15 Rumi Quotes That Will Change Your Thinking

Rumi was the 13th-century Sufi poet who continues to resonate deeply today.

His quotes on love, life, soul and beauty captivate people from all walks of life, offering timeless wisdom, motivation and inspiration.

Rumi’s poetry not only uplifts spirits but also sparks creativity, making it valuable for personal and professional growth.

His quotes transcend borders and generations, providing hope, love and awakening to millions of the people worldwide.

By embracing his insights, one can transform their perspective and discover the inner beauty within.

Here are 15 Rumi Quotes that will change your thinking and will open your heart and mind.

Here we go!


1. “The garden of the world has no limits, except in your mind.” ~ Rumi

The garden of the world has no limits, except in your mind

This profound quote challenges our perception of boundaries.

Rumi invites us to recognize that the world’s vastness and possibilities are only constrained by our mental limitations.

It’s a call to expand our thinking, embrace new perspectives and realize that our potential is as boundless as our imagination allows.

By shedding self-imposed restrictions, we can explore the infinite “garden” of experiences and opportunities life offers.

See Also: 15 Best Robert Frost Quotes on Love, Poetry and Life

2. “It is your light that lights the world.” ~ Rumi

It is your light that lights the world

Rumi emphasizes the power of individual influence in this illuminating quote.

He suggests that each person possesses an inner radiance capable of brightening the world around them.

This light symbolizes our unique qualities, talents and positive energy.

By recognizing and nurturing this inner brilliance, we can inspire others, spread joy and contribute to making the world a brighter place.

It’s a reminder of our potential to create positive change.

3. “What you seek is seeking you.” ~ Rumi

What you seek is seeking you

This enigmatic quote speaks to the interconnectedness of our desires and destiny.

Rumi proposes that our deepest aspirations are not just one-sided pursuits, but part of a cosmic dance where the object of our quest is also actively seeking us.

It suggests a harmony between our inner longings and the universe’s plan.

This perspective encourages perseverance and faith in our journey, knowing that our true path is already aligning with our deepest desires.

4. “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” ~ Rumi

Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself

Rumi’s words here reflect a profound shift in perspective that comes with maturity and self-awareness.

He contrasts the youthful ambition of changing the world with the wisdom of focusing on personal growth.

This quote underscores the importance of self-improvement as a catalyst for broader change.

It suggests that true wisdom lies in recognizing that the most impactful and lasting transformations begin within ourselves.

5. “You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.” ~ Rumi

You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop

This metaphorical quote challenges our perception of individual significance.

Rumi suggests that we are not insignificant parts of a greater whole, but rather contain the entirety of existence within us.

It speaks to the interconnectedness of all things and the profound depth of human potential.

This perspective invites us to recognize our inherent worth and the vast universe of possibilities that reside within each of us.

6. “Whenever they rebuild an old building, they must first of all destroy the old one.” ~ Rumi

Rumi uses the metaphor of construction to illustrate the process of personal growth and transformation.

This quote suggests that to create something new in our lives, we often need to dismantle old patterns, beliefs, or habits.

It speaks to the necessity of letting go and embracing change, even when it feels uncomfortable.

The destruction phase is portrayed as a crucial step towards rebuilding a stronger, more authentic self.

7. “Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself.” ~ Rumi

Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself

This quote emphasizes the concept of inner wisdom and self-reliance.

Rumi is of the opinion that we possess all the knowledge and resources we need within ourselves.

It encourages introspection and self-trust, urging us to look inward for answers rather than constantly seeking external validation or guidance.

This perspective empowers individuals to tap into their innate potential and find solutions by exploring their own depths.

8. “Your heart knows the way. Run in that direction.” ~ Rumi

Rumi’s words here celebrate the power of intuition and emotional intelligence.

He suggests that our hearts possess an innate wisdom that can guide us towards our true path.

This quote encourages us to trust our feelings and instincts, even when they might seem illogical.

It’s a call to action, urging us to pursue our passions and follow our hearts with enthusiasm and courage.

9. “Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you.” ~ Rumi

This quote offers a comforting perspective on solitude and interconnectedness.

Rumi suggests that loneliness is an illusion, as we carry the entirety of existence within us.

It speaks to the idea of unity consciousness, where we recognize our fundamental connection to all things.

This viewpoint can transform feelings of isolation into a sense of profound belonging and wholeness, encouraging us to explore the vast inner landscapes of our being.

Read Also: 15 Inspiring Buddha Quotes That Will Change Your Life

10. “As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.” ~ Rumi

As you start to walk on the way, the way appears

Rumi’s words here speak to the power of taking action and trusting the journey.

This quote suggests that clarity and direction often come through movement and engagement, rather than waiting for perfect understanding before beginning.

It encourages us to have faith in the unfolding of our path, even when we can’t see the entire route.

This perspective can inspire courage in the face of uncertainty and motivate us to take those crucial first steps.

11. “Inside you is an artist you don’t know about.” ~ Rumi

This quote celebrates the hidden creative potential within each individual.

Rumi suggests that we all possess an innate artistic ability, even if we’re unaware of it.

It encourages exploration of our creative sides and challenges the notion that artistry is reserved for a select few.

This perspective invites us to discover and nurture our unique forms of expression, potentially unlocking new dimensions of self-understanding and fulfillment.

12. “You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?” ~ Rumi

Rumi uses the powerful metaphor of flight to inspire us to reach our full potential.

This quote suggests that we all possess innate abilities to soar above life’s challenges, yet often choose to remain grounded by fear or complacency.

It’s a call to embrace our inherent strengths, take risks and elevate our existence.

The contrast between flying and crawling emphasizes the vast difference between living life fully and merely getting by.

13. “You have to keep breaking your heart until it opens.” ~ Rumi

You have to keep breaking your heart until it opens

This poignant quote speaks to the transformative power of emotional vulnerability and resilience.

Rumi suggests that repeated heartbreaks, rather than being purely negative experiences, can lead to greater openness and compassion.

It implies that facing and working through emotional pain can expand our capacity for love and understanding.

This perspective reframes suffering as a potential catalyst for personal growth and deeper connections with others.

14. “If you are irritated by every rub, how will you be polished?” ~ Rumi

Rumi uses the metaphor of polishing to illustrate the role of life’s challenges in personal growth.

This quote suggests that discomfort and friction are necessary for refining our character and bringing out our inner shine.

It encourages a shift in perspective, viewing life’s irritations not as mere annoyances, but as opportunities for self-improvement.

This mindset can foster resilience and help us embrace difficulties as part of our journey towards becoming our best selves.

15. “Life is a balance between holding on and letting go.” ~ Rumi

This quote encapsulates the delicate equilibrium required in navigating life’s journey.

Rumi acknowledges the tension between maintaining stability and embracing change.

It suggests that wisdom lies in knowing when to persist and when to release, whether it’s relationships, beliefs, or material possessions.

This perspective encourages flexibility and mindfulness in our approach to life, reminding us that growth often involves both preserving what’s valuable and releasing what no longer serves us.

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Chandan Negi
Chandan Negi

I love sharing inspirational and motivational quotes, captions, wishes, messages, jokes, puns and riddles to inspire, motivate and make people happy - #quotes #captions #wishes #messages #jokes #puns and #riddles #inboxquotes