In Chapter 47, Poem 65 of the Mokhtar Nameh, Attar of Nishapur employs the metaphor of a candle's trimmed wick to caution against the spiritual dangers of uncontrolled speech and advocate for strict self-restraint.

Key Metaphors and Themes

• Steadfast Silence (تن‌زده): Attar advises the spiritual seeker to remain silent and submissive, keeping their head on the path of devotion.
• The Danger of an Open Tongue (بگشاده زبان): Opening the tongue or speaking unrestrainedly is depicted as an invitation to sin, error, and spiritual distraction.
• The Candle's Severed Tongue (زبان ببریدند): The wick of the candle is likened to a protruding tongue. Just as the protruding wick is cut or trimmed, the seeker who speaks out of turn or boasts of their state will face spiritual decline or punishment.
• Guarding the Tongue (در کام زبان نگاه داشتن): Keeping the tongue secured inside the mouth symbolizes the complete internal containment of thoughts and experiences, ensuring s...