Quatrain 24 from Rubaiyat of Rumi
ای دوست به دوستی قرینیم تراهرجا که قدم نهی زمینیم ترا
در مذهب عاشقی روا کی باشدعالم تو ببینیم و نه بینیم ترا
Description:
English Translation of the Quatrain
O friend, we are your companions in friendship,
Wherever you step, we are your ground.
In the religion of love, how can it be allowed
That we see your world but not you?
Analysis of the Quatrains
Companionship in Friendship: The poet expresses a deep and intimate connection with the beloved, stating they are constant companions.
The Ground Beneath One's Feet: This suggests a foundational level of support and connection. The beloved is seen as the very ground upon which the speaker stands.
The Religion of Love: Love is elevated to the status of a religion, suggesting its profound and all-encompassing nature.
The Paradox of Seeing: The final line presents a paradox. The speaker sees the beloved's world, their creation, but cannot directly perceive the beloved themselves. This could be a reference to the mystical experience of seeing the divine in all things, yet struggling to directly perceive the divine itself.
Deeper Meanings
This quatrain, like much of Rumi's poetry, can be interpreted on multiple levels:
A Lover's Plea: The poet is expressing a deep longing for union with the beloved, feeling a sense of incompleteness without their direct presence.
A Spiritual Quest: The beloved could represent the divine, and the poet is seeking a deeper connection with the spiritual realm.
The Nature of Reality: The paradox of seeing the world but not the creator is a reflection on the nature of reality and the limitations of human perception.