My interpretation of Rumi Poem Earthly Knowledge

Please go through the introductory article
https://www.astrosaxena.com/articles/InterpretationofRumiPoemsQuotesIntroduction to understand
the theme of these interpretations of Rumi’s literature.

Rumi’s Poem – Earthly Knowledge.

You acquire earthly knowledge, passer-by.
My friend that isn’t knowledge, it’s a lie!
The only truth you need to know is Him
Only he can fill your measure to its brim.
Knowledge like water flows from high to low
Be humble then, my brother, and let His presence flow.


My interpretation –

The biggest difficulty in attaining the Divine is not ignorance but false knowing. We go through our lives acquiring knowledge as per our surroundings (Nations, Castes, Communities and Religion etc.) or interests and we start considering ourselves as knowledgeable people. Rumi says that knowledge, which is earthly or basic. is a lie as it boosts our ego and the biggest lie in this world is the human ego. Hence, acquired or borrowed knowledge is a lie.

If at all, there is any truth in this world, then it is God or Divine. Only Divine can help us in realizing our true potential or we can say that Divine itself is our potential. Attaining to Divine is real fulfillment as there remains nothing else to be attained. Till then, we will only remain so-called knowledgeable with unfulfilling knowledge or belief systems as they would be acquired/borrowed.

As Water flows from High to Low, likewise Knowledge can also only flow from High to Low (Guru to Disciple). Osho says a meaningful discussion can only happen between one Guru and one Disciple. There is no possibility of any discussion between two Gurus, as there is nothing to talk about between them, and two Disciples can talk a lot between them but with no benefit as they both are equally ignorant. Hence, a real meaningful discussion and knowledge sharing can only happen between a Guru and a Disciple. So, we should be ready to shred our so-called knowledge and be aware of the Divine’s presence within us through a Guru.

Hope this helps. Thanks,