Tag: Rumi

The Guest House

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.

-Rumi (translated by Coleman Barks)

An American Poet from Balkh

Green (small)2

The Green Mosque is almost the only building left standing in ancient Balkh, Mother of Cities.

B2

The most popular poet in America was born here in AD 1207.

Can you make a mirror out of straw and mud?

But sweep away mud and straw

and a mirror may be revealed!

Everything that exists is an empire of delight.

Jesus was delighted by the love of God.

His donkey was delighted by oats.

You entered this world as a nameless star

and now you ask me

“How can I find my way through the night?”

Forget your name

and let the love inside you light up the sky!