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 are 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 whatever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Rumi
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2 hours ago
17 comments:
I love that line: This being human is a guest house
How true. We are passing through.
Yes Naj, I know Rumi Is a Persian poet but it was a Buddhist woman who sent me this Sufi Poem, and since I can speak to her, I tagged it to her. I can add more to the tag to make it inclusive of Rumi's real culture. I'll do that, rather than upset Persians. Sorry for the unintended offense.
Offfense???
which offense? :)
I deleted my trivia comment, as some people who visit your blog might come attacking me for being "insensitive" again ;)
But, to draw parallels and distinction between sufism and buddhism would be interesting, because Sufism is an inherently Islamic derivative which still looks "above", through looking within.
hmmm, actually, I am now curious if there is any book written on this topic!
Maybe your friend will know?
Naj, I think I fixed the tag. Do you object to the translation? If so do you have a better one I could post. This poem does really comfort me right now. I would hate to think my posting it is some sort of dishonor to Persians or Sufis or the memory of Rumi. The truth is any ignorant fool can walk into a bookstore and buy a book of Rumi's poems.
My how fierce are my friends. I'm sorry you have been scolded by any of my readers and probably very real friends, these women who seem to have adopted me as their eccentric aged mother, sister, friend.
Welcome back Diva. Have things settled down for you?
:) fierce and nosy! :))
No no I have no objection to the poem, and I think it is beautiful, and in my opinion, translators own the translated poems, somehow and they should be given the freedom to translate as they wish.
I just couldn't link it to what i may be in Persian, and so I was curious whose translation it was.
What gets lost in Rumi's translation, is the way his poems RHYME. And I don't mean a simple rhyme, it really is like a drummer's beat. That after 700 years, his poems remain SO accessible to Persian readers--and thus luring for translators--is fascinating. And the universal quality of his work ... well that is spoken for by his popularity! In my city, there is a chain or Rumi restaurents popping up! I love it!
Anyways, if I find the Persian one, I will write it for you phonetically, so you see what I mean.
Utah, I am sort of still insane between daughter, and ex-boss, and sick doggie (now improving) and the next few days I will be scarce again - but had a window to go visiting today and took it.
Did not know this was written by Rumi - and I think most poetry suffers when translated from its native language to another. Still, that opening line is an amazing thought. And we love you, Naj.
the translation of The Guest House was by Coleman Barks, who I believe is/was a major translator of Rumi.
can we just enjoy the beautiful idea of the poem without overanalysis?
I'm really glad you like it, Ms. Savage, as I am also going thru some emotional turmoil right now -- actually for the past month -- and I have this poem taped on my monitor so I can read it daily.
and you may like my latest at AHC...
breath peace-be peace, sis
I wish there would be a knock on my door. I'd take 'em in. Make coffee, and try allowing them to leave alive.
I liked this one.........alot!
"can we just enjoy the beautiful idea of the poem without overanalysis?"
hey, I'm not dissing anyone, but can we allow the poem to just "be"...just this, just here, just now?
....and let the words cook us?
utah, honey, come on over to my latest post on Ageless Hippie Chick...ya gotta leave a comment!!!! ;) :)
A wonderful poem and a timely reminder.
Thank you!
I always cringe when someone knocks at my door.
Wonderful poem.
Randal, I too am the cringe and hide type when someone knocks at my door unless I'm expecting them,
Liquid, glad you''re out and about and dropping by my place. Love the new self portrait.
La Franericaine, how nice to see you here. Thanks for dropping by.
Linda, thanks for the info.
Sorry, who over-analyzed the poem??!
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