Recently, we came across this poem by Hafiz, a 14th century Iranian Sufi poet/mystic. It is always such a joy to come across such clear pointers to Truth. We often think we are blazing new trails to recognition as Isness, when we are simply rediscovering what has always been. The pointing of Hafiz is as alive today as it was nearly 700 years ago. When you leave behind your mind and body identification, along with your shoes, you enter the temple of Truth.
Removing The Shoe From The Temple
Once someone asked me,
“Why do saints seek divine annihilation
And are often humble
And like to spend their free time
Upon their knees?”
I replied,
“It is a simple matter of etiquette.”
Then they said,
“What do you mean, Hafiz?”
“Well,” I continued,
“When one goes into a mosque or temple
Is it not common to remove what
Covers your
Feet?
So too does it happen
With this whole mind and body—
That is something like a shoe sole—
When one begins to realize
Upon Whom you are really standing,
One begins
To remove the ‘shoe’ from the
Temple.”
Namaste, Bec and Steve