A Song of Being Empty

Submitted by Tango on Sun, 2006-12-17 22:33.

The previous posts and photos from John and Duncan lead me to post this writing from Rumi, which I have just read. There are no coincidences. Just connectedness, grace.

A Song of Being Empty

A certain sufi tore his robe in grief,
and the tearing brought such relief,

he gave the robe the name faraji,
which means ripped open, or happiness,
or one who brings the joy of being opened.

It comes from the stem faraj, which also
refers to the genitals, male and female.

His teacher understood the purity
of the action, while others
just saw the ragged appearance.

If you want peace and purity,
tear away your coverings.

This is the purpose of emotion, to let
a streaming beauty flow through you.

Call it spirit, elixir, or the original
agreement between yourself and God.

Opening into that gives peace,
a song of being empty,
pure silence.

Rumi

John Says:
Tue, 2007-01-02 23:52

This poem is so rich. Emotions as streaming beauty flowing--yes, unfettered by thoughts and judgments they flow, rage, shine, radiate, fill, empty. Tearing away the coverings is the path to that flowing. We think we're protecting ourselves by covering up those wild feelings, but instead we rob ourselves of this treasure. Thank God for the dance as a means of liberation.

Thank you, Trudes, for this meaty poem; lots to explore here.

DuncanDancer Says:
Mon, 2006-12-18 11:22

Empty as the night
sky- full of stars,
Ripped open like the clouds
when the moon shines through-
thank you, thank you!

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