On the meaning of the Tradition, “Take advantage of the coolness of the spring season, etc.”
The Prophet said, “Give heed, my friends! Do not cover your bodies from the cold of spring,
For it does to your spirits the same thing that spring does to the trees;
But flee from the cold of autumn, for it does what autumn did to the garden and the vines.”
The traditionists have referred this (saying) to the outward (sense), and have been content with that same (outward) form.
That class (of people) were ignorant of the spirit: they saw the mountain, they did not see the mine in the mountain.
In the sight of God that “autumn” is the flesh (nafs) and (its) desires: the reason and the spirit are the essence of spring and are everlasting life.
Thou hast a partial reason hidden (within thee): (now) in this world seek one whose reason is perfect.
Through his whole thy part is made whole (and perfect): Universal Reason is like a shackle on the neck of the flesh.
Therefore, according to the (right) interpretation, it (the meaning) is this, that the holy breaths are like spring and the life of leaf and vine.
The sayings of the saints, whether soft or rough, do not thou cover thy body (against them), for they are the support of thy religion.
Whether he (the saint) speak hot or cold, receive (his words) with joy: thereby thou wilt escape from the hot and cold (of Nature) and from Hell-fire.
His “hot” and “cold” is life's new season of spring, the source of sincerity and faith and service.
Inasmuch as the garden of the spirits is living through him, and the sea of (his) heart is filled with these pearls,
Thousands of griefs lie (heavy) on a wise man's heart, if from the garden of his heart (even) a toothpick fail (be missing).
