What is the difference between your experience of existence and that of a Saint?
The Saint knows that the spiritual path is a sublime chess game with God
And that the Beloved has just made such a Fantastic Move
That the Saint is now continually tripping over joy and bursting out in laughter and saying “I Surrender!”
Whereas, my dear, I am afraid you still think you have a thousand serious moves.
Poem by Hafiz. From the book: I HEARD GOD LAUGHING: Poems of Hope and Joy – Translated by Daniel Ladinsky
Hafiz Khāwje Shams-od-Dīn Moḥammad Ḥāfeẓ-e Shīrāzī, (1320 – 1389) known by his pen name Hafez and as “Hafiz”, is one of the most beloved poets of the Persians, and is considered by many – from different cultures – to be one of the seven literary wonders of the world.
REFLECTION:
- Are you still making moves… playing chess with God?
- Are you willing to surrender?
- What is your next move?