Chonaicís tréad gabhar
is iad ag triall ar an abhainn
chun braon a ól.
An gabhar bacach brionglóideach
chun deiridh.
Bhíothas buartha faoin ngabhar áirithe sin
ach tá aoibh an gháire anois ar chách
Mar féach, tá na gabhair ag filleadh
is an gabhairín sin chun tosaigh orthu!
Tá saghsanna éagsúla eolais ann.
Eolas an ghabhair bhacaigh sin
gabhann sé siar go dtí fréamhacha na láithreachta.
Foghlaim ón ngabhar bacach sin
agus treoraigh an tréad abhaile!
Rumi (1207 -1273)
The Lame Goat
You saw a herd of goats
on their way to the river
for a drink.
Bringing up the rear
a lame goat in a world of his own.
Everyone was concerned about him
but look at their smiling faces now
See, the goats return
and the little one leading them!
Knowledge has different branches
and that little goat's knowledge
has its roots in the art of presence.
Learn from that lame goat
and lead the herd home!