not throw stones at her. But also, as a man, do not become an ethereal vapor that flows magically into the mirror-world and becomes that. God has made women nurturing and attentive and given great value to their diligence.

Soul and personality can live beautifully together as man and wife, married. Don’t let the ego take charge of soul-growth. And also, do not dissolve the personality completely into the spirit’s intentions. Let both stay strong in themselves as vital companions.