Discourses of Rumi

in straw, the straw would never be attracted to theamber [Rumi is referring to static electricity here].They would not cling to each other, even if yourubbed the amber with fur. This exchangebetween them is hidden, not a visible thing.It is the thought that brings us. The thought ofa garden brings us to the garden. The thought ofa shop brings us to the shop. However, withinthese thoughts is a secret deception. Have younever gone to a certain place thinking it would begood, only to find disappointment? Thesethoughts then are like a shroud, and within thatshroud someone is hidden. The day reality drawsyou and the shroud of thought disappears, therewill be no disappointment. Then you will see realityas it is, and nothing more.“Upon that day when the secrets are tried.”So, what reason is there for me to speak? Inreality that which draws is a single thing, but itappears to be many. We are possessed by a hundreddifferent desires. “I want vermicelli,” we say.“I want ravioli. I want halvah. I want fritters. Iwant fruit. I want dates.” We name these one byone, but the root of the matter is a single thing:13