Friday 19 December 2014

Nourishing The Soul








At this time when rich food surrounds us and our days are full of 'doing' Rumi's wisdom can help to nourish our souls. This poem is full of welcome, welcome to the emotions we tend to supress and avoid. To me it is a perfect compliment to Lester's teaching.


                                          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 are a crowd of sorrows,
                            who violently sweep your house
                            empty of its furniture,
                            still, treat each guest honourably.
                            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 whatever comes.
                           because each has been sent
                           as a guide from beyond.

                                            - Jelaluddin Rumi,

                                 translation by Coleman Barks


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