Seeking
“What you seek is seeking you.”
Find all the Barriers
“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”
The Desire for the Work
The Distinctions
“In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true.”
The quote suggests that the natural world, represented by the sky, does not inherently possess divisions or boundaries such as east and west. These distinctions are products of human thought and perception, created by the mind. People tend to conceptualize and impose these distinctions on the world around them, shaping their understanding and interpretation of reality.
It suggests that many of the divisions we perceive, whether they be geographical, cultural, or social, are human constructs that we have come to accept as truth.
By recognizing that these distinctions are products of our own thinking, challenges us to question the validity and rigidity of our beliefs. Highlights the tendency of the human mind to create boundaries, categories, and labels that often lead to separation, conflict, and misunderstanding.
The underlying message of the quote is to encourage a broader perspective, one that transcends the limitations of our conditioned thinking. Invites us to question the beliefs and assumptions we hold, to cultivate open-mindedness, and to recognize the interconnectedness and oneness of all things.
Calls for a shift in perception, inviting us to see beyond the artificial divisions we have created and to embrace a more inclusive and compassionate worldview. It reminds us that our beliefs and distinctions are not absolute truths, but rather products of our own mental constructions.
In summary, the quote by the Buddha suggests that the divisions and distinctions we perceive in the world are creations of the human mind. Prompts us to question the validity of these distinctions and to recognize that they are not inherent in the natural world. By transcending our conditioned thinking and embracing a more inclusive perspective, we can move beyond divisive beliefs and cultivate a greater sense of unity, understanding, and harmony.
Joy
“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.”
Captures the essence of living a life aligned with one’s true essence and purpose.
Rumi suggests that when individuals act from the depths of their soul, when they engage in activities that resonate with their authentic selves and reflect their deepest passions and values, they experience a profound inner transformation. The metaphor of a river signifies a flow of energy, vitality, and inspiration that surges through their being.
By following the call of their soul and engaging in activities that are meaningful to them, individuals tap into a source of inner joy and fulfillment. This joy is not fleeting or superficial but rather a profound sense of contentment and satisfaction that comes from living in alignment with their true nature.
The quote encourages individuals to look within themselves, to connect with their innermost desires, talents, and passions. It invites them to seek out activities and pursuits that genuinely resonate with their soul, as these are the endeavors that bring about a sense of purpose and ignite a deep sense of joy.
Rumi’s message implies that the key to experiencing this inner river of joy lies in authentic self-expression, genuine engagement with life, and the pursuit of activities that are in harmony with one’s soul’s calling. It is a reminder to follow one’s heart, to listen to the inner voice that guides and inspires, and to have the courage to pursue one’s true passions and desires.
Furthermore, the quote also suggests that this joy is not contingent upon external circumstances or achievements. It is a reminder that true fulfillment is not found in chasing external validation or material success but rather in the sincere expression of one’s inner truth.