I and You...

"What are 'I' and 'You'?
Just lattices
In the niches of a lamp
Through which the One Light radiates.

"'I' and 'You' are the veil
Between heaven and earth;
Lift this veil and you will see
How all sects and religions are one.

"Lift this veil and you will ask---

When 'I' and 'You' do not exist
What is mosque?
What is synagogue?
What is fire temple?"


Mahmud Shabistari
translation by Andrew Harvey and Eryk Hanut
Perfume of the Desert