The passage of time

I feel for perhaps the very first time or at least as I am aware of it, the passage of time
Always waiting for the golden calm where do i turn?

The flute’s a companion to those parted with a friend

Whose veils have cut asunder our own veils

Who has seen poison and antidote in one, like the flute?

Who has seen a companion and eager friend like the flute?

The flute tells a tale of a much bloodied way

Tells us stories of insane love 

The confidant of this awareness is no-awareness

the tongue’s best customer is the ear

In our sorrow; the days go by

The days are coupled with painful longing

Tell the passing days, “Go, I have no fear!”

stay with me– besides whom there is none pure

From Masnavi, Book 1,  Lines 1-16

Sequence in Rumi's stories

Rumi tends to describe a general principle and then start a story to elaborate on the main point of the principle he is expounding. As he proceeds with the story he runs into situations in which he feels he needs to explain even more.

During these interludes or asides, he again expounds general principles and then stops and returns to his narrative of the original story.

Thus each story has a main principle and a set of sub themes or sub principles.

We'll explore a sample of the story of the king and the handmaiden .


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