Rumi: I honor those who try to rid themselves of any lying, who empty the self and have only clear being there

The core of masculinity does not derive
from being male,
nor friendliness from those who console.

Your old grandmother says, “Maybe you shouldn’t
go to school. You look a little pale.”

Run when you hear that.
A father’s stern slaps are better.

Your bodily soul wants comforting.
The severe father wants spiritual clarity.

He scolds but eventually
leads you into the open.

Pray for a tough instructor
to hear and act and stay within you.

We have been busy accumulating solace.
Make us afraid of how we were.

I honor those who try
to rid themselves of any lying,
who empty the self
and have only clear being there.

• Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī (1207 - 1273), The Core of Masculinity

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