Thursday 29 November 2012

The Guest House




                             This being human is a guest house.
                             Every morning a new arrival.

                              A joy, a depression, a meanness,
                              some momentary awareness comes
                              as an unexpected visitor.

                              Welcome and entertain them all!
                              Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
                              who violently sweep your house
                              empty of its furniture,
                              still, treat each guest honourably.
                              He may be clearing you out
                              for some new delight.

                              The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
                              meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

                              Be grateful for whatever comes.
                              because each has been sent
                              as a guide from beyond.

                                        -- Jelaluddin Rumi,
                                       translation by Coleman Barks

                       

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