Discourses of Rumi

FIHI MA FIHI V 357then they serve nothing but God. Yet, after learningand seeing more they enter a state of silence.They do not say, “I serve God,” nor “I do notserve God,” for they have transcended both. Nosound issues from these people into the world.“God is neither present nor absent,For God is the Creator of both.”All words, all sciences, all skills, all professionsderive their flavor and relish from Speech. Theend of that chapter cannot be known, however,for they are only expressions, and not the state ofitself. This is illustrated by the man, who in seekingthe hand of a wealthy and beautiful woman,looks after her sheep and horses, and waters herorchards. Though his time is occupied with thoseservices, their flavor derives from the woman. Ifthe woman were to disappear, those tasks wouldbecome cold and lifeless. In this same way, allprofessions and sciences derive life, pleasure andwarmth from the rays of the Saints’ inspiration.But for their inspiration, all tasks would be utterlywithout relish and enjoyment.