The Gift by Hafiz

The poem “The Gift” by the Persian Sufi poet Hafiz is a lyrical reminder of the benefit of self-discovery and the beauty of life’s offerings. Hafiz captures the undeniable power of sight, sound, and thought as he insists that embracing life’s treasures can bring otherwise unattainable clarity and peace.

Hafiz wrote “The Gift” in response to a challenge to express the inexpressible. While human language is often used to explain complex topics, it can also be inadequate in conveying certain aspects of life. Hafiz rises to this challenge, by creating a beautiful symphony of words to finally suggest what cannot be grasped in simple sentence structure.

The poem’s opening lines set the stage for the transformative journey on which Hafiz will take us: “Look to your heart/ And let its secret/ Show you the way/ To discover the gift.” Here, Hafiz encourages us to seek guidance not only in ours minds but also in our hearts. Through our hearts, we can access a greater level of understanding, not only of ourselves but also of the world around us.

Hafiz goes on to portray spiritual fulfillment through a variety of sensory experiences. He speaks of the beauty of a crescent moon, the sight of a dove in flight, the sound of the oceans roaring, and the smell of fresh rain “on a night in May.” He associates each of these experiences with its own special kind of insight, which is available when we take the time to observe.

Hafiz reminds us that every experience we are blessed to take part in, no matter how seemingly insignificant, holds a deep and valuable lesson to be learned. He encourages us to honor our experiences—not only the good ones but also the difficult—as they may present valuable lessons in disguise. He writes, “With eyes wide open/ You must come to know/ The joy of living/ The gift which grows.” Here, he suggests that gratefulness and appreciation bring their own kind of reward.

In the end, Hafiz offers us the possibility of knowing our true selves. Each of us is capable of ultimate knowledge and understanding, but too often, we remain closed-off to the world around us. Through embracing our experiences and each other, Hafiz suggests that we can come to know our fullest potential.

With its poetic language and profound insight, “The Gift” deftly conveys the importance of self-discovery and the transformative power of love, kindness, and appreciation. By taking time to observe and learn from the world around us, we may be able to unlock the gifts of life and inner peace.