The Purity of Love: A Reflection on Rumi's Ghazal

Jalaluddin Rumi, the great Persian mystic and poet, often explored themes of divine love, spiritual purity, and the journey of the soul toward enlightenment. In this Ghazal, he presents a profound meditation on the necessity of purifying one's love and desires to attain a deeper connection with the Divine. The poem speaks of restraint, discipline, and devotion as essential elements of true love and spirituality. Let us delve into its meaning and significance.

Ghazal No. 96: Do not taint your lips with every kiss and every morsel

The Essence of Purity in Love

Rumi begins with an exhortation to keep one's lips pure:

"Do not stain your lips with every kiss and every morsel,
So that they may become intoxicated with the beloved’s lips and filled with sweetness."

Here, lips symbolize both speech and desire. He warns against indulgence in worldly temptations, emphasizing that true love must remain untainted by fleeting pleasures. Only when one refrains from impurity can they truly savor the sweetness of divine love.

This is a recurring theme in Rumi’s poetry—love must be singular, undivided, and uncorrupted. If the lips (symbolizing one’s devotion and longing) are tainted by lesser desires, they will not carry the true fragrance of the beloved’s lips, which in a mystical sense represents Divine closeness.

The Contrast Between the Pure and the Impure

Rumi introduces a stark contrast between those who remain pure and those who indulge in lower desires:

"The lips that have kissed a donkey’s rear,
How can they ever taste the sugar-kiss of the Messiah?"

This metaphor may seem shocking, but it serves to illustrate the stark difference between spiritual purity and worldly indulgence. The imagery suggests that those who lower themselves to base desires cannot experience the higher ecstasy of divine love. The mention of the "Messianic kiss" refers to a transformative and healing love, something that can only be attained through discipline and devotion.

Letting Go of the Temporary for the Eternal

Rumi then turns to a metaphysical perspective:

"Know that all transient things are distractions from the eternal light."
"Why gaze upon the garbage heap of temporary things?"

The poet urges us to look beyond the impermanent pleasures of the world and focus on the timeless radiance of divine existence. Just as a field becomes fertile when old growth is cleared away, so too does the soul become receptive to divine wisdom when it sheds its attachments to the fleeting.

The Hunger for the Divine

A striking metaphor follows:

"A satiated dog does not chase after prey,
For it is the fire of hunger that drives the pursuit."

Rumi suggests that spiritual hunger is essential for the seeker of truth. If one becomes complacent, indulging in mundane desires, they lose the drive to seek the Beloved. This hunger is not physical but spiritual—a yearning that propels the soul toward divine union.

The Discipline of the Saints

He reminds us of the example of prophets and saints:

"Christ’s hand became a healer because he kept it away from impure bowls."
"Moses cleansed his lips and hands from Pharaoh’s food,
And the ocean of divine generosity granted him the radiant hand."

The reference to Christ and Moses highlights the power of discipline and divine favor. Their miracles were not mere gifts but the result of a purified existence, untouched by corrupt influences. This is an invitation for us to cultivate similar spiritual discipline, refraining from indulgences that weaken our connection to the divine.

Closing Thoughts: Seeking Divine Nourishment

Rumi concludes with a call to inner stillness and readiness:

"Close your eyes, for they are possessive and jealous."
"Empty your stomach, for a greater feast is prepared."

This final admonition ties together the themes of discipline, patience, and trust. By closing one’s eyes to distractions and keeping oneself spiritually hungry, one becomes prepared for the true banquet—the divine love that surpasses all worldly pleasures.

Conclusion

This Ghazal is a powerful reminder of the necessity of purity in love and devotion. Rumi teaches that true love, whether for the divine or for another soul, must be singular, disciplined, and free from lesser distractions. Only by maintaining this purity can one truly experience the ecstasy of divine union.

In a world filled with temptations and fleeting pleasures, Rumi’s words resonate with an eternal truth: the deepest joys come not from indulgence, but from restraint, devotion, and an unyielding longing for something greater. This message continues to inspire spiritual seekers across centuries, guiding them toward a love that is pure, transcendent, and boundless.