Self-Knowledge
And a man said, "Speak to us of Self-Knowledge."
And he answered, saying:
Your hearts know in silence the secrets of the days and the nights.
But your ears thirst for the sound of your heart's knowledge.
You would know in words that which you have always known in thought.
You would touch with your fingers the naked body of your dreams.
And it is well you should.
The hidden well-spring of your soul must needs rise and run murmuring to the sea;
And the treasure of your infinite depths would be revealed to your eyes.
But let there be no scales to weigh your unknown treasure;
And seek not the depths of your knowledge with staff or sounding line.
For self is a sea boundless and measureless.
Say not, "I have found the truth," but rather, "I have found a truth."
Say not, "I have found the path of the soul." Say rather, "I have met the soul walking upon my path."
For the soul walks upon all paths.
The soul walks not upon a line, neither does it grow like a reed.
The soul unfolds itself, like a lotus of countless petals.
And he answered, saying:
Your hearts know in silence the secrets of the days and the nights.
But your ears thirst for the sound of your heart's knowledge.
You would know in words that which you have always known in thought.
You would touch with your fingers the naked body of your dreams.
And it is well you should.
The hidden well-spring of your soul must needs rise and run murmuring to the sea;
And the treasure of your infinite depths would be revealed to your eyes.
But let there be no scales to weigh your unknown treasure;
And seek not the depths of your knowledge with staff or sounding line.
For self is a sea boundless and measureless.
Say not, "I have found the truth," but rather, "I have found a truth."
Say not, "I have found the path of the soul." Say rather, "I have met the soul walking upon my path."
For the soul walks upon all paths.
The soul walks not upon a line, neither does it grow like a reed.
The soul unfolds itself, like a lotus of countless petals.
Khalil Gibran
Most of my life I have wondered this world seeking wisdom answers to questions that caused me to understand my reason for being here. It was only after finding the prose qnd the poetry of this wonderful man that answers flowed into my soul.
Gibran searched for the same things we do, and in that search, he found love, passion and wisdom. I continue to seek guidance and inspiration from his writings, and I recommend that, if you, like me and so many others, ponder your life purpose, find him, read him and drink his gifts.
My daily book of reference is "The Prophet" and in it, so many questions have been answered. Enjoy
"Your hearts know in silence the secrets of the days and the nights.
ReplyDeleteBut your ears thirst for the sound of your heart's knowledge." Isn't it ironic that we are always looking outside ourselves for the answers that dwell within us already? If we only knew what we already know! I love Kahlil Gibran for helping me to seek the wisdom within myself. Great post, Joan!
Wow Joan,
ReplyDeletei know that i will have the company of your words. Thanks for sharing.
this is such a powerful poem. i enjoy reading your blog.
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