Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Persian Poet Attar's 'The Invisible Sun' Encourages Spiritual Journey
Imagine there's a special, invisible sun inside everyone.
This poem says that one day, we'll see that sun and it will make everything clear.
It tells us not to worry about where God is, but to focus on ourselves and get rid of our 'ego-self,' which is like being too proud or selfish.
The poem says that even a tiny bit of ego can stop us from finding peace.
It also talks about wanting God for the right reasons, not just to avoid punishment or get a reward.
The main message is that love is the most important thing to connect with everything.
The poem reminds us that we are important and capable of greatness, and that heaven and hell are things we create ourselves.
It encourages us to seek a never-ending source of divine 'wine,' which means seeking a deeper spiritual connection.
The poem 'The Invisible Sun' by 12th-century Persian poet Attar emphasizes shedding the ego for spiritual enlightenment.
It describes an 'invisible sun' within humans that, when revealed, eliminates all virtues and corruption.
Attar advises against seeking the Creator externally, urging an internal journey of self-discovery.
Love is presented as the key to unlocking both the earthly and spiritual realms.
The excerpt encourages readers to recognize their inherent greatness and avoid self-contempt, highlighting that concepts of Heaven and Hell are self-created.
- Who
- Persian poet Attar
- What
- Poetry excerpt focusing on self-discovery, spirituality, and the rejection of ego
- When
- 12th Century (poet's era), Recent English translation available
- Where
- Persia (origin of poet), Global (publication and readership)
- Why
- To guide the soul on a spiritual journey towards the divine by discarding the ego and embracing love.
- Poet
- Attar
- Original Work
- The Invisible Sun: A Guide for the Soul from Rumi’s Master
- Translator
- Sholeh Wolpé
- Publisher
- HarperCollins India
- Poet's Era
- 12th Century