The eyelashes signify two contrasting aspects of the Beloved.
First, they resemble thorns. They represent the hindrances and difficulties encountered on the path to seeing the world through the Beloved’s eyes. They veil the Beloved’s eyes from seekers who rely solely on reason. Confined to reason alone, such seekers remain unaware. They are prevented from sharing the Beloved’s vision—the source of guidance.
Yet the eyelashes possess another meaning. Their fine points also resemble arrows of grace and good fortune. The Beloved sends these arrows towards the sincere lover. They are released through the Beloved’s amorous glances and winks. They are aimed directly at the lover’s heart. They pierce and dissolve his ego. And they open his inner eye, revealing the world through the Beloved’s vision.
Thus, the same eyelashes conceal the Beloved from the rational seeker. Yet they become instruments of revelation for the sincere lover.
Hafez says:
Let the arrows fly from your eyelashes, and spill the blood of Hafez.
Who would seek vengeance against such a murderer?
بگشای تیر مژگان و بریز خون حافظ
که چنان کُشندهای را نکند کس انتقامی
