A Sabbath Poem (Rumi - 4)

DIE BEFORE YOU DIE
~ by Jalaludin Rumi (1207-1273)

Really to experience the day of Resurrection
You have to die first, for "resurrection" means
"Making the dead come back to life."
The whole world is racing in the wrong direction
For everyone is terrified of non-existence.
That is, in reality, the only certain refuge.
How should we try to win real awareness?
By renouncing all knowing.
How should we look for salvation?
By giving up our personal salvation.
How should we search for real existence?
By giving up our existence.
How should we search for the fruit of the spirit?
By not always greedily stretching out our hands.

(Light Upon Light: Inspirations from Rumi, transl. Andrew Harvey)