immense spiritual insight, that eventually influenced theologians of Jewish
and Chrisitian traditions. This will be the beginning of explorations with
Ibn 'Arabi, rather than a philosophical analysis of his ideas. Often it
will take the form of meditation, as a means of seeing along
with the Sheikh Al Akbar, or Great Sheik, as he is known.
Other inspiration comes from the poets Rumi and Hafiz, who embodied
the Sufi imagination and depth of experience in grand style. It was Rumi
who gave us
Come, come, whoever you are.
Worshiper, Wanderer, Lover of Leaving;
ours is not a caravan of despair.
Though you have broken your vow a thousand times,
Come, yet again, Come.
Some scholars say, as Coleman Barks did in a letter to me once, that
the attribution of this poem to Rumi is uncertain. The Sufis of the
time were known to trade poems, and Rumi was a devoted Sufi.
Nevertheless, this one is the Rumi verse familiar to most people.
I have tried my own hand at Rumi-like poems.
Rumi-esque I
naked in divine embarassment I stand,
fearful of offending my mentor and guide...
but it is your nakedness, Friend, that dazzles me.
my soul yearns for the space where we are One,
love poured out, no shame, utter Joy.
let us shout to the heavens that
the cosmos sees us unclothed
as babes.
Rumi-esque II
beloved, your wild disciple and Lover
has a peddler's pack
in it are sweets and books of every sort,
Even cards!
do not be dismayed if your Lover sells his
wares with his teaching.
he does not beg, but rejoices in the marketplace,
with his cries of Buy This Now!,
his teaching takes wings.
Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteI have twelve Poems After Rumi. This is the first one:
ReplyDeleteThe fruits of consecration
are sweetness and patience,
sureness in the middle of panic and confusion
when baboons put on business suits.
Don't forget your purpose.
This is all a holiness--
but don't tell anyone.
You're on a mission for the King.
Risk your life for him,
and at the end of your journey
you'll find yourself received with a crown.
The crown will fit old grooves in your scalp.
Who was the King,
who was the servant?