Without the heart the soul has no home, the body is no temple, the mind is not a sanctuary of wisdom. The heart radiates forth rays of illumination that awaken the spirit of the whole person: The body is alert and experiences with awareness; the mind is open and grasps small miracles in everyday events; the whole being is blossoming and responding to existence in fullness. Don’t ever shut down your heart, however badly you have been hurt or betrayed. The heart is the only thing that will heal you. Take care of your heart, live by its courage, listen to its counsel. Know that your heart is the seat of your wisdom. When you try to connect to others, then, too, appeal to their hearts and make your connection solid and meaningful, a meeting of two hearts.
– by Rumi
Mathnawi 11, 837
A translation by Camille and Kabir Helminski
