One Sacred Body

All human beings are members of one sacred body.
Every person is a beam shining out from a single gem.
When the world causes pain for one member,
how could the other members ever rest in peace?
If you lack grief for another one’s sorrow, 

how can you call yourself a human being?
 

—Sa’adi

Change

This is how a human being can change:
There’s a worm in the garden addicted to leaves.
Suddenly, it wakes up.
Call it grace, whatever you will, 

something awakens it and it is no longer a worm.
Now its flying over the entire garden, 

and the orchard too, with its fruit and sea of leaves.
Inside is a growing wisdom and joy 

that doesn’t need to devour anything anymore.
—Rumi

Walking in light

Once upon a time the Beloved came and said:
I hold you in love as possession both day and night.
But we can never be true companions as long as
you remain alone inside yourself.
I am the Sun, 

and you are but a shadow walking on the earth.
So step out of hiding and walk into my light.
Once your shade has been erased 

within the flood of my illumination, 

we will be the closest of companions.
—Attar

Dawn of Resurrection

Whoever has drunk a draught

from the cup of the Friend,

Shall not become sober again

until the dawn of resurrection.

—Hafez

Ocean Freedom

Ocean Freedom

What about the Divine Ocean’s great generosity?

Who could ever refuse the joy we feel to anyone?

Fish do not hold this sacred liquid in a cup,

they swim the vast fluidity in perfect freedom.

For we’ve come into the presence of the One

who was never apart from us.

—from Rumi

Queen of Light

Be watchful:

the grace of God appears suddenly.

It comes without warning

to an open heart,

sweeping out the stable of our experience

so that the Spirit -—

the Queen of Light --

may gladly enter.

--Rumi

Pain's song

That which sings pain’s song to you is an infinite love.

The messenger skilled in the language of the unseen world

is this same, vast, unending love.

It is compassion itself that speaks to you,

calling to you now beyond the limits of this created realm.

And it is love alone which frees you

from your tiny self in this world

and allows you to fly

free into its own great fullness.

— Khaqani Shirvani