The Root of All Afflictions

"He has suffered pain, but has never seen the gain that comes from the Beloved: he has done many works of devotion, but has never seen the wages for his work.
Either the essential thing was not in his work at all, or by Divine decree the hour of his reward has not yet arrived.
The recompense has been deferred until the appointed season...
He is making a great effort with the help of conjecture and opinion: the matter rests in "maybe" until it turns out well.
Far is the road he must travel before he can see the Beloved...
At one moment he is engaged in reproach, saying to God, "The portion allotted to me from this calculation of mine is nothing but pain."
At another time, he is engaged in a quarrel with his own luck, saying. "All the others are flying, and we have our wings cut off."
Whoever is imprisoned in the worldly vanities, his spirit is oppressed, even though he is occupied in the practice of spirituality.
Until he comes forth from his narrow resting place, how should his spirit be happy, and his heart expand with joy?
This separation from God is the root of all affliction: how should anyone endure it?
O my generous friends, have pity on those who have taken vows of Love...
Pardon their violence: consider their sorrow and ill-fortune,
In order that God may pardon your sins likewise, and heap forgiveness on your faults.
Pardon, that you may win pardon in return."

Rumi (Vol. 5 3521-3552)

Commentary: God bless Rumi! He offers solace to all of us who are unsuccessful seekers. He understands, and even excuses our complaints. He tells us that we are not the only disciples to suffer and question: it is apparently a long tradition and goes back centuries.