Concept

The Metaphor of the Candle of Love in the Tale of Sadr-i Jahan

In Book 3 of Jalaluddin Rumi's Masnavi, the climax of the tale of the servant of Sadr-i Jahan illustrates the paradoxical nature of divine love and ego annihilation. As the exiled lover finally approaches his master, onlookers expect him to face severe punishment, such as being burned or hanged. Driven by a seemingly foolish, moth-like urge, the lover casts himself into what appears to be a fatal fire. However, Rumi introduces the metaphor of the 'Candle of Love' to explain this act of absolute spiritual surrender. Unlike a physical candle that burns and destroys the moth, the fire of divine love only gives the illusion of destruction. It is, in reality, 'light within light' and pure bliss. This signifies that while the path of spiritual love demands the apparent death of the worldly ego, it ultimately results in profound spiritual salvation and eternal union.

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Updated 2026-05-16

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