The Mathnawi - Rumi

Rumi, born 1207 in Balkh (a city in present-day Afghanistan), is considered to be one of the greatest mystic poets, and the greatest Persian poet (Wikipedia biography). His poetry expresses the necessity of coming nearer to God by learning to understand that

"Everyone sees the things unseen
according to the measure of his illumination.
The more he polishes the heart's mirror,
the more clearly will he descry them."

This illumination, which leads to total understanding of God, is the purpose of life, of love and all the experiences which fill human existence. Rumi mocks the man who "learns by rote"--parrots, he calls them--and tells of the spiritual ascension that man will reach in his drawing nearer to the idea of God. Rumi's teachings blend Sufism, Hinduism, Muslim, and all other modes of thought, having evolved (spiritually) beyond a single religion. The man who gains this understanding becomes a "Perfect" being, realizing that God is within himself, as He is within all things, and once a man is a perfect being, he can coexist peacefully with all other men, knowing that all others are one with himself.

Rumi's Mathnavi (Masnavi-l Ma'navi) are the "Rhyming Couplets of Profound Spiritual Meaning." He dictated the six volumes of poetry shortly before his death, intending them to reveal the path of a man searching for God. The opening verses introduce the theme of separation. Following is Reynold Nicholson's rhyming translation of the first poem:

The Song of the Reed

Harken to this Reed forlorn
Breathing, even since 'twas torn
From its rushy bed, a strain
Of impassioned love and pain.

"The secret of my song, though near,
None can see and none can hear.
Oh, for a friend to know the sign
And mingle all his soul with mine!

'Tis the flame of Love that fired me,
'Tis the wine of Love inspired me.
Wouldst thou learn how lovers bleed,
Hearken, hearken to the Reed!"

Rumi considers himself the Reed in this poem, fashioned by God to perform his role in life, to share the truth of love and to help guide others to understanding of God. Though this translation of the opening poem is somewhat abridged, the main idea is still apparent: Rumi is introducing his audience to the purpose of his collection. He begins by telling that he has been separated by God, and as he makes his way back to God, he is ravaged by both the torture and beauty of human existence. He wishes to share the knowledge he has gained while seeking God, knowing that to be his purpose in life. He tells that God (the flame of love) created him, and that his work has been inspired by worldly matters (the wine of Love)--namely the experience of humans as they struggle to rediscover God, how they "bleed" for him.

In a more literal translation, Rumi continues in this poem to explain the mutability of worldly goods and physical existence. He praises the greatness of God, and instructs the reader to take joy in Him, and join Him to leave death and loss behind.

The above image comes from a 17th century illustrated edition of the Mathnawi. A link to its origin on the internet can be found here.