In the evocative words of Coleman Barks, “Walk to the well. Turn as the earth and the moon turn, circling what they love.” This quote invites us to consider the nature of love as a gravitational force, one that compels us to move toward what nourishes our spirit. The imagery of the earth and moon, in their eternal dance, serves as a reminder that love is not a static emotion but a dynamic relationship that requires both movement and intention. In a world often marked by distraction and disconnection, this teaching beckons us to return to our sources of sustenance, to engage in the sacred act of circling those we cherish.
As we delve deeper into this quote, we uncover layers of meaning that resonate with the essence of Sufi thought. The act of walking to the well symbolizes a journey toward inner fulfillment, a quest for spiritual nourishment that transcends the mundane. The turning of the earth and moon reflects a cosmic rhythm, suggesting that love is not merely a personal experience but a universal principle that governs existence. This perspective invites us to reflect on our own lives: Are we actively circling what we love, or have we become stagnant, caught in the gravitational pull of routine and obligation?
The image / the metaphor
The imagery in Barks's quote is rich and multifaceted. The well serves as a metaphor for the source of life, a place where we draw sustenance for our souls. Walking to the well implies an active pursuit, a conscious decision to seek out what nourishes us. The verbs "walk" and "turn" evoke a sense of movement and dynamism, suggesting that love is not a passive state but an active engagement with the world around us. The earth and moon, in their celestial dance, remind us of the interconnectedness of all beings, each orbiting around their own centers of love.
Diving deeper into the metaphor, we see that the act of circling implies a commitment to return, to revisit what we hold dear. This cyclical motion reflects the nature of relationships, where love requires both presence and absence, closeness and distance. Just as the moon waxes and wanes, so too do our affections ebb and flow. This dance of circling invites us to embrace the complexities of love, recognizing that it is not always straightforward but often requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to engage in the rhythm of life.
In the speaker's tradition
Coleman Barks, as a translator and interpreter of Rumi's poetry, draws from the rich tradition of Sufism, which emphasizes love as the central tenet of spiritual practice. In Sufi thought, love is often equated with divine presence, a force that transcends the self and connects us to the cosmos. Concepts such as *fana*, the annihilation of the self in the love of the Divine, and *bhakti*, the devotional love that binds the seeker to the Beloved, resonate deeply with Barks's message. The act of circling what we love can be seen as a manifestation of these principles, where our journey toward the well becomes a path toward union with the divine.
In Rumi's poetry, we find numerous references to the themes of love and longing, echoing the sentiment expressed in Barks's quote. For instance, in the *Masnavi*, Rumi writes about the soul's yearning for the Beloved, illustrating the idea that our love is a reflection of a greater cosmic love. This connection between the personal and the universal underscores the importance of circling back to our sources of love, reminding us that our individual journeys are part of a larger tapestry woven by divine intention.
Living the teaching
Consider a modern scenario where this teaching might resonate: a busy professional, overwhelmed by the demands of work and life, feels a growing disconnection from family and friends. The call to “walk to the well” becomes a poignant reminder to prioritize relationships that nourish the soul. By consciously setting aside time to connect with loved ones, whether through shared meals, phone calls, or simple moments of presence, the individual begins to circle back to what truly matters. This act of intentionality not only revitalizes personal connections but also fosters a deeper sense of belonging and fulfillment.
In another application, imagine a couple navigating a difficult moment in their relationship. The metaphor of circling can serve as a guiding principle, encouraging both partners to return to the well of their shared love. By engaging in open communication and revisiting the reasons they fell in love, they can rekindle their connection and navigate through challenges with renewed understanding. This practice of circling back to love, especially during times of strife, reinforces the idea that love requires ongoing effort and commitment, much like the celestial bodies that continue their dance through the cosmos.
A reflection
As we contemplate Barks's profound words, we are invited to reflect on our own lives: What wells do we need to walk to in order to nourish our spirits? In what ways can we actively circle back to the sources of love that sustain us? This contemplation encourages us to examine our relationships, our commitments, and our daily practices, inviting us to engage more deeply with what we hold dear. In the dance of life, may we find the courage to turn toward love, embracing the journey with open hearts and mindful presence.
