4th January, 2006

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 sham, 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.

by Rumi