"When we are dead, seek not our tomb in the earth, but find it in the hearts of men" This is written as epitaph on Mevlana or Rumi tombstone. Jalāl ad-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī, or commonly know as Mevlana, or Rumi is the famous Persian poet, jurist, theologian and mystic in 13th century. He was born in today's Afghanistan in year 1207, later moved and lived in present day Konya Turkey. This building/shrine, today's Mevlana Museum is the green tomb (Yeşil Türbe) for Rumi upon his death in year 1273. Mevlana's teachings has inspired many people around the world. You can find many articles about it on website. UNESCO has also declared year 2007 as International Rumi Year to mark 800th anniversary of Rumi's death. Besides that, the dance of whirling dervishes or Sama inspired by Rumi is also UNESCO listed World Intangible Heritage.
When I visit Konya in my journey, no doubt Mevlana Museum with the turquoise dome is one of the most distinctive sights in Turkey, but the simple seven advice of Mevlana as below impressed me more. There are many teachings and inspiration by Rumi, but these basic seven advice is so practical for our daily lives, no matter what religion we have. It is definitely not just a shrine/museum/tomb but just as what is written in his epitaph "When we are dead, seek not our tomb in the earth, but find it in the hearts of men".
Seven advice of Mevlana :
(1) In generosity and helping others be like River
(2) In compassion and grace be like Sun
(3) In concealing other's faults be like Night
(4) In anger and fury be like Dead
(5) In modesty and humility be like Earth
(6) In tolerance be like a Sea
(7) Either exist as you are or be as you look
I appreciate this simple advice, in particular the last. God created us as we are today, and we should live as we are or be as we are. My simple understanding is I should live my life to the fullest, and always look forward for better life. Comparing myself with others which resulting in blames and harms will not do any good to my life.
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