The Great Sufi Master, Translations by Daniel Ladinsky
Hafiz, 1320-1389, was a spiritual student and Sufi, thoroughly in love with God and people. Embracing joy and humor, his poetry exudes profound wisdom and simple advice. “Sad people have all built a shrine to the past and often go there….What is the beginning of happiness? To stop being so religious like that.” He tells us how to listen: “As if everyone were my master speaking to me his cherished last words.”
Hafiz knew that bravery meant befriending fear, and living with a foundation of joy: “Fear is the cheapest room in the house. I would like to see you living in better conditions….God wants to see more love and playfulness in your eyes.” He was a mindfulness master: “Now is the time to know that all you do is sacred.” He saw the light and playfulness in others: “I can see angels sitting on your ears.”
Hafiz is a role model, teaching us to live with elegance, gracing others with forgiveness and acceptance. “It is not easy to stop thinking ill of others. Usually one must enter into a friendship with a person who has accomplished that great feat himself. Then, something might start to rub off on you of that True Elegance.” My life is better because I keep a copy of The Gift in my home and office, and reread it often.