Rumi

Page 180

Better than Cabbage Soup ◆

What sweetness lies in an empty stomach! Man is like a lute—no more, no less. If the lute is full it cannot sing a high or low note. If your mind and stomach burn with the fire of hunger it will be like a heavenly song for your heart. In each moment that fire rages It will burn away a hundred veils And carry you a thousand steps toward your goal. Be empty and weep with the fullness of the reed flute. Be empty and discover the mysteries of the reed pen. If your belly is full on the day you are called pain will come instead of freedom, worldly cares will come instead of paradise. When you fast, good qualities will gather round you like faithful friends and servants. Don’t break the fast for it is Solomon’s Seal. Don’t give the Seal to harmful spirits. Don’t destroy your kingdom with a full belly.

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