Joy and Sorrow

Then a woman said, Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow.

Then a woman said, Tell us about Joy and Sorrow.

And he answered:

And he answered:

Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.

Your joy is your sorrow with its mask removed.

And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.

And the same well your laughter rises from was often filled with your tears.

And how else can it be?

And how else could it be?

The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.

The deeper sorrow cuts into you, the more joy you can hold.

Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter’s oven?

Isn't the cup that holds your wine the same cup that was fired in the potter's oven?

And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?

And isn't the lute that soothes your spirit made from the very wood hollowed out with knives?

When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.

When you are joyful, look deep into your heart. You will find that only what has brought you sorrow is bringing you joy.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

When you are sad, look into your heart again. You will see that you are weeping for what once brought you joy.

Some of you say, “Joy is greater than sorrow,” and others say, “Nay, sorrow is the greater.”

Some of you say, “Joy is greater than sorrow,” and others say, “No, sorrow is greater.”

But I say unto you, they are inseparable.

But I tell you, they cannot be separated.

Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.

They come together. When one sits alone with you at your table, remember that the other is asleep in your bed.

Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy.

Truly, you are suspended like a balance scale between your sorrow and your joy.

Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.

Only when you are empty are you still and balanced.

When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.

When the treasurer lifts you to weigh his gold and silver, your joy or sorrow must rise or fall.