Discourses of Rumi

discourse 44Everyone who sets out on a journey has a particularidea in mind: “Once I arrive I will be able togain advantages and improve my affairs. My businesswill be set in order, my friends will bedelighted, and I shall defeat my enemies.” Suchare the ideas we have in mind, but God’s objectiveis something else. We make so many plans andthink through so many ideas, and not one turnsout according to our desire. Yet even with all ofthat, we continue to rely upon our own plans andchoices.Ignoring Fate, people plot their little plans.God’s Will does not consult with the plans of man.This is illustrated by the woman who sees in adream that she has chanced into a strange citywhere no one knows her, and she knows no oneelse. She becomes bewildered, and depressed, sayingto herself, “Why did I come to this city whereI have no friend nor acquaintance to shake me bythe hand, or press me on the lip?” On awakening,