Brave-spirited wearers
of the patched robe possess an outstanding,
extraordinary aspect. With great determination they give up
conventional society. They look upon worldly status
and evanescent fame as dust in the wind,
as clouds floating by, as echoes
in a valley.
The clouds
above us join and separate, the
breeze in the courtyard leaves and returns.
Life is like that, so why not relax?
Who can stop us from
celebrating?
Beyond
meditation practice,
there is attitude. A beginner
must learn to cultivate what is called,
“the poise of a dying man”. What is this poise?
It is the poise of knowing what is important and what
is not, and of being accepting and forgiving. Anyone who has
ever been at the bedside of a dying man will understand
this poise. What would the dying man do if someone
were to insult him? Nothing. What would
the dying man do if someone
were to strike him?
Nothing.
As
he lay there,
would he scheme to
become famous or wealthy?
No. If someone who had once offended
him were to ask him for his forgiveness would he
not give it? Of course he would. A dying man knows
the pointlessness of enmity. Hatred is always
such a wretched feeling. Who wishes to
die feeling hatred in his heart?
No one. The dying
seek love and
peace.
I know the way you can get
When you have not had a drink of Love:
Your face hardens,
Your sweet muscles cramp.
Children become concerned
About a strange look that appears in your eyes
Which even begins to worry your own mirror
And nose.
Squirrels and birds sense your sadness
And call an important conference in a tall tree.
They decide which secret code to chant
To help your mind and soul.
Even angels fear that brand of madness
That arrays itself against the world
And throws sharp stones and spears into
The innocent
And into one’s self.
O I know the way you can get
If you have not been drinking Love:
You might rip apart
Every sentence your friends and teachers say,
Looking for hidden clauses.
You might weigh every word on a scale
Like a dead fish.
You might pull out a ruler to measure
From every angle in your darkness
The beautiful dimensions of a heart you once
Trusted.
I know the way you can get
If you have not had a drink from Love’s
Hands.
That is why all the Great Ones speak of
The vital need
To keep remembering God,
So you will come to know and see Him
As being so Playful
And Wanting,
Just Wanting to help.
That is why Hafiz says:
Bring your cup near me.
For all I care about
Is quenching your thirst for freedom!
All a Sane man can ever care about
Is giving Love!
For every worry
or hurt that chews at your mind,
think of one thing you’re grateful for, however small.
One by one, fill your mind with them. Let them
crowd out the worry and the hurt.
Keep moving.