Guest House - Poems from Jelal'uddin Rumi - Seasons of Peace Cooperation Circles

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.

\| Seasons of Peace \| Rumi \| Guest House \| Shadow and Light \| Only Breath \| The Hidden \| \| Guest House \| Out Beyond Ideas \| A Community of the Spirit \| There is a Way \| If You Want \| This We Have Now \| Not Here \|
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.
From The Essential Rumi, page 109. Translated by Coleman Barks. © Copyright, 2004, HarperSanFrancisco. Permission pending; fair use intended.

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Seasons of Peace

Poems from Rumi