Learn to Know Me Again: Rumi on New Beginnings
Anyone who knows me, should learn to know me again; For I am like the Moon, you will see me with new face everyday.
Rumi
Rumi: The Poet of Perpetual Change
هر که مرا میشناسد، باید مرا از نو بشناسد؛ که من همچون ماه ام، هر روز با چهرهای تازه مرا خواهی دید.
مولانا
مولانا در این سخن میخواهد بگوید که انسان همواره در حال دگرگونی، رشد و تحول است. شناخت امروز ما از یک شخص، ممکن است فردا دیگر کامل و درست نباشد، زیرا تجربهها، اندیشهها و احساسات او تغییر میکند. همانطور که ماه هر شب جلوهای تازه دارد، روح انسان نیز هر روز صورتی نو میگیرد. بنابراین نباید دیگران را با تصویر ثابت و قدیمی که در ذهن داریم، قضاوت کنیم.
Learning to Know a Rumi for All Seasons
Ҳар кӣ маро мешиносад, бояд аз нав шиносад; ки ман монанди моҳ ҳастам, ҳар рӯз бо чеҳраи нав маро хоҳӣ дид.
МАВЛОНО ҶАЛОЛУДДИН МУҲАММАДИ БАЛХӢ
Мавлоно мехоҳад бигӯяд, ки инсон ҳамеша дар ҳолати тағйир ва рушд аст. Шинохте, ки имрӯз аз касе дорем, шояд фардо дуруст набошад, чунки таҷрибаҳо ва андешаҳои ӯ тағйир меёбад. Мисли моҳ, ки ҳар шаб симои нав мегирад, рӯҳи инсон низ ҳар рӯз чеҳраи нав пайдо мекунад. Аз ин рӯ, набояд дигаронро бо тасвири кӯҳнаи зеҳнӣ доварӣ кунем.
I Am Like the Moon: A Rumi Reflection
من يعرفني، فليتعلم أن يعرفني من جديد؛ فإني مثل القمر، تراني كل يوم بوجه جديد.
مولانا جلال الدین الرومي
يريد مولانا أن يبيّن أن الإنسان في تغيّر مستمر، من حيث الفكر والشعور والتجربة. ما نعرفه عن شخص ما اليوم قد لا يكون صحيحاً غداً، لأن حياته تتطور باستمرار. وكما أن القمر يظهر كل ليلة بوجه جديد، فإن روح الإنسان أيضاً تلبس هيئة جديدة كل يوم. لهذا يجب علينا ألّا نحكم على الآخرين بصورة قديمة ثابتة في أذهاننا.
A New Face Every Day: Rumi’s Timeless Wisdom
This quote by Rumi is rich with layers of meaning, as many of his works tend to be. Let’s break it down and explore it from a few different perspectives:
1. Transformation and Impermanence:
Rumi speaks of constant change and growth. The metaphor of the Moon, which goes through various phases (new moon, crescent, full moon, waning, etc.), reflects the cyclical nature of existence. In this sense, Rumi is inviting us to acknowledge that no one—especially himself—is static. We are all evolving continuously, and what you see today may not be the same tomorrow.
- Transformation as a Constant: Just as the Moon never stays in one phase, Rumi might be suggesting that his nature or soul evolves. So, if you want to understand him, you must be willing to revisit your perception of him frequently. This is a metaphor for the human experience: our understanding of each other (and even ourselves) is fluid and should be flexible enough to accommodate change.
- Impermanence of Identity: Our personal identities, whether shaped by external perceptions or our own self-image, are constantly changing. Rumi points out that anyone who truly “knows” him (or anyone, for that matter) must be open to seeing him with fresh eyes because he will not be the same person as before.
2. Spiritual Growth and Awakening:
The Moon in many spiritual and mystical traditions symbolizes the divine, the inner self, or the soul. In this context, Rumi could be speaking to the ongoing journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Each day, one may see a “new face” of the Moon, which could represent new layers of insight or realization.
- Mysticism and the Unseen: There’s a mystical aspect to this, too. The Moon hides its full nature at times, only revealing bits of itself as it changes. Similarly, Rumi’s true nature—like the Moon’s full potential—may only be partially visible at times. The “new face” could be an invitation to peel back those layers and see things with deeper perception, perhaps suggesting that there’s always more to understand, more to uncover.
3. Relationship and Reconnection:
On a more interpersonal level, this quote could also reflect the fluidity of relationships. People are dynamic beings, and to truly know someone, you have to be willing to rediscover them constantly. It suggests that love and connection aren’t static—they require continual effort, openness, and the willingness to witness growth, both in yourself and the other person.
- Renewed Understanding: This is crucial in both love and friendship: relationships are not static entities but evolve over time. Rumi may be expressing that to truly understand someone, you need to “relearn” them repeatedly, as time and experiences alter them. This underscores the necessity of keeping an open heart and mind to maintain deep, meaningful connections.
4. Self-Reflection:
The quote could also be seen as a reminder to observe oneself in new ways. The Moon’s phases also suggest that there are parts of ourselves we may not fully understand or have yet to discover. Every new day brings a new opportunity to reflect and renew our understanding of ourselves. Rumi might be encouraging the reader to consider that their perception of themselves is also subject to change.
5. Mystical Aspect of Rumi’s Personality:
Rumi, being a Sufi mystic, often spoke about transcending ego and embracing the infinite complexity of the self. This quote could be read as a subtle reference to his own journey into the divine mystery. His message is that to know him is to understand the paradox of divinity: just when you think you understand, there’s always something new to explore. The “new face” could be a reference to the ever-unfolding nature of divine love and connection.
Overall Interpretation:
In essence, this quote can be interpreted as a profound reminder of life’s constant change and evolution. It reflects the transient nature of existence, the perpetual movement of the soul, and the importance of continually deepening relationships—whether they are with ourselves or others. Rumi’s invitation is not just to understand the surface but to continuously re-engage with the mystery of life, which is always shifting, revealing new facets and faces.
It’s also a challenge to be open, both to the changes in ourselves and others, and to engage with the world in a way that recognizes that each moment and person is a living, evolving process.
External Links:
This Rumi quote, found on “Goodreads“
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