Let Divine Passion Triumph

Lesson 312: Let Divine Passion Triumph

Futile solutions deceive the force of passion;
They're bandits who extort money through lies.
Marshy and stagnant water's no cure for thirst
However limpid and delicious it might look;
It'll only trap you and stop your looking for fresh rivers
That could feed and make flourish a hundred gardens --
Just as each piece of false gold prevents you
From recognizing real gold and where to find it.
False gold will only cut your feet and bind your wings,
Saying, "I will remove your difficulties," when, in fact,
It is only dregs, and defeat in the robes of victory.
Run, my friends, run far away from all false solutions!
Let Divine passion triumph and rebirth you in yourself!

- Jalal-ud-Din Rumi

(Translated by Andrew Harvey from A Year of Rumi)