Root and Branch

Rumi said: Well, intention first exists in the inner world before entering this world of form. So if form does not matter, what is the purpose of this world?
If you plant only the kernel of an apricot stone, nothing will grow. If you plant it with its husk, then it becomes a tree. From this we know that form also has a function.
Yes, prayer is an inward matter: “There is no prayer without the heart being present.” But it is still necessary to bring the prayer into form. With outward words, genuflection, and prostration, you gain benefit and attain your desire.
The outer form of prayer is temporary, the inner spirit never ends. For the Spirit of the world is an infinite ocean, the body but a limited shore. Therefore, continual prayer belongs only to the spirit, but that inward prayer must manifest. Until intention and form are wedded, there are no children born. When you say that words are the branch, this is only a relative term. Until the branch exists how can the term “root” gain its meaning? So the meaning of root came out of this branch. If the branch had not existed, it could never have had a name. When you speak of woman, there must also be man. When you speak of a Master, there must be a student. When you speak of the Ruler, there must be one ruled.
Fihi Ma Fihi - Discourse 38