Before the Universe: Rumi and the Hidden Spark of Artistry

Say Yes Quickly: Unlocking the Creative Power Rumi Knew

Ready to Say Yes? Rumi and the Power of Creation

Rumi: The Inner Artist

Let’s dive into this beautiful and enigmatic quote by Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet, mystic, and Sufi philosopher. Rumi’s words often carry layers of meaning—spiritual, psychological, and existential—inviting us to explore the depths of our being. This particular quote, “Inside you there’s an artist you don’t know about… say yes quickly, if you know, if you’ve known it from before the beginning of the universe,” is no exception. I’ll break it down into its core elements, interpret its possible meanings, and reflect on its implications.

Breaking Down the Quote

1. “Inside you there’s an artist you don’t know about…”
   • The “artist” here is a powerful metaphor. It suggests a creative, transformative force within each of us—a latent potential or essence that remains unrecognized or unacknowledged. In Rumi’s mystical framework, this could point to the divine spark, the soul, or an inner capacity for beauty, expression, and connection to the infinite. The phrase “you don’t know about” implies that this artist is hidden, perhaps buried beneath layers of ego, habit, or worldly distraction. It’s an invitation to self-discovery, urging us to look beyond the surface of our identity.
     
2. “Say yes quickly…”
3. This is a call to action, imbued with urgency. “Yes” signifies acceptance, surrender, or recognition. Rumi seems to suggest that if we catch even a glimpse of this inner artist—if we sense its presence—we should embrace it without hesitation. The word “quickly” adds a sense of immediacy, as if delaying might cause us to lose touch with this fleeting revelation. It’s almost a plea to trust intuition over doubt or overanalysis.
   
4. “If you know, if you’ve known it from before the beginning of the universe.”
   • This part introduces a timeless, cosmic dimension. The conditional “if you know” implies that some may already sense this inner artist, while “if you’ve known it from before the beginning of the universe” stretches the idea into eternity. It hints at a pre-existent wisdom or soul-knowledge, a gnosis that transcends our earthly existence. In Sufi thought, this could connect to the notion that the soul originates in the divine realm and carries an eternal awareness, even if it’s forgotten in human form.

Possible Interpretations

Spiritual/Mystical Lens

In the context of Rumi’s Sufi beliefs, the “artist” might represent the divine presence within—the fragment of God that resides in every human soul. Sufism often emphasizes the journey inward to reunite with the Beloved (God), and this quote could be read as a nudge toward that union. The “yes” becomes an affirmation of faith or a surrender to the divine call, while the reference to “before the beginning of the universe” aligns with the Sufi idea of the Day of Alast. This is the primordial moment in Islamic mysticism when God asked the yet-to-be-created souls, “Am I not your Lord?” and they answered “Yes” (Quran 7:172). Rumi might be urging us to remember that ancient covenant, to recognize the eternal artist—our soul’s creative communion with the divine—and to say “yes” again in this life.

Psychological/Creative Lens

On a more secular level, the “artist” could symbolize untapped creativity or authenticity. Rumi might be pointing to the inner genius we all possess—the capacity to create, imagine, and live meaningfully—yet often suppress due to fear, societal pressure, or self-doubt. “Say yes quickly” becomes an encouragement to seize inspiration when it strikes, to trust our instincts and let this inner artist emerge. The cosmic timeframe could suggest that this potential is innate, woven into our very being, waiting to be reclaimed.

Existential Lens

Existentially, this quote might speak to the mystery of selfhood. The “artist you don’t know about” could be the undiscovered depths of our consciousness, a part of us that defies definition or control. Saying “yes” might mean embracing the unknown within ourselves, accepting our complexity and fluidity. The reference to pre-universal knowledge evokes a sense of awe—perhaps we are more ancient, more profound than we realize, carrying echoes of eternity within our finite lives.

Imagery and Emotional Resonance

Rumi’s language is poetic and evocative, painting the “artist” as both intimate (inside you) and mysterious (you don’t know about). The urgency of “say yes quickly” stirs a feeling of excitement or longing, as if we’re on the cusp of something transformative. The vastness of “before the beginning of the universe” contrasts with the immediacy of “quickly,” creating a tension between the eternal and the now—a hallmark of Rumi’s ability to bridge the mundane and the transcendent.

Broader Context in Rumi’s Work

This quote aligns with recurring themes in Rumi’s poetry, such as self-awareness, divine love, and the dissolution of the ego. In works like the Masnavi or Divan-e Shams, he often uses metaphors (the flute, the tavern, the lover) to depict the soul’s yearning for its source. The “artist” here fits this pattern—an inner creator longing to express itself, to reconnect with the infinite. The urgency also echoes his frequent calls to awaken from spiritual sleep, as seen in lines like “The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don’t go back to sleep.”

Personal Reflection

What strikes me most is the interplay of discovery and recognition. Rumi doesn’t say the artist is something we become but something we already have—yet don’t know. It’s both a gift and a challenge: the gift of an inherent, timeless potential, and the challenge of uncovering it. The “yes” feels like a leap of faith, a willingness to trust in something beyond our rational grasp. It’s as if Rumi is whispering, “You’re more than you think—don’t wait to find out.”

Conclusion

This quote is a multilayered gem. It could be a mystical call to recognize the divine within, a psychological nudge to unleash creativity, or an existential prompt to embrace the unknown self—all wrapped in Rumi’s signature blend of urgency and eternity. At its core, it invites us to explore who we truly are, to say “yes” to that discovery with courage and speed, and to trust that this inner artist has been with us since before time began. What do you think—does it resonate with you as a spiritual insight, a creative spark, or something else entirely?

External links:
This Rumi quote, found on “Goodreads“

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