In the profound words of Coleman Barks, “Let the beauty we love be what we do,” we are invited to consider the intimate relationship between our passions and our actions. This quote serves as a gentle reminder that the essence of our love for beauty should not remain a passive admiration but rather transform into active engagement. It beckons us to align our daily lives with the aesthetic and spiritual values we hold dear, suggesting that true fulfillment arises when our actions reflect our deepest affections.
As we delve deeper into this sentiment, we recognize that beauty is not merely an external quality but a manifestation of our inner state. To love beauty is to embrace a way of being that transcends superficiality, urging us to cultivate a life imbued with meaning and purpose. This call to action is not just about doing; it is about embodying the very essence of what we cherish, creating a harmonious existence where our love for beauty shapes our choices and interactions with the world.
The image / the metaphor
The imagery in Barks's quote evokes a vivid landscape where beauty and action intertwine seamlessly. The verb “let” suggests a relinquishing of control, an invitation to allow beauty to guide our actions rather than a directive to force it into existence. This gentle approach implies that beauty is not something we chase after; instead, it is a presence that can inform our decisions and inspire our endeavors. The phrase “what we do” emphasizes the importance of action, reminding us that love for beauty must manifest in tangible ways, shaping our contributions to the world.
Diving deeper into the metaphor, we can see that beauty is not confined to aesthetics alone; it encompasses love, kindness, creativity, and compassion. When we allow beauty to inform our actions, we engage in a transformative process where our lives become a canvas painted with the colors of our values. This metaphorical dance between beauty and action invites us to consider how our daily choices can reflect the beauty we admire, creating a ripple effect that inspires others to do the same.
In the speaker's tradition
Coleman Barks, as a prominent interpreter of Rumi's poetry, draws from the rich tradition of Sufism, which emphasizes the pursuit of divine love and beauty as pathways to spiritual enlightenment. In Sufi thought, concepts such as fana (the annihilation of the self) and bhakti (devotion) resonate deeply with the idea that our actions should reflect our love for beauty. This alignment of love and action is not merely an ethical guideline but a spiritual practice that leads to a deeper understanding of the self and the universe.
Rumi’s poetry often illustrates this connection between beauty and action, as seen in his verses that celebrate the divine in everyday experiences. For instance, in his poem “The Guest House,” Rumi invites us to welcome all emotions and experiences as manifestations of the divine. This perspective aligns beautifully with Barks's quote, suggesting that when we embrace beauty in all its forms, we are compelled to act in ways that honor that beauty, transforming our lives into expressions of love and devotion.
Living the teaching
Consider a modern scenario where this teaching can be applied: a community garden project. In this setting, individuals come together, motivated by a shared love for nature and beauty, to cultivate a space that nourishes both the earth and the spirit. Each participant, inspired by their love for the environment, contributes their time and energy, transforming their admiration for beauty into meaningful action. This project not only beautifies the community but also fosters connections among individuals, illustrating how love for beauty can manifest in collaborative efforts.
Another application of this teaching can be found in the realm of personal relationships. Imagine a moment of conflict with a loved one, where the beauty of connection is overshadowed by misunderstandings. By consciously choosing to act from a place of love and appreciation for the relationship, one can navigate the situation with compassion and empathy. This approach not only resolves the conflict but also deepens the bond, demonstrating how allowing beauty to guide our actions can lead to healing and growth in our interactions.
A reflection
As we reflect on Barks's poignant quote, we are invited to consider: How can I allow the beauty I love to shape my actions today? This question encourages us to pause and evaluate our daily choices, prompting us to seek alignment between our passions and our deeds. In this contemplation, we may discover new pathways to express our love for beauty, enriching our lives and the lives of those around us.
