Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Essence of the One

Home
New Visions
Hello Rumi Tuesday! The Gnat Plaintiffs…

Hello Rumi Tuesday! The Gnat Plaintiffs…

Last updated on: April 25, 2017 at 8:48 am by Mastura Debra Graugnard

Hello Rumi Tuesday! The Gnat Plaintiffs… 2017-04-25T08:48:02-05:00 Mastura Debra Graugnard

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

stechmcke lauert auf einer grasblte

Some gnats come from the grass to speak with Solomon.

“O Solomon, you are the champion of the oppressed. You give justice to the little guys, and they don’t get any littler than us! We are tiny metaphors for frailty. Can you defend us?”

“Who has mistreated you?”

“Our complaint is against the wind.”

“Well,” says Solomon, “you have pretty voices, you gnats, but remember, a judge cannot listen to just one side. I must hear both litigants.”

“Of course,” agree the gnats.

“Summon the East Wind!” calls out Solomon, and the wind arrives almost immediately.

What happened to the gnat plaintiffs? Gone.

Such is the way of every seeker who comes to complain at the High Court. When the Presence of God arrives, where are the seekers? First, there’s dying, then Union, like gnats inside the wind.

by Jalaluddin Rumi
translated by Coleman Barks
(Mathnawi, III, 4624-4633, 4644-4659)
from Rumi: We Are Three

Have you ever complained about God?

Or to God?

Of course you have. You are a human being.

And yet, when the Essence of God comes to show you His Truth,

and your heart is blown open

to see with the inner eye,

then there is no more you.

There is Only One –

The Essence of the One.

Photo credits:
Copyright: ID 29149174 © Ivan Mikhaylov | Dreamstime.com
ID 47377906 © Hayati Kayhan | Dreamstime.com
Adobe Stock Photo © menace #30621152

Want to join other Peacemakers, Healers and Change Agents? Classes begin each Spring and Fall. Apply today! Click here to learn more…

The University of Spiritual Healing & Sufism opens its doors to all people who seek love, truth, justice and freedom, regardless of their religion, to all those who search for truth through the way of God. We teach how to purify your self so that your heart can more fully reflect your true essence. We welcome everyone who wants to learn how to carry the message of unity – the message of love, mercy, peace, freedom, justice and beauty.

USHS offers classes in Spiritual Healing & Counseling, Spiritual Peacemaking, and Spiritual Ministry & Sufi Studies. Our Masters of Divinity classes begin in April and October. You are invited to join us. Click here to schedule a FREE chat with one of our advisors.

Rumi Tuesday

Previous Post

April 11, 2017

Hello Rumi Tuesday! Love Dogs!

Next Post

April 25, 2017 Hello Rumi Tuesday! Be with Me...

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Best of Journey Home Series 2017 Equality Getting to the Heart of Cancer Healing Racism & Bigotry Healing the Planet Journey Home Life Purpose Life-Work Balance Livestreams Parenting Peacemaking Relationship Healing Rumi Tuesday Spiritual Healing Sufi Concepts Uncategorized

Select a Month June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which book comes directly after Job?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Isaiah Ecclesiastes Psalms Proverbs