Rumi Meditating

The Guest House
~ 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.
(The Essential Rumi, versions by Coleman Barks)

“Why does the soul not fly when it hears the call?
Why does a fish, gasping on land, but near the water, not move back into the sea?
What keeps us from forming the dance the dust particles do?
Look at their subtle motions in sunlight.
We are out of our cages with our wings spread, yet we do not lift off.
We keep collecting rocks and broken bits of pottery like children pretending they are merchants.
We should split the sack of this culture and stick our heads out.
Look around.
Leave your childhood.
Reach your right hand up and take this book from the air.
You do know right from left, don’t you?
A voice speaks to your clarity.
Move into the moment of your death.
Consider what you truly want.
Now call out commands yourself.
You are the king.
Phrase your question, and expect the grace of an answer.”
Rumi


at: pos-psych.com/news/gail-schneider/20081223846