His existence crowns thee with glory. 1120 Whosoever knows the states of the Self Considers a powerful enemy to be a blessing from God. To the seed of Man the enemy is as a rain-cloud: He awakens its potentialities. If thy spirit be strong, the stones in thy way are as water: 1125 What recks the torrent of the ups and downs of the road? The sword of resolution is whetted by the stones in the way And put to proof by traversing stage after stage. What is the use of eating and sleeping like a beast? What is the use of being, unless thou have strength in thyself? 1130 When thou mak’st thyself strong with Self, Thou wilt destroy the world at thy pleasure. If thou wouldst pass away, become free of Self; If thou wouldst live, become full of Self![85] What is death? To become oblivious to Self. 1135 Why imagine that it is the parting of soul and body? Abide in Self, like Joseph! Advance from captivity to empire! Think of Self and be a man of action! Be a man of God, bear mysteries within!” 1140 I will explain the matter by means of stories, I will open the bud by the power of my breath. “‘Tis better that a lovers’ secret Should be told by the lips of others.”[86] FOOTNOTES: [84] Hujwírí, author of the oldest Persian treatise on Súfism, was a native of Ghazna in Afghanistan. He died at Lahore about A.D. 1072. Pír-i Sanjar is the renowned saint, Mu`ínuddín, head of the Chishtí order of dervishes, who died in A.D. 1235 at Ajmír. [85] These lines correct the Súfí doctrine that by means of passing away from individuality the mystic attains to everlasting life in God. [86] _I.e._ allegorically. This verse occurs in the _Masnaví_. XII _Story of the bird that was faint with thirst._