The Rumi Paradox: Reading and First Experience in Sufism

Rumi, the renowned 13th-century Persian poet and philosopher, often explored the nuances of first and second experiences in his works. He famously stated that reading was useless, yet he himself wrote down his poems. This contradiction prompts us to delve into the profound implications of these claims and the role of reading in the Sufi tradition.

Understanding Rumi's Statement

When Rumi suggested that reading is a second or third-hand experience, he was emphasizing the intrinsic nature of true understanding and experience. Just as one cannot impart the experience of love to someone who has never been in love, reading about an experience or a concept does not equate to living it. This is a fundamental principle in many schools of thought, especially in the field of logic and philosophy, where experiential knowledge is valued over theoretical knowledge.

According to Rumi, teaching and training should primarily focus on first experiences. For instance, to truly understand bacteria, one must observe it under a microscope rather than relying on sketches. Similarly, to learn how to hammer a nail into a two-by-four, one must actually do it multiple times. This principle extends to the experience of love, which can only be grasped through firsthand practice and not through mere contemplation or reading.

The Power of Poetry and Love

Poetry is a powerful medium that evokes deep emotions even when the content is not entirely understood logically. When reading a poem, one might cry out of anguish or joy, and the act of reading can be as emotional as looking at a loved one or receiving a love letter. Even telegrams, which are often associated with good news or bad news, can elicit strong emotional responses.

To illustrate this point, I asked an audience to share their experiences of holding a gun on someone who was attacking them. To my surprise, at least one-third of the audience raised their hands, indicating a common and jarring experience. This example underscores the universality of certain experiences, even in the context of violence and crime.

The Role of Reading in Sufism

While Rumi advocates for experiential learning, many Sufis share a similar sentiment that reading can be a futile exercise if one is not deriving any genuine spiritual benefit. According to Sufi beliefs, if the act of reading does not bring one closer to God, it is essential to step back and reflect on why this is not happening.

For Sufis, the ultimate goal is to achieve a direct connection with God, and reading alone may not be the best way to achieve this. Some Sufis suggest that if one is not gaining anything from reading, one should pause and reevaluate the reason for reading. This introspection can lead to a deeper understanding and a more spiritual approach.

The Sufi tradition values a deep, personal connection to the divine, and many Sufi texts are intended to be interpreted and understood through a spiritual guide or teacher.

For instance, the Quran is the most revered text in Sufism, and reading it can be a profound spiritual experience. However, many Sufi scholars emphasize that deeper understanding and spiritual insights can only be gained with the guidance of a spiritual master or guide. Without this guidance, the text may remain cryptic and its mysteries unexplored.

Every Sufi order has its own unique methods and practices, which often include the guidance of a spiritual guide or teacher. This approach ensures that the teachings are not just read but are also lived and experienced in a deeper, more meaningful way.

In conclusion, while Rumi famously stated that reading is useless, his own act of writing poetry demonstrates the complex interplay between reading and first-hand experience in the Sufi tradition. Understanding this duality can help us appreciate the true value of both reading and experiential learning in the pursuit of spiritual truth.