Rumi's Masnavi - They are fleeing from selfhood into selflessness either by means of intoxication or by means of (some engrossing) occupation, O well-conducted man.

They are fleeing from selfhood into selflessness either by means of intoxication or by means of (some engrossing) occupation, O well-conducted man.

Thou (O God) drawest the soul back from that state of not-being because it entered into unconsciousness without Thy command.

Neither for the Jinn (genies) nor for mankind is it (possible) to pierce through the prison of the regions of the temporal world.

There is no piercing through the cavities of the highest heavens save by the power of Guidance. 230

There is no guidance save by a power that preserves the spirit of the devout from the keepers of the shooting stars.

There is no way (admittance) for any one, till he become naughted, into the audience-chamber of (Divine) Majesty.

What is the means of ascension to Heaven? This not-being. Not-being is the creed and religion of the lovers (of God).

From self-abasement in the way of Love the fur jacket and rustic shoon became the prayer-niche of Ayáz.

Even though he was beloved by the king (Mahmúd), and was charming and beauteous outwardly and inwardly— 235

(For) he had become devoid of any arrogance or ostentation or malice, and his face was a mirror for the beauty of the king—