Rare Is the One Who Rises

Rare is the soul who rises into the world of oneness, who in a single breath leaves both worlds behind. In the way of love, honor slays the one who chases after every sweet reward like a buzzing fly. The people of paradise are not scattered by passing troubles; only a child jumps up at the ringing of a bell. Only what is firm as stone can stand against the flood; whoever is swept off this road by a breeze is mere straw. Though you fall behind, keep striving, for on God's road even the last one can end up first. Saadi, to seize the hem of good fortune is a task not every idle dreamer's hand is fit to do.