Sound unity

There is not a single Iranian who is not familiar with the beautiful musical instrument called The Nei or more poetically Nai. To some degree, every Iranin loves the soft, soothing sound that this mystical intrument produces. In its close, intimate relation to a vast majority of common people, I believe that the Nei is for an Iranian what a harmonica is for an American. I still remember how lovingly John Steinbeck praised the Harmonica in his novel 'The Grapes of Wrath.'

Aside from the ease of carrying this instrument around and its soothing sound, Rumi has had a fundamental role in its fame and popularity. He has started the first line of the greatest masterpiece in mystical literature, Masnavi, with the sound of Nei: Listen to the Nei as it explains / Stories of seperation and pains.

Today I was thinking that although this is the pain of separations that brings Nei to sing, the soothing sound itself brings our hearts together in a common joy. Through Rumi and the joy we all experience in his poetry and music we all reach a mystical unity with each other. This is true of all the great artists and their works.

Ali