Elucidating the Concept of Unity in Masnavi through Conceptual Metaphor

Abstract

Unity is of the central concepts in mystical thinking. Mawlana has used metaphor to elucidate this concept, similar to numerous other inexplicit mystic concepts. In this study, metaphors used for the concept of unity by Mawlana's in Masnavi Ma’navi (The Spiritual Couplets) have been studied and analyzed based on Lakoff and Johnson’s Conceptual Metaphor Theory. The present study aimed at understanding Mawlana’s view about the concept, his style of introducing that to the audience, and the factors affecting his choice of metaphors, through analyzing the metaphors and identifying their type and cognitive functions. Accordingly, we first extracted instances of unity metaphors and then analyzed and described them. In Masnavi, Mawlana has used seven meta-metaphors of light, man, natural element, object, place and container, growing entities, and abstract concept; most of which are ontological metaphors. Through these metaphors, all the features and functions of the concept of unity are displayed to the audience, though via observing confidentiality principle. Rumi's eloquence as an orator, congenial relationwith the public, poetic style, and living environment have been influential in choosing simple, tangible and popular metaphors. Nonetheless, there is a category of metaphors, such as “unity is colorlessness” or “unity is thought”, in which the presented image of unity is highly abstract; as if it needs to be interpreted by special target audience or elites. In these metaphors, the image used to introduce the abstract concept of unity is itself abstract and needs to be clarified.

Keywords

• unity
• conceptual metaphor
• mawlana
• masnavi ma’navi (the spiritual couplets)
• lakoff and johnson