Before death Quote by Rumi
“Botha swimmer and a drowned man are in the water; the latter is borne by the water and controlled by it, while the swimmer is borne along by his own power and of his own volition. Every movement made by the drowned man - indeed, every act and word that issue from him - comes from the water, not from him... The saints are like this. They have died before death.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Masnavi, 13th century Sufi poetry
The quote contrasts passive surrender to circumstances with active self‑direction, likening saints to those who live by inner will rather than external forces.
In simple terms: Passive vs active living; inner power matters.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate inner agency.
Themes
spirituality
self‑determination
control
faith
agency
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- spiritual practice
- leadership
- overcoming adversity
Key Concepts
Sufism
free will
inner strength
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you maintain inner direction under pressure?
- What habits reinforce self‑governance?
A Different Perspective
Even saints can be swayed by external pressures if they lose inner focus.
![“I inhabited a territory of loneliness which resembles the place where the dying spend their time before death, and from where those who do return, living, to the world bring, inevitably, a unique point of view that is a nightmare, a treasure, and a lifelong possession.[It is] equal in its rapture…” quote by Janet Frame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/736/janet-frame-8769_ancient_i-inhabited-a-territory-of-loneliness-wh_467486.jpg)
