When in Turkey last month one of the towns we visited was Konya. In New Testament times this town was called Iconium and it was one of the places that Paul preached -see Acts 14. Konya is more popularly recognized now as home of the Sufi mystic Rumi (1207 – 1273). Rumi, among other things, developed the spiritual practice of Whirling Dervishes as a form of prayer and meditation.
We were privileged to experience the Sufi Whirling Dervishes in a presentation they offer for tourists. It was much more than a presentation, it was, for us as viewers, a time of quiet reflection and I found it to be very spiritual.
A couple of year’s ago at our December Book Club one of the women brought along a favourite piece of poetry. There was a time when I put a poem on my blog every Friday. I got away from that practice but was reminded of it this morning. I have been following the blog of a friend who is now touring Turkey with a tour group – taking the same tour route that we did in early April. He included this poem on his blog for today and I thought it was too good not to share with you my dear readers. This come to us from poet Rumi …
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 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.
— Jelaluddin Rumi, trans. Coleman Barks
