If you don’t try to fly, and so break yourself apart, you will be broken open by death—when it’s too late for all you could become.
If you don’t try to fly, and so break yourself apart, you will be broken open by death—when it’s too late for all you could become.
Jalaluddin Mevlana Rumi
Break Yourself Apart
Theme: Being in Self
Be with those who help your being.
Don’t sit with indifferent people, whose breath
comes cold out of their mouths.
Not these visible forms, your work is deeper.
A chunk of dirt thrown in the air breaks to pieces.
If you don’t try to fly,
and so break yourself apart,
you will be broken open by death
when it’s too late for all you could become.
Leaves get yellow. The tree puts out fresh roots
and makes them green.
Why are you so content with a love that turns you yellow.
Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī (born September 30, 1207, in Balkh, present-day Afghanistan – died December 17, 1273, in Konya, present-day Turkey) is revered as one of the world’s greatest poets, mystics, and spiritual teachers. Known in the West simply as Rumi, he was born into a family of scholars and mystics who fled westward during the Mongol invasions, eventually settling in Konya, then part of the Seljuk Empire. Under the guidance of his father, Bahāʾ al-Dīn Walad, Rumi was trained in Islamic theology, jurisprudence, and the contemplative disciplines of the Sufi path. His early years reflected the classical model of a scholar-saint—rooted in devotion, study, and service to his community.
Rumi’s life was transformed by his meeting with the wandering mystic Shams of Tabriz around 1244. Their profound spiritual companionship awakened in Rumi a passion that transcended formal learning and opened him to the depths of divine love. When Shams mysteriously disappeared, Rumi’s grief became the flame that illuminated his poetry and devotion. From this crucible emerged the Mathnawī, often called the “Persian Qur’an,” a six-volume masterpiece that weaves stories, parables, and reflections into a vision of love as the animating force of all creation. His shorter lyric poems, collected in the Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi, sing of longing, union, loss, and the ecstatic dance between the soul and the Beloved.
Rumi’s teachings centered on the transforming power of divine love, the unity underlying all faiths, and the inward journey from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. He taught that every experience—joy and sorrow, presence and absence—serves as a mirror reflecting the divine mystery. After his passing, his followers established the Mevlevi Order, known for its sacred whirling as a form of remembrance (dhikr). Across eight centuries, Rumi’s voice has transcended language, culture, and creed, inviting seekers into the stillness of the heart where the human and divine meet in love."
Rumi's spiritual journey led him to develop a unique approach to Sufism that emphasized love, tolerance, and the pursuit of enlightenment. He created a fusion of traditional Islamic beliefs with mysticism, nurturing a school of thought that flourished in his followers. They established a sect known to the Western world as the 'Whirling Dervishes', a term derived from their mesmerizing practice of whirling as a form of physical meditation. The proper name for this branch is the Mevlevi order, dedicated to preserving and promoting Rumi's teachings.
In addition to being a mystic, Rumi was an accomplished scholar and theologian who left behind an impressive literary legacy. His best-known work, the Mathnawi or Masnavi, is a six-volume poetic epic that explores themes of love, divine mystery, and human connection to the spiritual world. Rumi's poetic style is marked by profound emotion and philosophical depth, weaving metaphors and allegory to create timeless pieces that continue to inspire readers today. Rumi's influence reaches far beyond his time, as his teachings on love, compassion, and unity continue to touch the hearts of millions, transcending barriers of religion, culture, and era.
Rumi. Jelaluddin Mevlana. "Be with those who help your being." Translated by Coleman Barks, HarperOne, 1995.
Jalaluddin Mevlana Rumi
Theme: Being in Self
About This Jelaluddin Mevlana Rumi Quotation [Commentary]
Jelaluddin Mevlana Rumi’s quote, “A chunk of dirt thrown in the air breaks to pieces. If you don’t try to fly, and so break yourself apart, you will be broken open by death—when it’s too late for all you could become,” underscores the necessity of personal transformation and growth. Rumi uses the image of dirt breaking apart in the air to symbolize the inevitable changes that come with attempting to rise above one’s current state. This metaphor encourages a proactive approach to self-improvement, suggesting that one must endure the fragmentation and discomfort of change to achieve a higher potential. His message is clear: embracing the challenges of growth is essential to realizing one’s fullest capabilities before it is too late.
In the surrounding context, Rumi advises us to “be with those who help your being” and avoid the company of indifferent people. He underscores the importance of choosing companions who foster our spiritual and personal development. This guidance aligns with the theme of “Being in Self,” as it emphasizes the need for conscious associations that nurture our inner journey. Rumi’s reference to the visible forms and deeper work suggests that true self-improvement goes beyond superficial appearances and requires an internal commitment. By surrounding ourselves with supportive and inspiring individuals, we can better navigate the challenges of self-transformation.
Rumi’s reflection on the consequences of not striving for growth—being “broken open by death”—serves as a reminder of the finite nature of life. He implies that avoiding the necessary trials of self-discovery and transformation leads to a life unfulfilled, only to be realized when it is too late to make meaningful changes. This perspective resonates deeply with the theme of “Being in Self,” as it calls for a courageous engagement with life’s trials and an openness to the transformative process. Rumi’s wisdom encourages us to embrace the journey of self-discovery with vigor and resilience, ensuring that we do not miss the opportunity to become all that we are meant to be.
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