In the words of Coleman Barks, "This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment." Here, love is portrayed not merely as an emotion but as an active, transformative journey. It invites us to transcend the ordinary, to seek the hidden depths of existence, and to shed the layers of illusion that obscure our true selves. This exploration of love as a dynamic force is essential in understanding our relationships with others and the universe, urging us to embrace vulnerability and authenticity.
As we delve deeper into this quote, we recognize that love is not a static state but a continuous movement toward greater understanding and connection. The imagery of flying suggests liberation, while the notion of veils evokes the barriers we often construct around our hearts and minds. Barks, through his interpretation of Rumi's wisdom, encourages us to engage in a profound act of unveiling, where each moment presents an opportunity to deepen our experience of love and existence. This perspective is vital in a world that often prioritizes superficial connections over genuine intimacy.
The image / the metaphor
The metaphor of "flying toward a secret sky" conjures a sense of boundless possibility and exploration. It implies that love is not confined to earthly attachments but is an expansive journey into the unknown. The act of flying evokes feelings of freedom and transcendence, suggesting that true love elevates us beyond our limitations. Meanwhile, the "hundred veils" symbolize the myriad distractions and illusions that cloud our perception, each veil representing a barrier to our deeper understanding of ourselves and others.
In the speaker's tradition
Coleman Barks is renowned for his translations of Rumi, a pivotal figure in Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam that emphasizes the inner, experiential aspects of spirituality. In this tradition, love is often seen as a path to divine union, where the seeker experiences a state of "fana," or annihilation of the self, in the presence of the beloved. This aligns with the idea of flying toward a "secret sky," as it suggests a journey toward a higher state of consciousness and connection with the divine. The veils represent the ego and worldly attachments that must be transcended to achieve this union.
Rumi's poetry frequently explores themes of love and longing, echoing the sentiment expressed by Barks. In "The Masnavi," Rumi writes about the soul's yearning for the divine, illustrating the transformative power of love as it leads to spiritual awakening. This text serves as a reminder that the journey of love is not just about personal fulfillment but also about the quest for deeper truths that connect us to the universe and each other. Barks's interpretation invites us to embrace this journey with an open heart, recognizing that each veil we lift brings us closer to the essence of love itself.
Living the teaching
Consider a modern scenario where this teaching resonates: a person grappling with feelings of isolation in a fast-paced world. They may find themselves surrounded by people yet feel disconnected, burdened by the veils of societal expectations and personal insecurities. By embracing the idea of love as an active pursuit, they can begin to engage with others authentically, seeking to understand and connect rather than merely coexist. This shift in perspective allows them to experience moments of genuine connection, where the veils of misunderstanding begin to fall away.
In the context of relationships, this teaching can manifest during challenging moments. Imagine a couple facing a disagreement rooted in miscommunication. Instead of allowing the veils of frustration and defensiveness to obscure their love, they can choose to approach the situation with openness and vulnerability. By expressing their true feelings and listening deeply to one another, they create space for understanding and healing. This practice of unveiling not only strengthens their bond but also deepens their appreciation for the transformative power of love in their lives.
A reflection
As we contemplate Barks's profound words, we are invited to reflect on our own experiences of love and connection. What veils might we be holding onto that prevent us from fully embracing the love that surrounds us? In what ways can we actively choose to fly toward our own secret skies, shedding the layers that obscure our true selves? This inquiry encourages us to engage with love as a dynamic force, prompting us to explore the depths of our relationships and the world around us.
