Guest House

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Seasons of Peace: Poems from Rumi

Guest House

Being human is like
a guest house.

Each 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.


~ Jelal'uddin Rumi - 13th century Sufi mystic and poet

From The Essential Rumi, page 109.
Translated by Coleman Barks.

http://www.seasons-of-peace.net/rumi/index.htm