One of the most fascinating aspects of the Masnavi is the use of symbolism. Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi had a genius for selecting the perfect object to symbolize a metaphysical reality. For example, he uses more than thirteen diferent animals to symbolize the nafs (lower self or ego) in order for us to understand the various aspects of the nafs comprehensively. An important recurring theme of the book is the contrast of forms and meanings. In almost every story, Rumi keeps reminding us that forms change and are not permanent, so we should seek the inner meaning hidden in the forms.