The story of the Reed

The story of the reed, as told by Rumi, is a metaphorical tale of longing, separation, and the transformative power of love. The reed symbolizes the human soul, which has been separated from its source, just as the reed is cut from its bed.

The reed's lamentation represents the pain of separation felt by individuals who have been torn away from their beloved, whether it be a person, a place, or a divine connection. The reed's mournful song resonates with those who have experienced such separation and yearn to return to their source.

The reed acknowledges its role as a witness to the joys and sorrows of humanity. It laughs with those who are celebrating and cries with those who are grieving, suggesting a deep empathy for the human experience. The reed claims that the divine secrets, the profound truths of existence, are revealed through its cries. However, these secrets can only be heard by those who have been "cooked in the fire of love," those who have undergone a transformative journey of love and self-discovery.

The reed asserts that the secrets of the heart cannot be grasped by the eyes or ears alone. It is not through external observations or mere intellectual understanding that these secrets are revealed, but through the fire of love that burns within. The fire ignites the reed's song and gives it life. Without this fire, without the passion and intensity of love, one's existence lacks meaning and purpose.

Rumi warns against attempting to convey the secrets of love to those who have not experienced its transformative power. If one encounters someone who is "uncooked," someone who has not undergone the profound journey of love, the reed advises not to sing or preach to them. Instead, it suggests bidding them farewell and moving on.

In essence, Rumi's story of the reed emphasizes the longing for reunion with the source, the transformative nature of love, and the limitations of trying to convey its secrets to those who have not tasted its essence. It invites individuals to embark on their own journey of love and self-discovery, understanding that it is through this inner fire that true understanding and connection are found.