the vase

I am always holding a priceless vase in my hands.

If you asked me about the deeper truths

of the path and I told you

the answers,

it would be like handing sacred relics to you.

But most have their hands tied

behind their

backs;

that is, most are not free of events their eyes have seen

and their ears have heard

and their bodies have felt.

Most cannot focus their abilities

in the present, and 

might drop what 

I said.

So I'll wait; I don't mind waiting until

your love for all

makes luminous

the now.

~ Rabia

(c. 717-801)

translation by Daniel Ladinsky

companion of my heart

You are the companion of my heart

Though my body I offer to those who desire it.

My body is friendly to guests

But you the companion of my heart

Are the guest of my soul.

~ Rabia

(712 - 801)

After a life of hardship, she spontaneously achieved a state of self-realization. 
When asked by Shaikh Hasan al-Basri how she discovered the secret, she responded by stating:

"You know of the how, but I know of the how-less."

alone

.

O my Lord, 

the stars glitter 

and the eyes of men are closed. 

Kings have locked their doors 

and each lover is alone with his love. 

Here, I am alone with you.

.

~  Rabi’a 

(Basra, 717-801) 

translated by Jane Hirshfield

from Women in Praise of the Sacred

with you

.

.

O my Lord,

the stars glitter

and the eyes of men are closed.

Kings have locked their doors

and each lover is alone with his love.

.

Here, I am alone with you.

.

~ Rabi'a

from Women in Praise of the Sacred

art by Leonardo da Vinci