The Guide, the Donkey, and Divine Companionship Explained | Chapter 15 of The Masnavi
The Sufi Guide, the Ego-Donkey, and the Mystery of Divine Companionship | Chapter 15 of The Masnavi (Book One) Chapter 15 of The Masnavi opens Book One’s second movement with one of Rumi’s most essential teachings: the necessity of the spiritual guide. Through luminous metaphors, Qur’anic allusions, and vivid parables, Rumi describes the journey of transformation as impossible to complete alone. Blossoms fall to become fruit, grapes are crushed to become wine, and the seeker must undergo a similar inner death—guided by a teacher whose wisdom and presence illuminate the path. To follow the full narrative and symbolic depth of this teaching, watch the complete video summary here: Transformation Requires Inner Death Rumi begins the chapter with images of natural transformation: blossoms falling so fruit can grow, and grapes crushed so wine may emerge. These metaphors express a central Sufi truth: real growth requires letting go of the self as it currently exists. The ego fea...