Tuesday, November 25, 2014

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

Sunday, November 23, 2014

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

Saturday, November 22, 2014

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