Poem Analysis - Now Sleeping Now Awake

Introduction: A Heart in Spiritual Agitation

Rumi's "Now Sleeping, Now Awake" is a short but potent exploration of spiritual yearning and the paradoxical nature of divine experience. The poem vibrates with a sense of fervent devotion, conveyed through contrasting images of restlessness and quietude. The tone is intimate and reverent, suggesting a deep personal connection with the divine. While seemingly simple, the poem contains layers of meaning, hinting at the transformative power of surrender and the complex relationship between the seeker and the sought.

The Heart's Constant State of Yearning

One of the main themes of the poem is the intense, ever-present yearning for the divine. This yearning is established in the opening line, "Now sleeping, now awake, my hart is in constant fervour." This suggests a perpetual state of spiritual agitation, where the heart is never truly at rest. The metaphor of the "covered saucepan, placed on fire" powerfully illustrates this point. The covered saucepan implies a contained but powerful force, constantly simmering with devotion. The "fire" symbolizes the divine love that fuels this inner turmoil, creating a state of perpetual anticipation and longing.

The Paradoxical Nature of the Divine

Another prominent theme is the paradoxical nature of the divine and its effects on the devotee. Rumi writes, "In his wrath there are a hundred kindnesess, in his meanness a hundred generosities; / In his ignorance immeasurable gnosis, silently speaking like the mind." This suggests that what appears negative or limiting from a human perspective can contain profound blessings and insights when viewed through a spiritual lens. The line "Each moment a new tale is shouting to be told in silence" further illustrates this paradox, indicating that profound truths are often communicated beyond the realm of words and rational understanding. This highlights Rumi's belief that divine encounters often defy logical explanation and require a surrender to the unknown.

The Power of Surrender and Unconsciousness

The poem also explores the theme of surrender and the potential for transformation through a state of "unconsciousness." The speaker mentions a "silencing wine" and those "whom you have made unconscious." This isn't literal unconsciousness, but rather a state of ego-death or spiritual intoxication where the individual transcends their limited self and merges with the divine. This state allows for the reception of truths that are inaccessible to the conscious mind. The line "I am both silent and fermenting for you like the sea of Aden!" powerfully conveys the speaker's complete surrender and willingness to be transformed by the divine presence. The image of the fermenting sea suggests a volatile and transformative process, where the individual is broken down and reshaped by divine love.

Symbolism of the Sea and Silencing Wine

The recurring image of the sea is significant. The "sea of Aden" is not just a geographical location but a symbol of vastness, depth, and potential for both creation and destruction. It represents the overwhelming power and mystery of the divine. The "silencing wine" is another key symbol. It represents the divine grace or intervention that quiets the ego and allows for spiritual awakening. It can also be interpreted as the mystical experience that transcends language and rational thought, leading to a deeper understanding of the self and the divine. The effectiveness of the "silencing wine" is further emphasized by the statement "The words of those whom you have silenced, cannot hear / but those whom you have made unconscious," which suggests that the wine does not simply make one unable to speak but brings about a new state of perception and understanding.

Conclusion: A Whisper of Divine Union

"Now Sleeping, Now Awake" is a profound meditation on spiritual longing and the transformative power of divine love. The poem captures the essence of a heart in constant pursuit of the divine, navigating the complexities and paradoxes inherent in the spiritual journey. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Rumi invites the reader to contemplate the potential for profound transformation that lies in surrendering to the unknown and embracing the silence where divine truths are revealed. The poem ultimately points towards the possibility of union with the divine, a state of being where the individual is both silenced and awakened, constantly stirred by the fervor of love.