Rumi and the Albatross

The following poem is by 13th century Persian poet Rumi. Nature is so inspiring, as is the spark of life in Rumi's poetry. This poem is particularly poignant, and the last line reminds me of a wildlife video focusing on the albatross (found below). The lesson of a spiritual flight therein is so beautiful.

Seeker, when you feel your soul contracting

know it is for your own good

allow not your heart to burn with grief.

In times of expansion you spend

and this expenditure requires

an income of painful soul searching.

If it was always summer, the roots would burn

and the gardens would never become green.

Winter seems bitter but it is also kind.

When contraction comes, my friend, 

behold the expansion within

be cheerful, do not complain.

The eyes of a child are fixed on the wants of now

while the eyes of the wise see to the end.

When you close your mouth

another one will open, seeking nourishment

in the mysteries of Spirit.

The sugar of sensual joy

is the fruit of the garden of sorrow

this joy is the wound, the sorrow is the plaster.

Learn to embrace sorrow

look straight at its face and joy will reappear.

All action sways between contraction and expansion

both as important as the opening and closing

of the wings of a bird in flight.

~Rumi

The verse on the importance of the opening and closing of the wings of a bird in flight reminds me of the majestic albatross, and a particularly fantastic video about their flights. This beautiful National Geographic video is inspiring for human life, as these creatures are supremely dedicated, graceful, and demonstrate a fascinating way of life through their evolution. There is much to say on the flight of the albatross, how it flies zig zagging strategically and gains kinetic energy for further momentum, and then turns into the wind to gain altitude, "so it can fly for miles and miles and miles without ever needing to flap its wings." This is called dynamic soaring.

As Nat Geo filmmaker, Bertie Gregory, says of the wandering albatross, they are the "biggest bird on the planet" and he continues enthusiastically, "Imagine living life like that! you know, flying thousands of thousands of miles all by yourself. I mean, that said, some of them are coming back to the island to breed at the moment. And that's when they reveal a totally different side of their personalities!"

Each wing is bigger than your average person, and their wing span is eleven feet. They are super graceful in the air, and then have crash landings. Seems like a creature most people could identify with (dukham can be comical at times--when looking back). Fascinating video and a great reminder of the importance of protecting wild places.

A particularly thrilling moment occurs at 4:20 when the timing works out perfectly with what Gregory is saying and the male does the sky-calling--almost as if on cue!

From "A" Dictionary of the Pali language