Rumi: The Book of Love: Poems of Ecstasy and Longing

A star circulates with the moon. We live in this night ocean wondering, What are these lights?

so happy! Maybe a dawn breeze has blown the veil from the face of God. A thousand new moons appear. Roses open laughing. Hearts become perfect rubies like those from Badakshan.

RULES ABOUT RESTRAINT There is nourishment like bread that feeds one part of your life and nourishment like light for another. There are many rules about restraint with the former, but only one rule for the latter, Never be satisfied. Eat and drink the soul substance, as a wick does with the oil it soaks in. Give light to the company.

YOUR DEFECTS An empty mirror and your worst destructive habits, when they are held up to each other, that’s when the real making begins. That’s what art and crafting are. A tailor needs a torn garment to practice his expertise. The trunks of trees must be cut and cut again so they can be used for fine carpentry. Your doctor must have a broken leg t

Dance, when you’re broken open. Dance, if you’ve torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance, when you’re perfectly free.

Don’t run from those who scold, and don’t turn away from cleansing conflict, or you will remain weak.

you want to learn theory, talk with theoreticians. That way is oral. When you learn a craft, practice it. That learning comes through the hands.

Give back better, as rough clods return an ear of corn, a tassel, a barley awn, this sleek handful of oats.

candle as it diminishes explains, Gathering more and more is not the way. Burn, become light and heat and help. Melt.