The Ancient Question of Mystic Wine

Earthly Drunk or Divine Intoxication?

“Drunk like Hafez, I’ll find my way in life. / Divine stumbling will show me how I am.”

—Hafez

Roger: What about the great debate among scholars over the Sufi poet’s wine? Some see it as actual alcohol, getting the mystic drunk on earth. Others see it as a spiritual metaphor for divine intoxication.

Murshid: They’re both right.

Roger: How can they mean both things?

Murshid: If you’re focused on the material world, then yes, you actually get drunk on the wine. If however you’re connected to spiritual teaching, the wine becomes mystic drunkenness.

(Just as he finishes his explanation, I trip and just catch myself from falling down).

Murshid (laughing): Now let me ask you: is that a drunkard’s walk, or a divine stumble?

Pin the Tale: Where do you most find your spiritual connection here on earth?