The Guest House, Poem by Rumi
“The Guest House” is a profound and thought-provoking poem by the renowned Persian poet, Rumi. He compares the human experience to a guest house, where each day brings new emotions and experiences akin to different visitors arriving at the house. He urges readers to welcome these visitors—be they joy, sorrow, or pain—with open arms, viewing them as opportunities for growth and transformation. Through its evocative imagery and timeless wisdom, “The Guest House” invites readers to embrace the full spectrum of human emotions and to find meaning and beauty in every moment of life’s journey.
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 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 whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
By Jalaluddin Rumi
Translated by Coleman Barks
Next time you have an emotion, pause and notice what “guest” or emotion has entered your mind and what “room” or body part it has gone to in your body.
