I Am And I Am Not - Rumi (Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī)

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Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi (also given as Jalal ad-did Muhammad Balkhi, best known as Rumi, l. 1207-1273 CE) was a Persian Islamic theologian and scholar who became famous as a mystical poet.
Rūmī’s use of Persian and Arabic in his poetry, in addition to some Turkish and less Greek, has resulted in his being claimed variously for Turkish literature and Persian literature, a reflection of the strength of his influence in Iran and Turkey. The influence of his writings on the Indian subcontinent is also substantial. By the end of the 20th century, his popularity had become a global phenomenon, with his poetry achieving wide circulation in Western Europe and the United States.
"I am and I am not" by Rumi is a profound exploration of the complexities of existence, identity, and perception. In the poem, Rumi uses metaphorical language to convey deep philosophical insights about the nature of reality.
The poem begins with the speaker expressing a sense of immersion in experiences that have not yet occurred ("drenched in the flood which has yet to come"). This suggests a profound awareness of the interconnectedness of past, present, and future, highlighting the fluidity of time and the inevitability of change.
The imagery of being "tied up in the prison which has yet to exist" further emphasizes the theme of anticipation and the paradoxical nature of existence. Despite not having experienced certain situations or events, the speaker feels as though they are already affected by them, indicating a keen sensitivity to the potentialities of life.
The references to the game of chess and wine serve as metaphors for life's experiences. The speaker metaphorically becomes the "checkmate" in chess without having played, suggesting a predestined fate or a sense of surrender to the forces beyond one's control. Similarly, the imagery of becoming "drunk" without having tasted wine suggests a transcendence of ordinary sensory experiences, implying a deep spiritual intoxication or enlightenment.
The poem's final lines, "I no longer know the difference between image and reality / Like the shadow I am / And I am not," encapsulate the poem's central theme. The speaker suggests a dissolution of the boundaries between self and other, between illusion and truth. Like a shadow, the speaker exists and yet does not exist in a conventional sense, blurring the distinction between being and non-being.
Overall, "I am and I am not" invites readers to contemplate the nature of existence, perception, and the interconnectedness of all things. It encourages a shift in perspective towards a deeper understanding of reality beyond conventional notions of self and identity.
Special Thanks & Credits:
Visuals - INVICTUS by Hugh Westhoff [vimeo.com/533557842]
#spokenwordpoetry #inspiration #lifechangingpoetry #rumi #wisdomango

[@isumallawaarachchi165]

Beautiful ❤️

[@WisdoMango]

Thank you 🙏❤