Jalal ad-Dīn Muhammad Rumi
This morning I am posting a beautiful poem by the 13th century Mewlana Jalaluddin Rumi.
I was made aware of this prayer by Cherry Hairston Program Director at The Center at St. Andrew’s. She told me:
I use it, as do some of my colleagues, in teaching the Welcoming Prayer. One way to look at the Welcoming prayer is as a practice of radical spiritual hospitality that welcomes all guests, even the unwanted ones. I love the practice and find it very powerful.
It is a beautiful prayer to meditate on – enjoy
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.
S/he may be cleaning 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.
~ Rumi