The body is manifest; Life’s spirit is hidden

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 tanhā zad fotād dar tang-gāh

Dāneh ān kist ān-rā kon negāh

Pas falak qeshrist va nur-e ruh maghz

In padidast ān khafi zin ru ma-laghz

Jesm zāher ruh makhfi āmadast

Jesm hamchon āstin jān hamcho dast

— Mathnawi II: 3251-3253
Version by Camille and Kabir Helminski
“Rumi: Daylight”
Threshold Books, 1994
Persian transliteration courtesy of Yahyá Monastra

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