Poetry ~ The Guest House

litebeing

I did not plan to blog today. While in the midst of a personal emotional roller coaster ride, I learned of the passing of Nelson Mandela. When I considered the magnitude of his challenges, I realized that I could benefit from a serious perspective shift.   So I  decided to take my temporary angst and convert it into a fine elixir of truth. Rumi always works for me during moments like these. I have shared this poem on this blog once before, but I never tire of its message…

soulflower2013

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.

*****************************************************************

Written by Mewlana Jalaluddin Rumi

Jalal al-Din Rumi was born on September 30, 1207 in Balkh (Afghanistan). His father Baha’ Walad was descended from the first caliph Abu Bakr and was influenced by the ideas of Ahmad Ghazali, brother of the famous philosopher. Baha’ Walad’s sermons were published and still exist as Divine Sciences (Ma’arif). He fled the Mongols with his son in 1219, and it was reported that at Nishapur young Rumi met ‘Attar, who gave him a copy of his Book of Mysteries (Asrar-nama).

reference http://allpoetry.com/poem/8534703-The-Guest-House-by-Mewlana_Jalaluddin_Rumi

Published by litebeing

Seeking magic and awe in ordinary moments

22 Comments

  3. Reblogged this on litebeing chronicles and commented:

    Alia’s comment on my Just a Bad Day post prompted me to remember Rumi’s remarkable The Guest House piece. As I navigate transiting Pluto opposing natal Mars along with my moon being hit by both a square from transiting Chiron and an opposition from transiting Saturn, it is comforting to remember that this “shitstorm” of emotional fallout is preparing me for some future state of being, Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. May we all transition gracefully and with some guidance from Rumi.

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  4. Pingback: Poetry in Motion – manna for the soul | litebeing chronicles

  5. Like me I too had not intended to post today.. But who can not honour such a great man such as Nelson Mandela… A wonderful poem which was a new read for me… I hope your own Personal emotional roller coaster comes to a smooth point very shortly…
    Love and Blessings Linda
    Sue xox

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  9. I love Rumi and Nelson Mandela, was one of the greatest men of our day. He is off on the tail of the comet. Thanks for sharing this Linda.
    ✿ღ✿ღ.¸¸ღ♫*¨`*•..¸ƸӜƷ ✿ღ ✫❀
    💋 •❤٠·˙✿
    (¯`✿´¯) (¯`✿´¯)
    *`•.¸(¯`✿´¯)¸.•´ * *Ḻ✿ṽ℮
    *✿*.` •.¸.•´*✿*• .¸¸.`•´¯✿

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  10. “This being human is a guest house.
    Every morning a new arrival.”
    I just love even this much of the poem.
    Rumi, anytime, I say! Rumi-nation 🙂
    Thanks Linda!

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  11. Oo..I remember reading this some time ago…but it’s only today..as I read the words..it just hit me..I need to remember this!! Welcome them all…with laughter..let them do what they need to do because everything serves a purpose!

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