It is said that in the fall of 1244, a mystic called Shams found himself in the city of Konya to meet with the great scholar and theologian, Rumi.
From their very first encounter, Rumi was smitten by Shams, whose wildness and critique of his knowledge intrigued him.
From that moment on, Rumi was never the same and the two were inseparable. Even after Shams had died, Rumi remained devoted. He himself became an awakened being, and one of the world’s greatest and best loved poets.
Rumi said:
“When the ocean comes to you as a lover,
marry, at once, quickly,
for God’s sake!
Don’t postpone it!
Existence has no better gift.
No amount of searching
will find this.
A perfect falcon, for no reason,
has landed on your shoulder,
and become yours.”
Just like Rumi, we also start to express our hearts in new ways around the Beloved.
First, there are just questions, and things. Now it’s just poetry. That’s how it goes. When love comes and visits – takes over – you’re coming in with the Beloved, then only poetry is coming up.”
“Beloved,
I woke up
when you landed in my lap.
Love drunk you were.
Love drunk I was.
There was no other way
to end this crazy dance.
There wasn’t more anyone could do.
The only thing I regret – but I was so surprised! –
is that instead of gently caressing your cheek,
I didn’t kiss you completely.
Out of respect I didn’t know that there was such a possibility.
Now I know
that when I find the kiss on my lips
nothing will stop me.
Oh, sweet Gopala
I will bring you ghee,
just so I can look into your eyes, your mouth,
feeding you!
Through letting me see you,
you have made me divine.”
– Poonam
“Beloved Master Swaha,
My focus has changed.
Before, I used to drag everything brutally.
Now, the wind delicately carries them.
Before, I used to push.
Now it goes swiftly, effortless.
Before, I used to get ripped apart.
Now, it is dissolved by itself.
Before, I used to scream.
Now, I hardly whisper.
Before, I would struggle to understand.
Now, without any effort, I understand.
Before, it used to be a forced trick.
Now, it is spontaneous magic.
Before, it had to be elaborated.
Now, it comes ready.
Before, it needed to be painted.
Now, it already comes in colors.
Before, I used to drive.
Now, I’m driven.
Before, I would pretend to be a Master.
Now, I have a true Master.
Before, I used to escape from myself,
Now, I re-encounter myself.
Before, I used to judge myself.
Now, I accept myself.
Before, I used to have so many wishes.
Now, I aspire to nothingness.
Before, I used to trip on sharp stones.
Now, I feel like I’m rolling on soft foam.
Before, I was always doing.
Now, I am in a non-doing.
Before, I used to do everything alone.
Now, even to put the silverware away,
someone delicately holds my tray.
All this I have understood in the presence of my Master, and this gives me profound peace.”
– Your disciple, always at your feet
Samvara
Click on the image to listen to Swaha reading Rumi poems and sharing his love in Satsang.