Journal of the stylistic of Persian poem and prose
volume Number 18، number In Volume 7، October 2025 ، issue Number 113

Meeting the spiritual and heavenly self based on the mythical perspective of "Otto Rank in Rumi’s sonnets

Seyed Saeed Hayat-ol-Ghaibi , Shahin Ojaghalizadeh (Author in Charge), Ali Eynalilou

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The spiritual twin or self is one of the issues that has had a multi-layered and continuous presence throughout the history of human thought, from mythology to modern psychology and mystical texts. In this regard, the Austrian psychoanalyst Otto Rank"s twin theory, emphasizing the individual"s experience of separation from the original unity and the renewed effort to return to the ideal self or inner twin, provides a basis for a deeper understanding of the internal structures of mystical texts, especially Rumi"s lyrical works, which is the main goal of this research. The present research aims to show how Rumi depicts the process of the seeker"s journey towards the return of his lost twin, and this structural movement is parallel to the idea of Otto Rank"s twin.

METHODOLOGY: The research method in this article is descriptive-analytical and comparative based on the critique of modern psychology, which has been carried out by selecting examples of Rumi"s lyrical works and utilizing Otto Rank"s theory.

FINDINGS: The research findings show that the experience of separation, loss, desire and reunion in Rumi’s sonnets not only has a mystical structure but also arises from the depths of the human psyche in the search for his own self and his spiritual self. Rumi’s twin is a reflection of the original self or the inner twin that Otto Rank refers to.

CONCLUSION: The research results show that there is a hidden, deep and inner affinity between Rumi’s mystical experience and Otto Rank’s psychoanalytic approach. Rumi expresses the same concerns through the language of poetry that Rank has raised in the form of the twin myth. Shams and Pari are the most common manifestations of Rumi’s meeting with his spiritual self.

Keyword
Heavenly self. Spiritual self. Twin. Otto Rank. Mysticism. R

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