Reading through the work of Hafez, I’m always aware of how the “tongue in cheek”, almost mischievous nature of his words brings an air of playfulness to what can feel like deep and serious topics.
Hafez’s poetry is a delightful blend of wisdom and humor, inviting us to embrace life’s playful side. His words challenge our conventional notions of spirituality and offer a refreshing perspective on the human experience.
Our Friday meditation is always a celebration of love, but I also wanted to take the opportunity to lean into the light hearted Friday energy to share with you some of Hafez’s most playful TRUTH’s (I threw in waay too many quotes today):
TRIPPING OVER JOY
“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! I Surrender!”
… whereas, my dear, I am afraid that you still think you have a thousand serious moves to make.”- Hafez
SOMEONE SHOULD START LAUGHING
“I have a thousand brilliant lies for the question: How are you?
I have a thousand brilliant lies for the question: What is God?
If you think that the Truth can be known from words. If you think that the Sun and the Ocean can pass through that tiny opening called the mouth…
O someone should start laughing! Someone should start wildly Laughing — Now!” – Hafez
Hafez suggests that we may be missing out on the true meaning of life by clinging to our plans and sense of control. In our seriousness we try to intellectualize the mysteries of the Universe which are too big for words to ever describe. He insists that true wisdom can only be found through direct experience and a sense of humor.
When it comes to love, Hafez’s message is clear and powerful. He encourages us to embrace love in all its forms, from the tenderest moments to the most challenging. He reminds us that love is not just a feeling but a way of being, a path that leads us closer to the divine.
“If it is not too dark go for a walk – if it is not too dark.
Get some fresh air, try to smile, say something kind to a safe-looking stranger, if one happens by.
Always exercise your heart’s knowing.
You might as well attempt something real along this path:
Take your spouse or lover into your arms the way you did when you first met.
Let tenderness pour from your eyes the way the Sun gazes warmly on the earth.
Play a game with some children.
Extend yourself to a friend.
Sing a few ribald songs to your pets and plants – why not let them get drunk and wild!
Let’s toast every rung we’ve climbed on evolution’s ladder.
Whisper, “I love you! I love you!” to the whole mad world.
Let’s stop just reading about God – we will never understand Him with words.
Jump to your feet, wave your fists, threaten and warn the whole Universe that your heart can no longer live without real love!”– Hafez
“Hafez tells us that Love’s Journey unfolds through every process of life. Divine principles are constantly being demonstrated all around us. We cannot learn them through words or books or limited systems of human values. Hafez says God is fully known only through love, which accepts everything. Love reveals the Universe as a cosmic playground where every thing and being participates in a single, magnificent Game.” – Hafez
“The great secret god was full of wine last night, so full of wine that He let a great secret slip.
He said:
There is no man on this earth who needs a pardon from me — for there is really no such thing, no such thing as sin!
All there is, is to love”– Hafez
“Let’s get loose with Compassion. Let’s drown in the delicious ambience of Love.” – Hafez
“Oh, you who are trying to learn the marvel of Love through the copy book of reason, I’m very much afraid that you will never really see the point.” – Hafez
“One regret, dear world, that I am determined not to have when I am lying on my deathbed is that I did not kiss you enough.” – Hafez
“The heart is a thousand stringed instrument that can only be tuned with love.” – Hafez
I guess that my take-away from all of this is to try and remind myself not to be too invested in the “serious” moves my ego thinks I need to make. And that perhaps the only worthy measure of a life well lived is to love as hard as I can and keep my arms wide open in acceptance to both the joys and the pains that love might bring.
A few thoughts to ponder as we try and embrace love as a way of being:
- Let go of seriousness: Embrace the playful side of life and find joy in the simple things.
- Love unconditionally: Open your heart to love in all its forms, without judgment or expectation.
- Trust the divine: Surrender to the mystery of existence and trust that everything is unfolding as it should.
- Find humor in life’s challenges: Even in the face of adversity, seek out opportunities for laughter and joy.
- Live in the present moment: Be fully present in each moment, appreciating the beauty and wonder of life.
So, let’s strive to live a more playful, joyful, and loving life. Let’s embrace the divine dance of existence with open arms and a heart full of gratitude. By letting go of our fears and embracing the playful side of existence, we can discover a deeper sense of joy, love, and fulfillment.
Have a beautiful Friday peeps!
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Sharing love.