Meaning: The quote "This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment. First to let go of life. Finally, to take a step without feet." by Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet and mystic, encapsulates the essence of love as understood in Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam. Rumi's poetry often explores the themes of love, spirituality, and the human experience, and this particular quote reflects his profound understanding of the nature of love as a transformative and transcendent force.

In the first part of the quote, Rumi describes love as the act of flying toward a secret sky, suggesting a sense of boundless freedom and mystery. This imagery evokes the idea of love as a journey toward the unknown, a quest for deeper understanding and connection. The reference to causing a hundred veils to fall each moment speaks to the transformative power of love, the idea of shedding layers of illusion and falsehood to reveal the true essence of the self and the beloved.

The phrase "First to let go of life" can be interpreted as a call to surrender the ego and the attachments that bind us, allowing for a deeper connection to the spiritual and transcendent aspects of love. This idea aligns with the Sufi concept of fana, or annihilation of the self in the divine, which is seen as a necessary step in the path to spiritual enlightenment.

Finally, the line "to take a step without feet" is a powerful metaphor for the ineffable nature of love, suggesting that love transcends the physical and material realms. It implies a movement beyond the limitations of the physical body and the ordinary constraints of existence, pointing to the idea of love as a transcendent and otherworldly experience.

Rumi's poetry often draws upon the imagery of mysticism and the language of metaphor to convey profound spiritual truths. In this quote, he captures the essence of love as a transformative and transcendent force that defies conventional understanding. The themes of surrender, transcendence, and the divine nature of love are central to Rumi's poetic vision, reflecting his deep spiritual insight and his belief in the potential for love to elevate the human soul.

Rumi's influence extends far beyond the boundaries of his cultural and historical context, and his poetry continues to resonate with readers around the world. His celebration of love as a transcendent and transformative force speaks to the universal human experience of longing, connection, and spiritual seeking. The enduring appeal of Rumi's poetry lies in its ability to articulate the ineffable aspects of love and spirituality, offering insight and inspiration to seekers of all backgrounds and traditions.

In conclusion, Rumi's quote encapsulates the profound and mystical understanding of love as a transformative and transcendent force. Through rich imagery and metaphor, he conveys the idea of love as a journey toward the unknown, a process of shedding illusions, and a transcendent experience that defies conventional understanding. Rumi's poetry continues to inspire and resonate with readers, offering timeless wisdom on the nature of love and the human spirit.