Every now and then we must step back and ask the basic question – who we are, why we are here and what purpose do we serve. Answers come from the scriptures, from philosophers, from Sufis, and from nature, if we reflect enough and often. Delving into our own consciousness leads to deeper conversation within ourselves as the Prophet of Islam said, “If you want to know God, know yourself”. Rumi – the poet, the Sufi, the mystique spoke eloquently about this conversation with the self. Here is an excerpt from one of his poems as translated by Coleman Barks:
All day I think about it, then at night I say it
Where did I come from, and what am I supposed to do?
I have no idea
My soul is from somewhere else, I’m sure of that
And I intend to end up there
...
I am like a bird from another continent, sitting in this aviary
The day is coming when I fly off,
But who is now in my ear who hears my voice?
Who says words with my mouth?
Who looks out with my eyes?
What is the soul?
I cannot stop asking
...
I did not come here of my own accord, and I can’t leave that way
Whoever brought me here will have to take me home.
- The Essential Rumi, translation by Coleman Barks (page 2)
