Break your chains and be free.

What it means

The chains Rumi means are silver and gold: the grip of wanting more. Freedom starts when things stop owning you. Notice what you cannot let go of, and loosen it.

The source

"Break your chains and be free." Rumi said it in Masnavi I, Prologue (the Song of the Reed). Translated by E. H. Whinfield, 1898.

"burst thy bonds and be free"

E. H. Whinfield, 1898, Masnavi I, Prologue (the Song of the Reed). Text read at archive.org.

Who said it

Rumi (1207–1273). Persian poet and Sufi teacher, born near Balkh and settled in Konya. His Masnavi, six books of rhyming couplets, opens with the song of a reed flute.

Questions

What does "Break your chains and be free." mean?

The chains Rumi means are silver and gold: the grip of wanting more. Freedom starts when things stop owning you. Notice what you cannot let go of, and loosen it.

Who said "Break your chains and be free."?

Rumi (1207–1273). Source: Masnavi I, Prologue (the Song of the Reed).

What is the original wording?

burst thy bonds and be free (E. H. Whinfield, 1898). Translated by E. H. Whinfield, 1898.

Is "Break your chains and be free." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Break your chains and be free." (Rumi, Masnavi I, Prologue (the Song of the Reed), trans. E. H. Whinfield, 1898). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/break-your-chains-and-be-free