austin_tycho: crater (Leopanther)
The Guest House

(by Jelaluddin Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks in his book Essential Rumi)

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.

Date: Aug. 2nd, 2006 06:54 pm (UTC)From: [identity profile] austingoddess.livejournal.com
*sigh* I love Rumi. Don't always agree with him, but I always appreciate his point of view.

Date: Aug. 3rd, 2006 12:13 am (UTC)From: [identity profile] swswswsw.livejournal.com
I love this poem. I have it posted at my pod.

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formerly mielikki

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