Last night I learned how to be a lover of God,
To live in this world and call nothing my own.
I looked inward
And the beauty of my own emptiness
filled me till dawn.
It enveloped me like a mine of rubies.
Its hue clothed me in red silk.
Within the cavern of my soul
I heard the voice of a lover crying,
“Drink now! Drink now!”—
I took a sip and saw the vast ocean—
Wave upon wave caressed my soul.
The lovers of God dance around
And the circle of their steps
becomes a ring of fire round my neck.
Heaven calls me with its rain and thunder—
a hundred thousand cries
yet I cannot hear.....
All I hear is the call of my Beloved.”
― Rumi
Reading this beautiful poem by Rumi reminds me of my own journey toward embracing a spiritual emptiness that feels richly fulfilling rather than hollow. Often, the concept of emptiness can be unsettling, implying a lack rather than a gift. However, when I learned to look inward, similar to the poem’s narrative, I began to understand that this emptiness is like a sanctuary — a quiet space where the voice of the divine lover can be heard more clearly. In my personal experience, embracing this kind of spiritual emptiness helped me appreciate the moments of stillness and surrender in daily life. Instead of clinging to material possessions or fleeting achievements, I started to see these as temporary waves on the vast ocean of my soul, much like the vivid imagery in the poem. This perspective transformed my relationship with the world, making me more mindful and present. The metaphor of the lovers of God dancing and creating a ring of fire resonates deeply with me because it captures the passion and intensity of this spiritual connection. It speaks to the burning love that fuels our faith and inner peace, even when external circumstances seem tumultuous. Additionally, the poem’s call of "Drink now! Drink now!" reflects an invitation to fully immerse oneself in the divine experience. When I embraced this invitation, I found that surrendering to the divine call, even amidst life’s noise, allowed me to experience extraordinary moments of grace and clarity. For those on a similar spiritual path, I recommend carving out quiet moments each day to reflect inwardly, much like the poem suggests. You might find, as I did, that what initially seems like emptiness evolves into a vibrant source of spiritual strength and joy. This inward journey, inspired by Rumi’s words, highlights the beauty and richness found in connecting deeply with one’s inner self and the Divine.
