Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Muslim / Sufi

13th Century

About Jelaluddin Rumi

Timeline (1207 - 1273)

Jelaluddin Rumi, Jelaluddin Rumi poetry, Muslim / Sufi, Muslim / Sufi poetry, poetry, [TRADITION SUB2] poetry, poetry

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English version by
Camille and Kabir Helminski

Original Language
Persian/Farsi

If a blow comes to you from Heaven,

Themes

Crown

King

Pain and Wounding

Recommended Books

	Delicious Laughter: Rambunctious Teaching Stories from the Mathnawi of Jelaluddin Rumi, Translated by Coleman Barks
	East Window: Poems from Asia, Translated by W. S. Merwin
	The Essential Rumi, Translated by Coleman Barks
	The Hand of Poetry: Five Mystic Poets of Persia, with Lectures by Inayat Khan, Translated by Coleman Barks
	Holy Fire: Nine Visionary Poets and the Quest for Enlightenment, Edited by Daniel Halpern

More >>

If a blow comes to you from Heaven,
be alert to a gift of honor after it;
for He is not the King to slap you
without giving you a crown
and a throne on which to rest.
The whole world is worth only a gnat's wing,
but a single slap may bring an infinite reward.
Slip your neck nimbly out of this golden collar
that is the world, and take the slaps that come from God.
The prophets suffered those blows on the neck,
and from that affliction they lifted their heads high.
But always be present, attentive, and ready in yourself,
youthful one, in order that He may find you at home.
Otherwise He will take back His gift of honor,
saying "I found no one there."

-- from Rumi: Jewels of Remembrance: A Daybook of Spiritual Guidance , Edited by Camille Helmiski / Edited by Kabir Helminski

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Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

About Jelaluddin Rumi

Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World