(Dharma) Bread Crumb #8
“This being human is a guest house.”
13th Century Persian poet Rumi’s beloved poem begins in the English translation by American poet Coleman Barks.
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.
It 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.
– Neither grief or a broken heart, or fear, precludes you from doing this.