What is a real connection between people? When the same
knowledge
opens a door between them. When the same inner sight exists
in you as in another, you are drawn to be companions.
When a man feels in himself the inmost nature of a woman,
he is drawn to her sexually. When a woman
feels the masculine self of a man within her,
she wants him physically in her.

When you feel the qualities of Gabriel in you, you fly up quickly
like a fledgling not thinking of the ground.
When you feel asinine qualities in you, no matter how you try
to do otherwise, you will head toward the stable.

The mouse is not despicable for its form, which is a helpless victim
to birds of prey, the mouse who loves dark places and cheese
and pistachio nuts and syrup. When the white falcon, though,
has the inner nature of a mouse, it is a disgrace
to all animals. Angelic figures and criminals
shackled head-down in a pit are similar-looking,
same arms, same head. Moses is a bright spirit,
Pharaoh disgusting with his sorcery.

Always search for your innermost nature in those you are with.
As rose-oil imbibes from roses.
Even on the grave of a holy man, a holy man lays his face
and hands and takes in light.

- Jellaludin Rumi, Open Secret, Versions of Rumi