Monday, February 02, 2009

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 ~
(The Essential Rumi, versions by Coleman Barks)




IMAGE & TEXT: www.panhala.net

10 comments:

Suza said...

One of my favourite poets. Rumi's words hold such promise and hope. Thank you for sharing it and for inviting us in.

Suldog said...

Much truth there, John-Michael. It all ends up adding up to us, if that makes sense. Thanks for this.

lime said...

oy, the "guests" of the last 24 hours have kind of ransacked the place.....

Joni said...

I could use a guide some days to clear out some of those house guests!

aims said...

My guests come all throughout the day and they do indeed ransack the place - sometimes trashing it!

Why do they never sweep it clean so that I can start anew? That is my question.

John-Michael said...

I thank you for introducing me to him, Suza. His voice enriches the symphony of my life.

Lovingly ...

John-Michael said...

You presence, Dear SulDog, is always a source of familial joy. I am ever-grateful to that "guide from beyond" for introducing us to each other.

Loving you Jim ...

John-Michael said...

Sometimes those 'rowdies' do make a bit of a mess of the place, Lime, My Precious Friend. I'll do what I can to help straighten the place out once they are gone. [smile]

Lovingly ...

John-Michael said...

They do have a way of losing their way to the exit, don't they, Joni, My Dear Friend?! It is often easy to wonder at the ease with which they find their way in ... and the difficulty in their parting from the domicile of our presence. Thankfully, we do have each other to bring some laughter and share in the tears. For this I am ever-grateful.

John-Michael said...

An untidy lot, they are indeed! And seemingly un-trainable as well! Fortunately, that same Life source that allows us to entertain them ... provides whatever cleanup tools and devices as may be needed to enable us to rise to the challenge (though often at a pace far slower than we would wish!) You are an unfailing source of just such sustenance and encouragement to my Spirit and my Heart, My Dearest Aims. For this I am eternally grateful (and Happy!)

Loving You ...

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