Awhad al-Din Kirmani (1163–1238 CE) was born in Kirman, in present day Iran, and travelled widely during his life, finally passing away in Baghdad.  He attracted many students; once he was asked how many followers he had, and replied, “70,000, and of those 3,000 are close to the Path.”

Kaaba of the Heart

On God’s pathway
there are two Ka’bas.

One is the Ka’ba you can see,
the other, the Ka’ba of the heart.

As much as you can,
make pilgrimage to the heart—

The heart’s value
is greater
than a thousand Ka’bas.

* * *

Life’s Flame

Love is a source of many great troubles.

But lacking love
is a disgrace
for travellers upon this path.

Love is the life force of the entire universe—
those who lack love
are already dead.

Tr. David and Sabrineh Fideler