The Mystical Journey of Rumi and His Spiritual Guide, Shams of Tabriz

Rumi and His Spiritual Guide

The relationship between Rumi, the renowned Sufi poet, and Shams of Tabriz, his spiritual teacher, is a fascinating tale of friendship, love, and spiritual transformation. Rumi's transformation into a prolific poet and mystic is attributed to Shams, who saw in Rumi a kindred spirit with whom he could share profound spiritual lessons.

Shams of Tabriz: A Guide and More

Shams of Tabriz, whose full name was Shams Tabrizi, was the spiritual teacher and guide who captured Rumi's heart. Unlike other teachers, Shams did not consider Rumi as a student but as a friend. Their relationship transcended traditional teacher-student dynamics. Shams taught Rumi the essence of love, mysticism, and poetry, urging him to express his innermost feelings through the written word.

Transformation of Rumi

Rumi's life underwent a significant transformation under Shams's influence. Instead of seeking traditional religious fulfillment, Rumi was inspired to delve into the world of poetry and mysticism. Shams encouraged Rumi to write poetry and expressed his own belief that Rumi's poetry would be a vessel for love. As a result, Rumi's poetry became a powerful expression of his mystical experiences and love for his master.

Lessons from Shams

Rumi often struggled with the concept of writing poetry, acknowledging his lack of understanding of the art. However, Shams reassured him and encouraged him to embrace poetry as a way to express his love and spiritual journey. Shams's teachings on love and unity resonated deeply with Rumi, leading to some of the most celebrated poems in the world of Sufi literature.

Rumi's Background and Spiritual Journey

Early Life and Mentorship

Despite his early background as a prominent Islamic theologian and preacher, Rumi's spiritual journey began with his encounter with Shams of Tabriz. His father, an esteemed Islamic theologian and teacher, had already laid a strong foundation for Rumi's spiritual development. However, it was Shams who truly ignited the flame of mysticism within Rumi.

Although Rumi was initially reluctant to accept Shams as his mentor, the mentorship proved transformative. Rumi's poems, which previously dealt with theological and doctrinal themes, began to reflect the profound spiritual experiences he shared with Shams. This shift marked a new chapter in Rumi's life, reflecting a deepened spiritual consciousness and a new approach to poetry.

Additional Spiritual Influences

Other Influences

In addition to Shams of Tabriz, Rumi's spiritual journey was also influenced by encounters with other figures. Legends suggest that Rumi met al-Khidr, a legendary prophet in Islamic tradition, who imparted certain mystical teachings. These encounters, as well as his interactions with the poet Kabir, contributed to Rumi's broader spiritual philosophy.

Book Burning Incident and Spiritual Awakening

One intriguing incident involving Rumi and his spiritual guide takes us to a moment of profound revelation. During a discussion, a levelbase (likely a reference to a local religious figure) pushed a set of books into a pool, questioning the value of the written word. Rumi responded sarcastically, to which the levelbase, taking it as a sign, began to remove the books from the pool, finding them rejuvenated and invigorated. This incident symbolizes the transformative power of true spiritual guidance and the essence of love and unity.

Conclusion

In the realm of Sufi poetry and mysticism, the relationship between Rumi and Shams of Tabriz stands as a testament to the power of love, friendship, and spiritual guidance. Rumi's poetry continues to inspire readers around the world, celebrating the enduring legacy of his mentor and the countless spiritual lessons he learned.

References:

Many references can be found in various religious texts and spiritual writings. For a more detailed exploration, one may refer to The Wreck of the Scipio, Sufi Enlightenment from Sama to Mansur Hallaj, and The Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks.