The 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're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honourably.
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 whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.'

Rumi, Persian poet, philosopher and mystic, 1207-1273

This evening our Study Group is discussing our understanding of, and attitudes towards, Islam. We've each been asked to bring an artifact that speaks to us in some way of this. I have chosen this poem by Rumi, the Sufi mystic; for me, it reflects the tolerance, compassion and understanding of what it means to be human that underlies all true religious experience and faith.