A Survey into the Negative Gnostic Ethics from the Viewpoint of Rumi and Laozi

The negative gnostic morality is the most important part of the Rumi and Laozi's thoughts. These two mystics invite their followers to the negative gnostic aspect of ethics, and encourage them to observe its components. From the viewpoint of Rumi and Laozi, through refining the soul, eradicating the selfishness and avoiding the vices, one can achieve the Divine ethics and the moral virtues. The question is, what is the negative gnostic morality and what are its components? What are the similarities and differences between Rumi and Laozi's negative gnostic morality? Using a descriptive-analytical approach and desk-research method, this paper studies the concept of negative gnostic morality and its components from the viewpoint of Rumi and Laozi, through a comparative study. The findings show that, there are some similarities and differences between the two views; both ethical systems are based on two elements of "silence and nothingness" and "austerity and self-control", as the two gates for entering the mystical path, but despite the apparent similarities, the foundations of refinement and austerity according to Rumi is the natural love of man to God, which also has the support of the law and reason.