The Guest House by Rumi
The Guest House
Rumi
Translated by Coleman BarksThis 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.
KEEP READING
SHARED WITH GRATITUDE
This poem appeared in Rumi: Selected Poems translated by Coleman Barks, John Moynce, A. J. Arberry, and Reynold Nicholson, published by Penguin Classics, 2004. (Available direct from Penguin Classics • Also on: Amazon • Bookshop)
DESCRIPTION
“The essential poems of the inspirational thirteenth-century Persian philosopher, scholar and mystic
The founder of the order of the Whirling Dervishes, Rumi was also a poet of transcendental power. His verse speaks with the universal voice of the human soul and brims with exuberant energy and passion. Rich in natural imagery, from flowers to birds and rivers to stars, the poems have an elemental force that has remained undiminished through the centuries. Their themes – tolerance, goodness, the experience of God, charity and awareness through love – still resonate with millions of readers around the world.” (Source)
ABOUT RUMI
Mowlānā Jalāloddin Balkhi, known in Persia as Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhī and in the West as Rumi, was born on September 30, 1207, in Balkh Province, Afghanistan, on the eastern edge of the Persian Empire. Rumi was recognized as a great spirit by the poet and teacher Fariduddin Attar. When his father died in 1231, Rumi became head of the madrasah, or spiritual learning community. Rumi fell ill and died on December 17, 1273, in Konya, Turkey. Thousands of visitors of all faiths visit… (more)
Read more poems by Rumi • Find books by this poet on Amazon • Bookshop • Or view my library
ENDNOTES
- Read more translations by Coleman Barks • Discover more poems in English • Or view more translated poems
- Explore other works in pursuit of: emotion • acceptance • openness • Or browse the index
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