Come to My Abode, My Friend

From Baba Bulleh Shah, I copy below a kaafi with treasures of wisdom for the wanderers. The poem not only has Bulleh Shah's characteristic dissenting voice and yearning for the Truth, but it also exhorts the reader that Truth cannot be found without cleaning one's nafs from the vices of this world. Only a clean heart, free from the dirt and filthiness of materialism, can experience and reflect His Divine light, including an all-embracing love and compassion for all humankind.

Saadhe verhe aaya kar

O beloved one:
If God were to be found by bathing and washing,
then God would be found by fish and frogs.

If God were to be found by roaming in jungle,
then God would be found by cows and buffaloes.

O Mian Bulleh
God is found by hearts righteous and pure.

You have read a thousand books
but have you read your 'self'?

You rush to mosques and temples
in indecent haste,
have you tried to enter your 'self'?

You are enagged in
needless battle with Shaitan
have you ever fought with your 'nafs'?

You have reached the sky
But have failed to reach
what's in your heart!

Come to my abode, My friend
morning, noon and night!

Destroy the mosque,
destroy the temple
do as you please;
do not break the human heart
for God dwells therein!

I search for You in jungle and wilderness
I have searched far and wide.
Do not torment me thus My Love
morning, noon and night!

Come to my abode, My Love
morning, noon and night!

- Bulleh Shah

Translation by Raza Rumi (source)