Discourses of Rumi

discourse 33Everyone is in the midst of their own need. Noliving creature can be separated from its need.“Their need cleaves to them closerThan their father and mother.”That need is their leash, drawing them this wayand that, just like a nose-ring and chain. Now,who would make a leash for themself? That isabsurd—so someone else must have made it forthem.If we are in the midst of our own need, we arealso in the midst of the One who gives us thatneed. If we are constantly attached to our ownleash, we are always connected to the One whodraws that leash. But if our eyes are fixed uponour chain, we lose strength and hope. Rather oureyes should be fixed on the One who draws thatchain. Then we gladly surrender and accept ourlimitations. For that leash is around our neck onlyto reveal the One who holds it.“Stay away,” they said. “Do not approach.”