Reflections on Rumi: The Sufi Mystic

I recently was invited to participate in some journaling sessions, reflecting on the literary works of the great Sufi Mystic Rumi. Rumi (Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī; جلال‌الدین محمّد رومی), a 13th century poet, was a student of many disciplines. Before devoting his life entirely to expressing his love for God through poetry, music, and dance, Rumi was both student & teacher of many disciplines. Born of Persian parents in a culturally rich locale, he was a theologian, jurist, and head of a religious school.

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It is said that his encounter with the dervish (a member of a Sufi fraternity, or religious sect, in Islam) Shams-Tabrizi on November 15th, 1244, is what transformed Rumi from a spiritual scholar into a passionate ascetic. After four years of deep companionship and devotion, legend has it that Shams was led away from his friend and murdered. This led to an outpour of literature from the Sufi Mystic. ___ In our group, we receive a piece of Rumi’s literature each week to reflect upon. The focus is to see how it applies directly to our life and circumstances. Here's my piece from week 1. ___ ### WEEK 1 #### Reflection The blockages we encounter in our external experience are the result of an exaggerated, even false sense of separation. This fall sense of separation is what creates the environment for these "love barriers" to even exist...because true love has no bounds to it's oneness. When we love first and love often we get to experience that oneness.

Love tends to elude those who look far and wide for her, but falls in the lap of those who look within. We often ignore the source of love, our own heart, in search of some external manifestation. Turn your gaze inward first, and let your reality be a reflection of that.

Some of us have let past experiences trick us into believing these barriers are necessary. When we do this, we put up a wall and avoid learning the lesson. I've been greatly disappointed in people at certain times of my life. As I've grown, I've let go and those experiences have provided priceless lessons.

Peace, Love, and Light