Discourses of Rumi

FIHI MA FIHI V 65satisfied. All at once the total struggle is resolved.In the same way, in winter everyone puts on warmclothes and a leather jacket, and then creeps forshelter from the cold. So too all plants, trees, andshrubs, bitten by the cold, remain without leavesand fruit, storing and hiding their goods andnourishment inwardly so that the grasp of winterwill not reach them. When spring, in a singleepiphany, answers their requests, then all theirvarious problems, whether human, animal orplant, are resolved, and those secondary symptomsdisappear. Then all put forth their heads,and realize the cause of their misery.God has created these veils for a good purpose.For if God’s beauty were displayed without a veil,we would not have the power to endure it.Through the intermediary of these veils we derivelife and enjoyment.Look at the sun. Through its light we can distinguishgood from bad, and find warmth. Treesand orchards become fruitful from its heat, andtheir fruits—unripe, sour and bitter, becomemature and sweet. Through its influence, mines ofgold and silver, rubies and carnelians are produced.But if the sun were to come nearer it