The following was from my very first blog entry, dated January 29th, 2003. It was one of the 'stories' that I read back in my early college years. I remember typing it out and printing the piece on my Apple Stylewriter II, and kept it in my wallet for years to come. It's still one of the more memorable pieces that I've ever read.
I was never too good of a reader cuz seems like anything longer than a chapter I get distracted. These days, I believe my favorite past times is reading, but not too intensely... maybe someday I'll get there. I find it comforting because when you do come across a story of the heart, some words you can simply hold on to for many lifetimes.
Have a great day! xoxo
ON ENTERING, LIVING IN, LEAVING THE WORLD
Man, you enter the world reluctantly,
crying, as a forlorn babe;
Man, you leave this life, deprived again,
crying again, with regret.
Therefore live this life in such a way that none of it is really wasted.
You have to become accustomed to it
after not having been accustomed to it.
When you have become accustomed to it,
you will have to become used to being without it.
Mediate upon this contention.
Die, therefore, "before you die," in the words of the Purified One.
Complete the circle before it is completed for you.
Until you do, unless you have--
then expect bitterness at the end as there was in the beginning;
in the middle as there will be at the end.
You did not see the pattern as you entered;
and when you entered - you saw another pattern.
When you saw this apparent pattern, you were prevented
from seeing the threads of the coming pattern.
Until you see both, you will be without contentment--
Whom do you blame? And Why do you blame?
Text: Hashim the Sidqi, on Rumi
Comments (4)
What a cool post!
I've become a "stunted" reader too - I used to be able to spend hours reading, but now I can only go 30 minutes at most - I'm enjoying skimming much more -- but sometimes I wish I could enjoy longer sessions, especially as a grad student whose life is about READING!
Posted by Jeffrey Zacko-Smith | May 10, 2007 10:22 AM
Posted on May 10, 2007 10:22
You have read my soul tonight.
Posted by Wilhelm | May 9, 2007 9:58 PM
Posted on May 9, 2007 21:58
This was exactly what I needed today! Thanks buddy!
Posted by derek | May 9, 2007 5:48 PM
Posted on May 9, 2007 17:48
Right on, man. The story is hot. Relevant.
Posted by Lewis | May 9, 2007 3:57 PM
Posted on May 9, 2007 15:57