It’s quite incredible how simply Rumi, the much-loved Sufi mystic, explains complex feelings like anger, fear, envy and hatred, and even something like poison. As lay human beings, we think a thousand times when we are asked to talk about these things. But sample how he describes them and how easy it is to understand what he is trying to say. The following sayings are freely available all over the Internet on websites promoting motivational content or even just quotes.
What is poison? 
Anything that is more than what we need is poison, be it power, wealth, hunger, ego, greed, laziness, love, ambition or hate. (I wonder if anything can be explained as simply or as accurately as this.)
What is fear?
Non-acceptance of uncertainty. If we accept uncertainty, it becomes adventure. (This is a different kind of an explanation for a complex emotion such as fear. Bringing fear and adventure together is unique.)
What is envy?
Non-acceptance of what is good in others. If we accept all that is good, it becomes inspiration. (How true. One who can’t accept what is good in others will automatically feel inferior and jealous.)
What is anger?
Non-acceptance of things that are beyond our control. If we accept there are things we cannot control, it becomes tolerance. (Anger, another complex emotion, has been variously described. Some say that by getting angry, we punish ourselves for something someone else has done. Others say that by remaining angry, we clutch a smouldering piece of coal in our palm and expect that someone else will get burnt.)
What is hatred?
Non-acceptance of a person as he is. If we accept a person unconditionally, it becomes love. (A very accurate and relevant explanation in the times we live. The best we can do is hope that good sense will dawn in several countries across the globe.)
****************
If you like quotes and sayings by the 13th century Persian poet, Rumi, you might enjoy Sufi stories too. Check out a couple of them on our website: The fortune in a Turkish cobbler’s stars and Give some, get a lumpsum — a Sufi bargain hunt.