Discourses of Rumi

discourse 60The Prophet says that Abu Bakr was superior tothe other Companions, not due to his prayer andfasting, but because that special favor—the loveof God—was with him. On the resurrection day,a person’s prayers will be placed in the balancealong with their fasting and generosity, but oncelove is brought forth it cannot be contained byany balance. Therefore, love is the root.When you find love in your heart, then encourageit to grow. When you see the original investmentwithin yourself, namely the desire for God,increase it through searching. “In movement isblessing.” If you do not build on it, even the originaldesire will leave you.Are you less than the earth? Farmers turn theearth with a hoe and it yields crops. When theyabandon it, it becomes hard. So, when you findthe quest for Truth within yourself, follow itwherever it may lead. Do not say, “What use isthere in following this desire?” Just go! The profitwill show itself.