Monday, March 2, 2009

Rumi's "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 ~

(The Essential Rumi, versions by Coleman Barks

3 comments:

So It Shall Be Written said...

Nice Phil - As always. To treat everything as a guest- that's the great spiritual discipline. Thanks. Hope the reading goes well. J. Ross

Anonymous said...

...please where can I buy a unicorn?

Philip Metres said...

Anon, unicorns are for sale, next to the cynicisms.