Surrender and Illumination: Discovering the Divine Through Rumi's Ghazals

Dive into the profound spiritual teachings of Rumi's poetry, exploring themes of divine connection, self-realization, and the transformative power of awareness. This in-depth interpretation of Divan Shams and Masnavi reveals the journey from ego-driven suffering to spiritual enlightenment, offering wisdom on navigating life's struggles through divine guidance and inner growth. Explore how Rumi's metaphors, drawn from Islamic mysticism and the Quran, inspire seekers to find their authentic selves amidst life's challenges.

In this video, we will explore two of Rumi's most profound literary works: Ghazal 87 from the Divan-e Shams and selected verses from *Book 2 of the Masnavi*. These works capture Rumi's insights into the divine, the journey of the soul, and the nature of existence. With the guidance of these mystical texts, we aim to offer a deeper understanding of Rumi's teachings and their relevance to our spiritual journey today.

Whether you are a long-time admirer of Rumi or a newcomer to his poetry, this exploration will provide valuable insights into the depths of his wisdom. So, sit back, relax, and let Rumi's words illuminate your soul as we journey together into the heart of his spiritual teachings.

Rumi’s Ghazal 87 from the Divan-e Shams is a masterpiece of longing, love, and devotion to the Divine. This ghazal is a profound expression of the human soul’s yearning for union with the Beloved—God. Rumi uses rich metaphors and imagery to convey the intensity of this spiritual longing, which transcends worldly desires and leads one towards enlightenment.

The first couplet, "Dear One, I swear by your head, do not leave us like this. O graceful cypress, show us that tall stature of yours," immediately sets the tone of the poem. Here, Rumi addresses the Divine as the "Dear One," expressing a deep yearning for God's presence. The "graceful cypress" symbolizes the divine beauty and grace that Rumi longs to witness.

As we journey through the ghazal, Rumi invites us to "brighten and illuminate this dusty carpet; reveal another sun in this green dome." The "green dome" symbolizes the sky, representing the vast expanse of divine presence. Rumi's request for illumination speaks to the desire for spiritual awakening, where the dusty carpet of the mind and soul is cleansed, allowing divine light to enter.

The imagery of the phoenix and the sun further deepens the mystical experience. Rumi uses the phoenix, a mythical bird symbolizing rebirth and immortality, to represent the human soul's journey towards spiritual resurrection. When the soul transcends its ego and attachments, it becomes the shadow of God, alive in His eternity.

Throughout this ghazal, Rumi urges us to abandon "decayed and rotten thoughts" and embrace divine mercy, which is the ultimate cure for our pains and sufferings. He beautifully encapsulates the Sufi idea of surrendering the ego to allow the Divine to heal and transform us.


The imagery of the phoenix and the sun further deepens the mystical experience. Rumi uses the phoenix, a mythical bird symbolizing rebirth and immortality, to represent the human soul's journey towards spiritual resurrection. When the soul transcends its ego and attachments, it becomes the shadow of God, alive in His eternity.

Rumi also discusses the dual nature of God's grace and wrath. He explains that both are necessary for spiritual growth. Grace, symbolized by spring, brings renewal and vitality to the soul, while wrath, represented by autumn, serves as a warning and reminder of the consequences of remaining attached to the ego. The alternation between expansion (grace) and contraction (wrath) is a natural part of the spiritual journey, guiding the seeker towards self-awareness and ultimate union with the Divine.

Another important concept in Book 2 is the idea of the "thief" or the ego, which denies the presence of the Divine and steals the light of the soul. Rumi emphasizes that the Divine places trials such as fear, hunger, and loss upon the body to reveal the soul's true essence. These challenges strip away the ego's illusions, allowing the seeker to experience the divine light within.

Rumi's use of metaphors, such as the "springtime grace" that makes "stone, rock, and mountain verdant," illustrates the transformative power of divine love. Just as spring brings life to the barren earth, God's grace can revive the soul, turning the rigid, ego-driven mind into a fertile ground for spiritual growth.


Surrender, in Rumi's view, is not a passive act, but an active engagement with the Divine. It requires the seeker to open themselves fully to the presence of God, trusting in His wisdom and guidance. This act of surrender leads to a state of non-attachment, where the seeker no longer clings to the transient, material aspects of life, but instead, embraces the eternal reality of the Divine.