This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival… Be grateful for whatever comes because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.
Jalaluddin Mevlana Rumi
The Guest House
Topic: Self-Cultivation & Health
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 shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, born on September 30, 1207, and known as Mawlānā or simply as Rumi in the Western world, was an extraordinary poet, philosopher, and Sufi mystic. He was a prominent figure in the Islamic world, born in the region of present-day Afghanistan, then within the greater Persian Empire, and later settled in Konya, present-day Turkey. Rumi's passionate love for humanity and his deep spiritual insights transcended geographical, linguistic, and cultural barriers, making his poetry and teachings resonate not only within the Islamic world but also with audiences globally.
Rumi's spiritual journey led him to develop a unique approach to Sufism that emphasized love, tolerance, and the pursuit of enlightenment. He created a fusion of traditional Islamic beliefs with mysticism, nurturing a school of thought that flourished in his followers. They established a sect known to the Western world as the 'Whirling Dervishes', a term derived from their mesmerizing practice of whirling as a form of physical meditation. The proper name for this branch is the Mevlevi order, dedicated to preserving and promoting Rumi's teachings.
In addition to being a mystic, Rumi was an accomplished scholar and theologian who left behind an impressive literary legacy. His best-known work, the Mathnawi or Masnavi, is a six-volume poetic epic that explores themes of love, divine mystery, and human connection to the spiritual world. Rumi's poetic style is marked by profound emotion and philosophical depth, weaving metaphors and allegory to create timeless pieces that continue to inspire readers today. Rumi's influence reaches far beyond his time, as his teachings on love, compassion, and unity continue to touch the hearts of millions, transcending barriers of religion, culture, and era.
Rumi, Jalaluddin. Rumi: Selected Poems. Translated by Coleman Barks, John Moyne, A. J. Arberry, and Reynold Nicholson, Penguin Books, 2004.
Jalaluddin Mevlana Rumi
Theme: Healing
About This Jelaluddin Mevlana Rumi Quotation [Commentary]
Jalaluddin Mevlana Rumi’s poem, “The Guest House,” addresses the theme of healing through the metaphor of welcoming every emotion and experience as honored guests. Rumi suggests that being human is like hosting a guest house where each day brings new arrivals in the form of various emotions. These visitors, whether joyous or sorrowful, are to be welcomed with respect and gratitude. By inviting in even the darkest thoughts and feelings, Rumi encourages us to embrace the full spectrum of our human experience, recognizing that each emotion serves a purpose and offers valuable lessons for personal growth.
Rumi’s wisdom lies in his invitation to treat every emotional experience with honor, regardless of its nature. He advises that even when a “crowd of sorrows” violently disrupts our inner peace, we should still greet them with laughter and openness. This perspective fosters a healing mindset, one that accepts and integrates all parts of ourselves rather than resisting or rejecting uncomfortable feelings. Rumi’s guidance suggests that these difficult emotions are not to be feared but seen as necessary clearings, making way for new joys and deeper understanding. This approach to dealing with pain and sorrow highlights the importance of patience and acceptance in the healing process.
Ultimately, Rumi’s message in “The Guest House” is one of spiritual and emotional resilience. By viewing each emotion as a “guide from beyond,” he reframes our understanding of suffering and joy as integral components of our human journey. This holistic acceptance promotes a deeper sense of gratitude and awareness, facilitating a more compassionate and enlightened way of living. Through Rumi’s timeless words, we learn that healing is not merely the absence of pain but the embracing of every experience as an opportunity for inner growth and enlightenment.
The Guest House” by Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks
In his poem “The Guest House,” Rumi writes, “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 shame, the malice. meet them at the door laughing and invite them in. Be grateful for whatever comes because each has been sent as a guide from beyond” (Rumi 2004).
The Guest House” by Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks, explores the theme of healing through the metaphor of a guest house, where various emotions and experiences are welcomed “as guests. The poem suggests that every emotion, whether positive or negative, should be embraced and treated with respect because each one has a purpose and can contribute to personal growth and healing.
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