Discourses of Rumi

48 V DISCOURSES OF RUMIning, yet it is known to be the very acme of caringand generosity, restoring the dead to life, convertingthe base stone into a ruby, and far morethan that. If the hawk knew for what reason theking wanted to capture it, it would not requireany bait. It would search for the trap with souland heart, and would fly to the king’s hand.People only listen to the outward significanceof the saints’ words. They say, “We’ve heard plentyof this. Our hearts are stuffed full of words ofthis kind.” God says, “God forbid that youshould be full of them! You are full of your ownwhisperings and vain conceits. You are full of illusionand greed. Nay, you are full of cursing.”If only they were empty of such ravings! Thenthey would be open to receive these words. Butthey are not open to receive them. God has set aseal upon their ears and eyes and hearts. Theireyes see things the opposite of what they are; theyhear wisdom as gibberish and raving. Their heartshave been transformed into a home of self-loveand vanity. A winter’s tangle of dark shapes andpride has possessed them. Their hearts are hardenedwith ice and frost.