Rumi: "You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?"

The quote "You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?" attributed to Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet, scholar, and Sufi mystic, encapsulates a profound spiritual and philosophical message. Rumi's poetry often delves into themes of the human soul's potential and the journey of spiritual awakening.

 

In this metaphor, "wings" symbolize the innate potential, capabilities, and spiritual power inherent in every individual. Rumi's imagery suggests that every person possesses an inherent ability to rise above mundane, earthly concerns and to reach higher states of being, understanding, or consciousness. This potential for elevation, whether interpreted as spiritual, intellectual, emotional, or creative, is a gift that is as natural and essential to the human experience as wings are to a bird.

 

The act of preferring to "crawl through life" is a metaphor for living in a way that ignores or neglects this inherent potential. Crawling, as opposed to flying, represents a state of being bound to the most basic, material aspects of life. It implies a limited perspective, constrained by immediate concerns and failing to realize the broader possibilities of existence.

 

Rumi's question, "why prefer to crawl through life?", serves as a gentle reprimand and a call to self-awareness. It encourages introspection about how one is living their life. Are they confined by self-imposed limitations, fears, or societal expectations? Are they focusing solely on survival and basic needs, thus neglecting the more profound aspects of life such as love, joy, creativity, and spiritual growth?

 

This quote resonates with the central themes of Rumi's work, which often explores the idea of transcending the ego and the material world to discover the divine, both within oneself and in the universe. His poetry is a constant reminder of the deeper layers of existence and the soul's journey towards enlightenment or union with the divine.

 

In a broader sense, Rumi's words are a call to embrace the fullness of our human potential. They urge us to recognize and utilize our innate abilities and to aspire to higher levels of existence—emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. The message is universal, encouraging individuals to seek a life that is not just about survival or going through the motions, but one that is enriched with purpose, passion, and transcendence.