When a dispute arises
as to the ownership of the husk,
the husk belongs
to the one who possesses the kernel.
The heavenly sphere is the husk;
the light of the spirit is the core.
This sky is visible; spirit is not;
but don’t stumble because of this.
The body is manifest;
Life’s spirit is hidden:
The body is like a sleeve;
the spirit is the hand.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Chon tanâzo` dar fotad dar tang-gâh
dâneh ân kist ân-râ kon negâh
Pas falak qeshrist va nur-e ruh maghz
in padidast ân khafi zin ru ma-laghz
Jesm zâher ruh makhfi âmadast
jesm hamchon âstin jân hamcho dast
— Mathnawi II: 3251-3253
Version by Camille and Kabir Helminski
“Rumi: Daylight”
Threshold Books, 1994
Persian transliteration courtesy of Yahyá Monastra