Monday, July 23, 2007

Jan's post of the poem by Hafiz reminded me of one of my favorite poems by another Persian poet.

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’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture.

Still, treat each guest honorably.
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 whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Jelaluddin Rumi

3 comments:

Jan said...

This reminds me of what my spiritual director tells me to do when an unpleasant emotion arises--Thank the wisdom teacher for helping you to learn again. And thank you for this lovely and profound poem, which I need to copy to keep for myself.

I also appreciate you directing me here from the Hafiz poem at my blog.

Barbara B. said...

lots to think about here!

Terri said...

Yes, thank you for posting this. I'm going to create a link on my blog to this poem, Jan's and Gannet Girl's. All good!