In Rumi’s discourse, the two elements of “body” (tan) and “soul” (jaan) are frequently placed in contrast. However, this contrast does not imply hostility or conflict.
The body is like a shell that forms the outer shape of a person’s being, while the soul is the essence within:
“The fruit’s flesh is better than its skin—
Call the skin the body, and the flesh its beloved.”
The body serves as the vessel of the soul and owes its value to the soul. Without the soul, it is nothing but a lifeless corpse. Since the soul originates from a higher, celestial realm, it constantly longs to rise and soar. In contrast, the body—earthly in origin—tends to remain grounded and sink downward. The soul seeks noble pleasures, while the body craves material gratification.
“The body longs for grass and running streams—
Because its origin is of earthly things.”
“The soul seeks life and all that is alive—
For it was born of the realm beyond time.”
“The soul desires wisdom and knowledge,
The body—orchards, vineyards, and feasts.”
“The soul seeks growth and honour,
The body—tools, possessions, and fodder.”
And yet, the body is not to be hated or abandoned. It, too, has its rightful place in the human experience— And it must be respected for what it is and honoured accordingly.
Through The Eyes of Rumi (English Version Coming Soon)
