Interpretation of the Twenty Second Rule of Love

Rule Number 22 — When a true lover of God goes into a tavern, the tavern becomes his chamber of prayer, but when a winebibber goes into the same chamber, it becomes his tavern. In everything we do, it is our hearts that make the difference, not our outer appearance. Sufis do not judge other people on how they look or who they are. When a Sufi stares at someone, he keeps both eyes closed instead opens a third eye ... the eye that sees the inner realm. - Shams, to Suleiman the Drunkard

Context - This teaching arises when Suleiman questions Shams about the recurring mention of wine in Sufi literature, wondering whether it refers to literal wine or serves as a metaphor. In response, Shams shares this profound rule.

Interpretation within the Story - We perceive the external world through the lens of our inner state. It is no coincidence that Suleiman, known as a drunkard in Konya, became fixated on the idea of wine in spiritual texts. He did not inquire about other aspects of Sufism or spirituality. Naturally, his attention was drawn to what resonated with his own tendencies. We can see only what we are - https://www.astrosaxena.com/articles/Wecanseeonlywhatweare . 

However, as a true teacher, Shams elevated this curiosity and guided it toward deeper wisdom. He explained that the Divine values intention far more than outward actions.

Deeper Interpretation Beyond the Story - This rule highlights the power of intention. Shams reminds us that the Divine is fully aware of what lies within us, and no external behavior or justification can conceal our true intent.

What we carry inside reflects in what we see outside. A person devoted to God perceives the Divine everywhere and in everyone. Even if such a person enters a tavern, the environment does not influence him; instead, he transforms it into a sacred space through his consciousness.

This is not merely philosophical teaching rather history offers many such examples. In Buddhism, it is said that Ananda was once invited by a prostitute with the intention of seducing him. Yet when he returned to the Sangha, he came back not as one who was influenced, but as one who had transformed the prostitute into a disciple.

Shams also emphasizes that a true Sufi, or a genuinely spiritual individual, rises above judging others based on appearances or actions. Such a person perceives through the inner eye of awareness, focusing on intention rather than surface behavior. When this inner vision awakens, understanding others becomes natural.

Osho shares a story of a priest and a prostitute who died on the same day and arrived in the afterlife together. Surprisingly, the priest was sent to hell, while the prostitute was sent to heaven. The reason given was that although the priest outwardly served in the temple, his inner desire was to visit the prostitute, restrained only by fear of social judgment. In contrast, the prostitute, despite her profession, inwardly longed to be in the temple and serve the Divine.

This illustrates that our true position is determined not by where our body is, but by where our mind resides.

Osho also recounts another story where Amrapali approached Gautam Buddha seeking discipleship. Buddha is said to have responded that she did not need to become anyone’s disciple, because the very desire for spiritual growth, arising while living as a royal courtesan, indicated that her inner journey had already begun.

Thus, this rule teaches us a fundamental truth: intention shapes both our spiritual path and our worldly life.

Gratitude!!!