Quote: “The home we seek is in eternity; The Truth we seek is like a shoreless sea, of which your paradise is but a drop.” – Attar
The soul’s ultimate yearning is for a transcendent reality that is boundless and eternal. This deeply mystical and philosophical verse asserts that true existence and ultimate truth are of an incomprehensibly vast nature, making any earthly perfection or “paradise” seem minuscule in comparison. This profound insight is a cornerstone of ancient Persian Sufi thought, which frequently emphasizes detaching from the fleeting material world to embark on an arduous spiritual journey towards divine union.
This timeless wisdom comes from the heart of Attar, the revered 12th-13th century Persian Sufi poet. As a pivotal figure in Sufi mysticism, his work often explored the arduous journey of the soul towards divine union and ultimate Truth. The metaphor of the “shoreless sea” for divine truth is common, representing its vastness and incomprehensibly, while earthly “paradise” is seen as a mere glimpse or illusion in comparison. This quote perfectly encapsulates the Sufi quest for a true and lasting reality beyond illusion.
For me, this quote offers a powerful perspective on the pursuit of ultimate fulfillment and lasting triumphs. It challenges us to look beyond conventional measures of success and to understand that the most significant “wins” are those that connect us to a deeper, more enduring purpose. By striving for a boundless understanding of truth and cultivating our inner spiritual landscape, we expand our capacity for achievement beyond temporary gratifications. This wisdom encourages us to seek a profound and expansive sense of triumph that transcends the material, truly embodying the spirit of Mehr Wins.
