#hafez

Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth, 'You owe me.' Look what happens with a love like that, it lights the whole sky.

Stay close to anything that makes you glad you are alive.

I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being.

Fear is the cheapest room in the house. I would like to see you living in better conditions.

The small man builds cages for everyone he knows. While the sage, who has to duck his head when the moon is low, keeps dropping keys all night long for the beautiful rowdy prisoners.

I have learned so much from God that I can no longer call myself a Christian, a Hindu, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Jew. The Truth has shared so much of Itself with me that I can no longer call myself a man, a woman, an angel, or even a pure soul.

I caught the fire from the heavens and burned away every thought that had no wings.

What is this precious love and laughter budding in our hearts? It is the secret candle flame of God.

Tear off the veil of solemn piety; the tavern of divine love welcomes only those who dare to be drunk on truth.

Don't surrender your loneliness so quickly. Let it cut more deep. Let it ferment and season you as few human or divine ingredients can.

For I have learned that every heart will get What it is praying for Most.

This sky where we live is no place to lose your wings so love, love, love.

When all your desires are distilled you will cast just two votes: to love more and not to be so serious.

Ever since happiness heard your name, it has been running through the streets trying to find you.

The earth would die if the sun stopped kissing her. So too the soul withers without divine adoration.

Now is the time to know that all that you do is sacred.

Now, why not surrender to the divine beauty that turns every speck of dust into a blazing star?

Laugh because that is the purest form of prayer.

Cast all your votes for dancing and watch how quickly despair packs its bags.

We have not come into this exquisite world to hold ourselves back from love.

Do not sit in the dark corner of worry; the Beloved has prepared a feast in the open courtyard of the soul.

The rose that opens its heart to the morning dew does not ask if it will fade by evening; it simply blooms in flawless splendor.

Let your heart be like the singing flute that leaves no breath trapped inside.

I am a hole in a flute that the Christ's breath moves through—listen to this music!

Why give your heart to that which is bound to turn into dust? Give your heart to the eternal Spring.

The fragrance of the Beloved's courtyard has reached me; how can I remain trapped in the cage of worldly anxiety?

O seeker, wash away your scholarly book-learning with the wine of divine ecstasy; the heart knows secrets no pen can ever write.

The nightingale does not consult the thorns before it sings its love song to the rose.

No one has ever traveled the path of love without shedding tears; yet those tears are pearls gathered from the cosmic sea.

Do not grieve over the turning wheel of time; the Master Weaver weaves perfection from both the gold and black threads.