Secrets of the Self (Israr e khudi) by Dr.Iqbal

8/9/2019 Secrets of the Self (Israr e khudi) by Dr.Iqbal

1/30

SECRETSOFTHESELF

INTRODUCTORYNOTE

BYIQBAL

That experience should take place in finite

centres and should wear the form of finite

this

ness

is

in

the

end

inexplicable.

These

are

thewords ofProf.Bradley.But startingwith

these inexplicable centres of experience, he

endsinaunitywhichhecallsAbsoluteandin

whichthefinitecentreslosetheirfinitenessand

distinctness.According to him, therefore, the

finitecentreisonlyanappearance.The testof

reality, inhisopinion isallinclusiveness;and

sinceallfinitenessisinfectedwithrelativity,it

followsthatthelatterisamereillusion.Tomy

mind, this inexplicable finite centre of

experience is the fundamental fact of the

universe.Alllifeisindividual;thereisnosuch

thing as universal life. God himself is an

individual:He is themostuniqueindividual.1

The universe, as Dr. McTaggart says, is an

association of individuals;but wemust add

that theorderlinessandadjustmentwhichwe

find in this association is not eternally

achievedandcompleteinitself.Itistheresult

of instinctive or conscious effort. We are

graduallytravelling fromchaostocosmosand

are helpers in this achievement.Nor are the

members of the association fixed; newmembersareevercomingtobirthtocooperate

in thegreat task.Thus theuniverse isnot a

completed act: it is still in the course of

formation. There can be no complete truth

1ThisviewwasheldbytheorthodoxImamAhmad

ibnHanbalinitsextreme(anthropomorphic)form.

abouttheuniverse,fortheuniversehasnotyet

becomewhole.Theprocessofcreationisstill

going on, andman too takes his share in it,

inasmuch as he helps tobring order into at

least a portion of the chaos. The Quran

indicates thepossibilityofothercreators than

God.(Quran,ch.23.v.14:BlessedisGod,the

bestofthosewhocreate.)

Obviously this view of man and the

universe is opposed to that of the English

NeoHegelians as well as to all forms of

pantheisticSufismwhichregardabsorptionin

a universal life or soul as the final aim and

salvationofman.Themoralandreligiousideal

ofmanisnotselfnegationbutselfaffirmation,

andheattains to thisidealbybecomingmore

andmore individual,moreandmoreunique.

The Prophet said, Takhallaqu biakhlaqAllah,Create in yourselves the attributes of God.

Thusmanbecomesuniquebybecomingmore

and more like the most unique Individual.

What then is life? It is individual: itshighest

form, so far, is the ego (khudi) inwhich the

individualbecomes a selfcontained exclusive

centre.Physicallyaswellasspirituallymanisa

selfcontained centre, but he is not yet a

complete individual. The greater his distance

fromGod, the lesshis individuality.Hewho

comesnearest

to

God

is

the

completest

person.

NotthatheisfinallyabsorbedinGod.Onthe

contrary, he absorbs God into himself.2 The

2MaulanaRumihasverybeautifullyexpressedthis

idea.TheProphet,whenalittleboy,wasoncelost

inthedesert.HisnurseHalimawasalmostbeside

herselfwithgriefbutwhileroamingthedesertin

searchoftheboysheheardavoicesaying:


2/30

4 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal

true person not only absorbs the world of

matter by mastering it; he absorbs God

Himself into his ego by assimilating Divine

attributes. Life is a forward assimilative

movement. It removes all obstructions in its

marchbyassimilating them. Itsessence is the

continualcreationofdesiresandideals,andfor

thepurposeof itspreservationandexpansion

it has invented or developed out of itself

certain instruments, e.g., senses, intellect, etc.,

which help it to assimilate obstructions. The

greatest obstacle in theway of life ismatter,

Nature;yetNature isnotevil,since itenables

theinnerpowersoflifetounfoldthemselves.

Theegoattains to freedomby theremoval

ofallobservations in itsway. It ispartly free,

partlydetermined3,andreachesfullerfreedom

by approaching the Individual,who ismost

freeGod. In oneword, life is an endeavour

forfreedom.

Theegoandcontinuationofpersonality

Inmanthecentreoflifebecomesanegoor

person.Personalityisastateoftensionandcan

continueonlyifthatstateismaintained.Ifthe

state of tension is notmaintained, relaxation

will ensue. Since personality, or the state of

tension, is themost valuable achievement of

man,heshouldseethathedoesnotreverttoa

state of relaxation. That which tends tomaintainthestateoftensiontendstomakeus

immortal.Thustheideaofpersonalitygivesus

a standard of value: it settles the problem of

goodandevil.Thatwhichfortifiespersonality

is good, thatwhichweakens it isbad. Art,4

Donotgrievehewillnotbelosttothee;

Nay,thewholeworldwillbelostinhim.

Thetrueindividualcannotbelostintheworld;itis

theworldthatislostinhim.Igoastepfurtherand

say,prefixing

anew

half

verse

to

ahemistich

of

Rumi:

InhiswillthatwhichGodwillsbecomes

lost;Howshallamanbelievethissaying?

3AccordingtothesayingoftheProphet,Thetrue

Faithisbetweenpredestinationandfreewill.4TheultimateendofallhumanactivityisLife

glorious,powerful,exuberant.Allhumanartmust

religion, and ethicsmustbejudged from the

standpoint of personality. My criticism of

Plato is directed against those philosophical

systemswhichholdupdeathratherthanlifeas

theiridealsystemswhichignorethegreatest

obstruction to life, namely,matter, and teach

ustorunawayfromitinsteadofabsorbingit.

As in connexionwith the question of the

freedom of the ego we have to face the

problemofmatter,similarlyinconnexionwith

itsimmortalitywehavetofacetheproblemof

time.Bergsonhastaughtusthattimeisnotan

infinite line (in the spatial sense of theword

line) throughwhichwemust passwhether

we wish it or not. This idea of time is

adulterated.Puretimehasnolength.Personal

immorality isanaspiration:youcanhave it if

youmakeanefforttoachieveit.Itdependsonouradopting,inthislifemodesofthoughtand

activity which tend to maintain the state of

tension.Buddhism,Persian Sufism and allied

formsofethicswillnotserveourpurpose.But

they are not wholly useless, because after

periods of great activity we need opiates,

narcotics, for some time. These forms of

thoughtandactionare likenights in thedays

oflife.Thus,ifouractivityisdirectedtowards

themaintenanceofastateoftension,theshock

ofdeath

is

not

likely

to

affect

it.

After

death

theremaybe an intervalof relaxation, as the

Quran speaks of a barzakh, or intermediate

state,which, in the case of some individuals,

will lastuntiltheDayofResurrection(Quran,

ch.23,v.102).Onlythoseegoswillsurvivethis

state of relaxationwhohave taken good care

besubordinatedtothisfinalpurpose,andthe

valueofeverythingmustbedeterminedin

referencetoitslifeyieldingcapacity.Thehighest

artis

that

which

awakens

our

dormant

will

force

andbravesustofacethetrialsoflifemanfully.All

thatbringsdrowsinessandmakesusshutoureyes

torealityaround,onthemasteryofwhichalone

Lifedepends,isamessageofdecayanddeath.

ThereshouldbenoopiumeatinginArt.The

dogmaofArtforthesakeofArtisaclever

inventionofdecadencetocheatusoutoflifeand

power.(OurProphessCriticismofContemporary

ArabianPoetryinTheNewEra,1916,p.251)


3/30

Secrets&Mysteries5

during the present life.Although life abhors

repetition in its evolution, yet on Bergsons

principles the resurrectionof thebody too,as

Wildon Carr says, is quite possible. By

breakinguptimeintomomentswespatialiseit

and then finddifficulty ingettingover it.The

truenature of time is reachedwhenwe look

into our deeper self. Real time is life itself

whichcanpreserve itselfbymaintaining that.

particularstateoftension(personality)whichit

hasso farachieved.Wearesubject to timeso

long as we look upon time as something

spatial. Spatialised time is a fetterwhich life

has forged for itself inorder toassimilate the

present environment. In reality we are

timeless, and it is possible to realise our

timelessness even in this life.This revelation,

however,canbemomentaryonly.

Theeducationoftheego

Theegoisfortifiedbylove.Thiswordisused

inaverywide senseandmeans thedesire to

assimilate, to absorb. Its highest form is the

creation of values and ideals and the

endeavourtorealisethem.Loveindividualises

the loveraswellas thebeloved.Theeffort to

realise the most unique individuality

individualises the seeker and implies the

individualityof

the

sought,

for

nothing

else

wouldsatisfythenatureoftheseeker.Aslove

fortifies theego,askingweakens it.All that is

achievedwithoutpersonaleffortcomesunder

asking.Thesonofarichmanwho inheritshis

fatherswealth is an asker, orbeggar; so is

everyonewho thinks the thoughtsof others.

Thus, in order to fortify the ego we should

cultivate love, i.e. the power of assimilative

action, and avoid all forms of asking, i.e.

inaction. The lesson of assimilative action is

givenby the life of theProphet, at least to a

Mohammedan. In anotherpartof thepoem I

havehintedatthegeneralprinciplesofMuslim

ethicsandhavetriedtorevealtheirmeaningin

connexion with the idea of personality. The

ego in itsmovement towardsuniquenesshas

topassthroughthreestages:

(a)ObediencetotheLaw

(b)Selfcontrol,whichisthehighestformof

selfconsciousnessoregohood

(c)Divinevicegerency

Thisdivinevicegerencyisthethirdandlast

stage of human development on earth. The

vicegerent is the vicegerent ofGod on earth.

He is the completest ego, the goal of

humanity,5 theacmeof lifeboth inmindand

body; in him the discord of ourmental life

becomes a harmony. This highest power is

united inhimwith thehighestknowledge. In

hislife,thoughtandaction,instinctandreason,

becomeone.He is the last fruitof the treeof

humanity, and all the trials of a painful

evolutionarejustifiedbecauseheistocomeat

the end.He is the real ruler ofmankind; his

kingdomisthekingdomofGodonearth.Out

of the richness of his nature he lavishes the

wealth of life on others, and brings them

nearer and nearer to himself. The more we

advanceinevolution,thenearerwegettohim.

Inapproachinghimweareraisingourselvesin

thescaleoflife.Thedevelopmentofhumanity

both in mind and body is a condition

precedent tohisbirth.For thepresenthe isa

mere ideal;but the evolution of humanity is

tending towards the production of an ideal

race ofmore or less unique individualswho

will become his fitting parents. Thus theKingdom of God on earth means the

democracyofmoreorlessuniqueindividuals,

presided overby themostunique individual

possibleonthisearth.Nietzschehadaglimpse

of this ideal race, but his atheism and

aristocratic prejudices marred his whole

conception.6

5Manalreadypossessesthegermofvicegerencyas

GodsaysintheQuran(ch.2.v.28):Lo!Iwill

appointakhalifa

(vicegerent)

on

the

earth.

6NicholsonsNoteWritingofMuslim

DemocracyinTheNewEra,1916,p.251,Iqbalsays:

TheDemocracyofEuropeovershadowedby

socialisticagitationandanarchicalfearoriginated

mainlyintheeconomicregenerationofEuropean

societies.Nietzsche,however,abhorsthisruleof

theherdand,hopelessoftheplebeian,hebasesall

highercultureonthecultivationandgrowthofan

AristocracyofSupermen.Butistheplebeianso


4/30


SECRETSOFTHESELF

Butyesterevealampinhand7

TheShaykhdidallthecityspan,

Sickof

mere

ghosts

he

sought

aman,

Butcouldfindnoneinalltheland.

IRustamoraHyderseek

Imsickofsnails,amsick,hesaid,

Theresnone,saidI.Heshookhishead,

Theresnonelikethem,butstillIseek.

Rumi

PrologueWhentheworldillumingsunrushedupon

Nightlikeabrigand,

Myweepingbedewedthefaceoftherose.

Mytearswashedawaysleepfromtheeyeof

thenarcissus,

Mypassionwakenedthegrassandmadeit

grow.

TheGardenertriedthepowerofmysong,

Hesowedmyverseandreapedasword.

Inthesoilheplantedonlytheseedofmy

tears

Andwovemylamentwiththegarden,as

warpandwoof.

ThoIambutamote,theradiantsunismine:Withinmybosomareahundreddawns.

MydustisbrighterthanJamshidscup

Itknowsthingsthatareyetunborninthe

world.

absolutelyhopeless?TheDemocracyofIslamdid

notgrowoutoftheextensionofeconomic

opportunity;itisaspiritualprinciplebasedonthe

assumptionthateveryhumanbeingisacentreof

latentpower,

the

possibilities

of

which

can

be

developedbycultivatingacertaintypeof

character.OutoftheplebeianmaterialIslamhas

formedmenofthenoblesttypeoflifeandpower.

Isnot,then,theDemocracyofearlyIslaman

experimentalrefutationoftheideasofNietzsche?7Theversifiedtranslationofthequotationfrom

RumiistakenfromShaikhMahmudHusain.

Strangely,Nicholsonomitteditalthoughhewas

bestknownasRumistranslator.

Mythoughthunteddownandslungfromthe

saddleadeer

Thathasnotyetleapedforthfromthecovert

ofnonexistence.

Fairismygardenereyettheleavesaregreen:

Unbornrosesarehiddenintheskirtofmy

garment.

Istruckdumbthemusicianswheretheywere

gatheredtogether,

Ismotetheheartstringoftheuniverse,

Becausetheluteofmygeniushatharare

melody:

Eventocomradesmysongisstrange.

Iambornintheworldasanewsun,

Ihavenotlearnedthewaysandfashionsof

thesky

Notyethavethestarsfledbeforemy

splendour,Notyetismyquicksilverastir;

Untouchedistheseabymydancingrays,

Untouchedarethemountainsbymycrimson

hue.

Theeyeofexistenceisnotfamiliarwithme;

Irisetrembling,afraidtoshowmyself.

FromtheEastmydawnarrivedandrouted

Night,

Afreshdewsettledontheroseoftheworld.

Iamwaitingforthevotariesthatriseatdawn;

Oh,happy

they

who

shall

worship

my

fire!

IhavenoneedoftheearofToday,

IamthevoiceofthepoetofTomorrow.

Myownagedoesnotunderstandmydeep

meanings,

MyJosephisnotforthismarket.

Idespairofmyoldcompanions,

MySinaiburnsforsakeoftheMoseswhois

coming.

Theirseaissilent,likedew,

Butmydewisstormridden,liketheocean.

My

song

is

of

another

world

than

theirs:

Thisbellcallsothertravellerstotaketheroad.

Manyapoetwasbornafterhisdeath,

Openedoureyeswhenhisownwereclosed,

Andjourneyedforthagainfromnothingness,

Likerosesblossomingoertheearthofhis

grave.

Albeitcaravanshavepassedthroughthis

desert,


5/30

Secrets&Mysteries7

Theypassed,asacamelsteps,withlittle

sound.

ButIamalover:loudcryingismyfaith

TheclamourofJudgmentDayisoneofmy

minions.

Mysongexceedstherangeofthechord,

YetIdonotfearthatmylutewillbreak.

Twerebetterforthewaterdropnottoknow

mytorrent,

Whosefuryshouldrathermaddenthesea.

NoriverwillcontainmyOman.

Myfloodrequireswholeseastoholdit.

Unlessthebudexpandintoabedofroses,

Itisunworthyofmyspringcloudsbounty.

Lightningsslumberwithinmysoul,

Isweepovermountainandplain.

Wrestlewithmysea,ifthouartaplain;

ReceivemylightningifthouartaSinai.TheFountainofLifehathbeengivenmeto

drink.

Ihavebeenmadeanadeptofthemysteryof

Life.

Thespeckofdustwasvitalisedbymy

burningsong:

Itunfoldedwingsandbecameafirefly.

NoonehathtoldthesecretwhichIwilltell

Orthreadedapearlofthoughtlikemine.

Come,ifthouwouldstknowthesecretof

everlastinglife

Come,ifthouwouldstwinbothearthand

heaven.

Heaventaughtmethislore,

Icannothideitfromcomrades.

OSakiariseandpourwineintothecup!

ClearthevexationofTimefrommyheart

ThesparklingliquorthatflowsfromZemzem

Wereabeggartoworshipit,hewould

becomeaking.

Itmakesthoughtmoresoberandwise,it

makesthekeeneyekeener,Itgivestoastrawtheweightofamountain,

Andtofoxesthestrengthoflions.

ItcausesdusttosoartothePleiades

Andadropofwaterswelltothebreadthof

thesea.

ItturnssilenceintothedinofJudgmentDay,

Itmakesthefootofthepartridgeredwith

bloodofthehawk.

Ariseandpourpurewineintomycup,

Pourmoonbeamsintothedarknightofmy

thought,

ThatImayleadhomethewanderer

Andimbuetheidlelookeronwithrestless

impatience;

Andadvancehotlyonanewquest

Andbecomeknownasthechampionofanew

spirit;

Andbetopeopleofinsightasthepupiltothe

eye,

Andsinkintotheearoftheworld,likea

voice;

AndexalttheworthofPoesy

Andsprinklethedryherbswithmytears.

InspiredbythegeniusoftheMasterofRum.Ireherarsethesealedbookofsecretlore.

Hissoulistheflamingfurnace,

Iambutasthesparkthatgleamsfora

moment.

Hisburningcandleconsumedme,themoth;

Hiswineoverwhelmedmygoblet.

ThemasterofRumtransmutedmyearthto

gold

Andsetmyashesaflame.

Thegrainofsandsetforthfromthedesert,

Thatit

might

win

the

radiance

of

the

sun.

IamawaveandIwillcometorestinhissea,

ThatImaymaketheglisteningpearlmine

own.

Iwhoamdrunkenwiththewineofhissong

Drawlifefromthebreathofhiswords,

Twasnight:myheartwouldfainlament.

ThesilencewasfilledwithmycriestoGod.

Iwascomplainingofthesorrowsoftheworld

Andbewailingtheemptinessofmycup.

Atlastmineeyecouldendurenomore,

Brokenwithfatigueitwenttosleep.ThereappearedtheMaster,formedinthe

mouldofTruth,

WhowrotetheQuraninPersian.

Hesaid,Ofrenziedlover,

Takeadraughtoflovespurewine.

Strikethechordsofthineheartandrousea

tumultuousstrain.


6/30


Dashthineheadagainstthegobletandthine

eyeagainstthelancet!

Makethylaughterthesourceofahundred

sighs.

Maketheheartsofmenbleedwiththytears

Howlongwiltthoubesilent,likeabud?

Sellthyfragrancecheap,liketherose!

Tonguetied,thouartinpain:

Castthyselfuponthefire,likerue!

Likethebell,breaksilenceatlast,andfrom

everylimb.

Utterforthalamentation!

Thouartfire:filltheworldwiththyglow!

Makeothersburnwiththyburning!

Proclaimthesecretsoftheoldwineseller;

Bethouasurgeofwine,andthecrystalcup

thyrobe!

Shatterthemirroroffear,Breakthebottlesinthebazaar

Likethereedflute,bringamessagefromthe

reedbed

GivetoMajnunamessagefromthetribeof

Layla!

Createanewstyleforthysong,

Enrichtheassemblywiththypiercingstrains!

Up,andreinspireeverylivingsoul

Say Arise! andbythatwordquickenthe

living!

Up,and

set

thy

feet

on

another

path;

Putasidethepassionatemelancholyofold!

Becomefamiliarwiththedelightofsinging;

Bellofthecaravan,awake!

Atthesewordsmybosomwasenkindled

Andswelledwithemotionliketheflute;

Iroselikemusicfromthestring

ToprepareaParadisefortheear.

Iunveiledthemysteryoftheself

Anddiscloseditswondroussecret.

Mybeingwasanunfinishedstatue,

Uncomely,worthless,goodfornothing.

Lovechiselledme:Ibecameaman.

Andgainedknowledgeofthenatureofthe

universe.

Ihaveseenthemovementofthesinewsofthe

sky.

Andthebloodcoursingintheveinsofthe

moon.

ManyanightIweptforManssake

ThatImightteartheveilfromLifes

mysteries.

AndextractthesecretofLifesconstitution

Fromthelaboratoryofphenomena.

Iwhogivebeautytothisnight,likethemoon,

AmasdustindevotiontothepureFaith

(Islam)

AFaithrenownedinhillanddale.

Whichkindlesinmensheartsaflameof

undyingsong:

Itsowedanatomandreapedasun,

ItharvestedahundredpoetslikeRumiand

Attar.

Iamasigh:Iwillmounttotheheavens;

Iambutsmoke,yetamIsprungoffire.

Drivenonwardbyhighthoughts,mypen

Castabroadthesecretbehindthisveil,Thatthedropmaybecomecoequalwiththe

sea

AndthegrainofsandgrowintoaSahara.

Poetisingisnottheaimofthismathnavi.

Beautyworshippingandlovemakingisnot

itsaim.

IamofIndia:Persianisnotmynativetongue;

Iamlikethecrescentmoon:mycupisnot

full.

Donotseekfrommecharmofstylein

exposition.

DonotseekfrommeKhansarandIsfahan.

AlthoughthelanguageofHindissweetas

sugar,

YetsweeteristhefashionofPersianspeech.

Mymindwasenchantedbyitsloveliness,

MypenbecameasatwigoftheBurning

Bush.

Becauseoftheloftinessofmythoughts,

Persianaloneissuitabletothem.

OReader,donotfindfaultwiththewinecup,

But

consider

attentively

the

taste

of

the

wine.


7/30

Secrets&Mysteries9

Showingthatthesystemoftheuniverse

originatesintheselfandthatthe

continuationofthelifeofallindividuals

dependsonstrengtheningtheself

Theform

of

existence

is

an

effect

of

the

self,

Whatsoeverthouseestisasecretoftheself.

Whentheselfawoketoconsciousness,

ItrevealedtheuniverseofThought.

Ahundredwordsarehiddeninitsessence:

Selfaffirmationbringsnotselftolight.

Bytheselftheseedofoppositionissownin

theworld:

Itimaginesitselftobeotherthanitself

Itmakesfromitselftheformsofothers

Inordertomultiplythepleasureofstrife.

Itisslayingbythestrengthofitsarm

Thatitmaybecomeconsciousofitsown

strength.

ItsselfdeceptionsaretheessenceofLife;

Liketherose,itlivesbybathingitselfin

blood.

Forthesakeofasingleroseitdestroysa

hundredrosegardens

Andmakesahundredlamentationsinquest

ofasinglemelody.

Foroneskyitproducesahundrednew

moons,

Andforonewordahundreddiscourses.Theexcuseforthiswastefulnessandcruelty

Istheshapingandperfectingofspiritual

beauty.

ThelovelinessofShirinjustifiestheanguish

ofFarhad.

Onefragrantnaveljustifiesahundred

muskdeer.

Tisthefateofmothstoconsumeinflame:

Thesufferingofmothsisjustifiedbythe

candle.

Thepencil

of

the

self

limned

ahundred

todays

Inordertoachievethedawnofasingle

morrow.

ItsflamesburnedahundredAbrahams

ThatthelampofoneMuhammadmightbe

lighted.

Subject,object,means,andcauses

Alltheseareformswhichitassumesforthe

purposeofaction.

Theselfrises,kindles,falls,glows,breathes,

Burns,shines,walks,andflies.

ThespaciousnessofTimeisitsarena,

Heavenisabillowofthedustontheroad.

Fromitsroseplantingtheworldaboundsin

roses;

Nightisbornofitssleep,dayspringsfromits

waking.

Itdivideditsflameintosparks

Andtaughttheunderstandingtoworship

particulars.

Itdissolveditselfandcreatedtheatoms

Itwasscatteredforalittlewhileandcreated

sands.

Thenitweariedofdispersion

Andbyreunitingitselfitbecamethemountains.

Tisthenatureoftheselftomanifestitself

Ineveryatomslumbersthemightoftheself.

Powerthatisunexpressedandinert

Chainsthefacultieswhichleadtoaction.

Inasmuchasthelifeoftheuniversecomes

fromthepoweroftheself,

Lifeisinproportiontothispower.

Whenadropofwatergetstheselfslessonby

heart,

Itmakesitsworthlessexistenceapearl.

Wineisformlessbecauseitsselfisweak;

Itreceivesaformbyfavourofthecup.

Althoughthecupofwineassumesaform,

Itisindebtedtousforitsmotion.

Whenthemountainlosesitsself,itturnsinto

sands

Andcomplainsthattheseasurgesoverit;

Thewave,solongasitremainsawaveinthe

seasbosom,

Makesitselfriderontheseasback.

LighttransformeditselfintoaneyeAndmovedtoandfroinsearchofbeauty;

Whenthegrassfoundameansofgrowthin

itsself,

Itsaspirationclovethebreastofthegarden.

Thecandletooconcatenateditself

Andbuiltitselfoutofatoms;


8/30


Thenitmadeapracticeofmeltingitselfaway

andfledfromitsself

Untilatlastittrickleddownfromitsowneye,

liketears.

Ifthebezelhadbeenmoreselfsecureby

nature,

Itwouldnothavesufferedwounds,

Butsinceitderivesitsvaluefromthe

superscription,

Itsshoulderisgalledbytheburdenof

anothersname.

Becausetheearthisfirmlybasedonitsself,

Thecaptivemoongoesrounditperpetually.

Thebeingofthesunisstrongerthanthatof

theearth:

Thereforeistheearthfascinatedbythesuns

eye.

Thegloryoftheredbirchfixesourgaze,Themountainsareenrichedbyitsmajesty

Itsraimentiswovenoffire,

Itsoriginisoneselfassertiveseed.

WhenLifegathersstrengthfromtheself,

TheriverofLifeexpandsintoanocean.

Showingthatthelifeoftheselfcomes

fromformingidealsandbringingthemto

birth

Lifeis

preserved

by

purpose:

Becauseofthegoalitscaravanbelltinkles.

Lifeislatentinseeking,

Itsoriginishiddenindesire.

Keepdesirealiveinthyheart,

Lestthylittledustbecomeatomb.

Desireisthesoulofthisworldofhueand

scent,

Thenatureofeverythingisastorehouseof

desire.

Desiresetstheheartdancinginthebreast,

Andbyitsglowthebreastismadebrightasa

mirror.

Itgivestoearththepowerofsoaring,

ItisaKhizrtotheMosesofperception.

Fromtheflameofdesirethehearttakeslife,

Andwhenittakeslife,alldiesthatisnottrue.

Whenitrefrainsfromformingdesires,

Itspinionbreaksanditcannotsoar.

Desirekeepstheselfinperpetualuproar:

Itisarestlesswaveoftheselfssea.

Desireisanooseforhuntingideals,

Abinderofthebookofdeeds.

Negationofdesireisdeathtotheliving,

Evenasabsenceofheatextinguishesthe

flame.

Whatisthesourceofourwakefuleye?

Ourdelightinseeinghathtakenvisibleshape.

Thepartridgeslegisderivedfromthe

eleganceofitsgait,

Thenightingalesbeakfromitsendeavourto

sing.

Awayfromtheseedbed,thereedbecame

happy:

Themusicwasreleasedfromitsprison.

Whatistheessenceofthemindthatstrives

afternewdiscoveriesandscalesthe

heavens?Knowestthouwhatworksthismiracle?

TisdesirethatenrichesLife,

Andthemindisachildofitswomb.

Whataresocialorganisation,customsand

laws?

Whatisthesecretofthenoveltiesofscience?

Adesirewhichrealiseditselfbyitsown

strength

Andburstforthfromtheheartandtook

shape.

Nose,hand,

brain,

eye,

and

ear,

Thought,imagination,feeling,memory,and

understanding

AlltheseareweaponsdevisedbyLifefor

selfpreservation

Initsceaselessstruggle.

Theobjectofscienceandartisnot

knowledge,

Theobjectofthegardenisnotthebudand

theflower.

Scienceisaninstrumentforthepreservation

of

Life,

Scienceisameansofinvigoratingtheself.

ScienceandartareservantsofLife,

Slavesbornandbredinitshouse.

Rise,OthouwhoartstrangetoLife s

mystery,

Riseintoxicatedwiththewineofanideal:

Anidealshiningasthedawn,

AblazingfiretoallthatisotherthanGod;


9/30

Secrets&Mysteries11

AnidealhigherthanHeaven

Winning,captivating,enchantingmens

hearts,

Adestroyerofancientfalsehood,

Fraughtwithturmoil,andembodimentofthe

LastDay.

Welivebyformingideals,

Weglowwiththesunbeamsofdesire!

Showingthattheselfisstrengthenedby

love

Theluminouspointwhosenameistheself

Isthelifesparkbeneathourdust.

ByLoveitismademorelasting,

Moreliving,moreburning,moreglowing.

FromLoveproceedstheradianceofitsbeing.

Andthedevelopmentofitsunknownpossibilities.

ItsnaturegathersfirefromLove,

Loveinstructsittoilluminetheworld.

Lovefearsneitherswordnordagger,

Loveisnotbornofwaterandairandearth.

Lovemakespeaceandwarintheworld,

LoveistheFountainofLife,Loveisthe

flashingswordofDeath.

ThehardestrocksareshiveredbyLoves

glance:

Love

of

God

at

last

becomes

wholly

God.

Learnthoutolove,andseekabeloved:

SeekaneyelikeNoahs,aheartlikeJobs!

Transmutethyhandfulofearthintogold,

KissthethresholdofaPerfectMan!

LikeRumi,lightthecandle

AndburnRuminthefireofTabriz!

Thereisabelovedhiddenwithinthineheart:

Iwillshowhimtothee,ifthouhasteyesto

see.

Hisloversarefairerthanthefair,

Sweeterandcomelierandmorebeloved.

Byloveofhimtheheartismadestrong

AndearthrubsshoulderswiththePleiades.

ThesoilofNajdwasquickenedbyhisgrace

Andfellintoaraptureandrosetotheskies.

IntheMuslim sheartisthehomeof

Muhammad,

Allourgloryisfromthenameof

Muhammad.

Sinaiisbutaneddyofthedustofhishouse,

HisdwellingplaceisasanctuarytotheKaba

itself.

Eternityislessthanamomentofhistime,

Eternityreceivesincreasefromhisessence.

Hesleptonamatofrushes,

ButthecrownofChosroeswasunderhis

peoplesfeet.

HechosethenightlysolitudeofMountHira,

Andhefoundedastateandlawsand

government.

Hepassedmanyanightwithsleeplesseyes

InorderthattheMuslimsmightsleeponthe

throneofPersia.

Inthehourofbattle,ironwasmeltedbythe

fashofhissword;

Inthehourofprayer,tearsfelllikerainfrom

hiseye.WhenheprayedforDivinehelp,hissword

answeredAmen

Andextirpatedtheraceofkings.

Heinstitutednewlawsintheworld,

Hebroughttheempiresofantiquitytoan

end.

Withthekeyofreligionheopenedthedoorof

thisworld:

Thewomboftheworldneverborehislike.

Inhissighthighandlowwereone,

Hesat

with

his

slave

at

one

table.

ThedaughterofthechieftainofTaiwastaken

prisonerinbattle

Andbroughtintothatexaltedpresence;

Herfeetinchains,unveiled,

Andherneckbowedwithshame.

WhentheProphetsawthatthepoorgirlhad

noveil,

Hecoveredherfacewithhisownmantle.

WearemorenakedthanthatladyofTai,

Weareunveiledbeforethenationsofthe

world.

InhimisourtrustontheDayofJudgement,

Andinthisworldtooheisourprotector.

Bothhisfavourandhiswrathareentirelya

mercy:

Thatisamercytohisfriendsandthistohis

foes.

Heopenedthegateofmercytohisenemies,


10/30


HegavetoMakkahthemessage,Nopenalty

shallbelaiduponyou.

Wewhoknownotthebondsofcountry

Resemblesight,whichisonethoughitbethe

lightoftwoeyes.

WebelongtotheHijazandChinaandPersia,

Yetwearethedewofonesmilingdawn.

Weareallunderthespelloftheeyeofthe

cupbearerfromMakkah,

Weareunitedaswineandcup.

Heburntcleanawaydistinctionsoflineage,

Hisfireconsumedthistrashandrubble.

Wearelikearosewithmanypetalsbutwith

oneperfume:

Heisthesoulofthissociety,andheisone

Wearethesecretconcealedinhisheart:

Hespakeoutfearlessly,andwewere

revealed.Thesongofloveforhimfillsmysilentreed,

Ahundrednotesthrobinmybosom.

HowshallItellwhatdevotionheinspires?

Ablockofdrywoodweptatpartingfrom

him.

TheMuslimsbeingiswherehemanifestshis

glory:

ManyaSinaispringsfromthedustonhis

path.

Myimagewascreatedbyhismirror,

Mydawn

rises

from

the

sun

of

his

breast.

Myreposeisaperpetualfever,

Myeveninghotterthanthemorningof

JudgmentDay:

HeistheAprilcloudandIhisgarden,

Myvineisbedewedwithhisrain.

ItsowedmineeyeinthefieldofLove

Andreapedaharvestofvision.

ThesoilofMedinaissweeterthanboth

worlds:

Oh,happythetownwheredwellthe

Beloved!

IamlostinadmirationofthestyleofMulla

Jami:

Hisverseandprosearearemedyformy

immaturity.

Hehaswrittenpoetryoverflowingwith

beautifulideas;

Andhasthreadedpearlsinpraiseofthe

Master

Muhammadistheprefacetothebookofthe

universe:

Alltheworldsareslavesandheisthe

Master.

FromthewineofLovespringmanyspiritual

qualities:AmongsttheattributesofLoveisblind

devotion.

ThesaintofBistam,whoindevotionwas

unique,

Abstainedfromeatingawatermelon.

Bealoverconstantindevotiontothy

beloved,

Thatthoumaystcastthynoseandcapture

God.

SojournforawhileontheHiraoftheheart.

Abandonself

and

flee

to

God.

StrengthenedbyGod,returntothyself

AndbreaktheheadsoftheLatandUzzaof

sensuality.

BythemightofLoveevokeanarmy

RevealthyselfontheFaranofLove,

ThattheLordoftheKabamayshowthee

favour

Andmaketheetheobjectofthetext,Lo,I

willappointavicegerentontheearth.

Showingthattheselfisweakenedby

asking

Othouwhohastgatheredtaxesfromlions,

Thyneedhathcausedtheetobecomeafoxin

disposition.

Thymaladiesaretheresultofindigence:

Thisdiseaseisthesourceofthypain.

Itisrobbingthinehighthoughtsoftheir

dignity

Andputtingoutthelightofthynoble

imagination.

Quaffrosy

wine

from

the

jar

of

existence!

SnatchthymoneyfromthepurseofTime!

LikeOmar,comedownfromthycamel!

Bewareofincurringobligations,beware!

Howlongwiltthousueforoffice

Andridelikechildrenonareed?

Anaturethatfixesitsgazeonthesky

Becomesdebasedbyreceivingbenefits.


11/30

Secrets&Mysteries13

Byasking,povertyismademoreabject;

Bybegging,thebeggarismadepoorer.

Askingdisintegratestheself

AnddeprivesofilluminationtheSinaibush

oftheself.

Donotscatterthyhandfulofdust;

Likethemoon,scrapefoodfromthineown

side!

Albeitthouartpoorandwretched

Andoverwhelmedbyaffliction,

Seeknotthydailybreadfromthebountyof

another,

Seeknotwaterfromthefountainofthesun,

LestthoubeputtoshamebeforetheProphet

OntheDaywheneverysoulshallbestricken

withfear.

Themoongetssustenancefromthetableof

thesunAndbearsthebrandofhisbountyonher

heart.

PrayGodforcourage!WrestlewithFortune!

Donotsullythehonourofthepurereligion!

Hewhoswepttherubbishofidolsoutofthe

Kaba

SaidthatGodlovesamanthatearnshis

living.

Woetohimthatacceptsbountyfrom

anotherstable

Andlets

his

neck

be

bent

with

benefits!

Hehathconsumedhimselfwiththelightning

ofthefavoursbestowedonhim,

Hehathsoldhishonourforapaltrycoin.

Happythemanwhothirstinginthesun

DoesnotcraveofKhizracupofwater!

Hisbrowisnotmoistwiththeshameof

beggary;

Heisamanstill,notapieceofclay,

Thatnobleyouthwalksunderheaven

Withhisheaderectlikethepine.

Are

his

hands

empty?

The

more

is

he

master

ofhimself.

Dohisfortuneslanguish?Themorealertis

he.

Awholeocean,ifgainedbybeggingisbuta

seaoffire;

Sweetisalittledewgatheredbyonesown

hand.

Beamanofhonour,andlikethebubble

Keepthecupinvertedeveninthemidstofthe

sea!

Showingthatwhentheselfis

strengthenedbyloveitgainsdominion

overtheoutwardandinwardforcesoftheuniverse

WhentheselfismadestrongbyLove

Itspowerrulesthewholeworld.

TheHeavenlySagewhoadornedtheskywith

stars

Pluckedthesebudsfromtheboughoftheself.

ItshandbecomesGodshand,

Themoonissplitbyitsfingers.

Itisthearbitratorinallthequarrelsofthe

world,

ItscommandisobeyedbyDariusand

Jamshid.

IwilltelltheeastoryofBuAli,

WhosenameisrenownedinIndia,

Himwhosangoftheancientrosegarden

Anddiscoursedtousaboutthelovelyrose:

Theairofhisflutteringskirt

MadeaParadiseofthisfireborncountry.

Hisyoungdisciplewentonedaytothe

bazaar

ThewineofBuAlisdiscoursehadturnedhis

head.Thegovernorofthecitywascomingalongon

horseback,

Hisservantandstaffbearerrodebesidehim.

Theforerunnershouted,Osenselessone,

Donotgetinthewayofthegovernors

escort!

Butthedervishwalkedonwithdrooping

head,

Sunkintheseaofhisownthoughts.

Thestaffbearer,drunkenwithpride,

Brokehis

staff

on

the

head

of

the

dervish.

Whosteppedpainfullyoutofthegovernors

way.

Sadandsorry,withaheavyheart.

HecametoBuAliandcomplained

Andreleasedthetearsfromhiseyes.

Likelightningthatfallsonmountains,


12/30


TheShaykhpouredforthafierytorrentof

speech.

Heletloosefromhissoulastrangefire,

Hegaveanordertohissecretary:

Takethypenandwritealetter

Fromadervishtoasultan!

Say, Thygovernorhasbrokenmyservants

head;

Hehascastburningcoalsonhisownlife.

Arrestthiswickedgovernor,

OrelseIwillbestowthykingdomonanother.

TheletterofthesaintwhohadaccesstoGod

Causedthemonarchtotrembleineverylimb.

Hisbodywasfilledwithaches,

Hegrewaspaleastheeveningsun.

Hesoughtoutahandcuffforthegovernor

AndentreatedBuAlitopardonthisoffence.

Khusrau,thesweetvoicedeloquentpoet,Whoseharmoniesflowfromthemind

Andwhosegeniushaththesoftbrillianceof

moonlight,

Waschosentobethekingsambassador.

WhenheenteredBuAlispresenceand

playedhislute,

Hissongmeltedthefakirssoullikeglass.

OnestrainofPoesyboughtthegrace

Ofakingdomthatwasfirmasamountain.

Donotwoundtheheartofdervishes,

Donot

throw

thyself

into

burning

fire!

Ataleofwhichthemoralisthatnegation

oftheselfisadoctrineinventedbythe

subjectracesofmankindinorderthatby

thismeanstheymaysapandweakenthe

characteroftheirrulers

Hastthouheardthatinthetimeofold

Thesheepdwellinginacertainpasture

Soincreasedandmultiplied

Thatthey

feared

no

enemy?

Atlast,fromthemaliceofFate,

Theirbreastsweresmittenbyashaftof

calamity.

Thetigerssprangforthfromthejungle

Andrusheduponthesheepfold.

Conquestanddominionaresignsofstrength,

Victoryisthemanifestationofstrength.

Thosefiercetigersbeatthedrumof

sovereignty,

Theydeprivedthesheepoffreedom.

Forasmuchastigersmusthavetheirprey,

Thatmeadowwascrimsonedwiththeblood

ofthesheep.

Oneofthesheepwhichwascleverandacute,

Oldinyears,cunningasaweatherbeaten

wolf,

Beinggrievedatthefateofhisfellows

Andsorelyvexedbytheviolenceofthetigers,

MadecomplaintofthecourseofDestiny

Andsoughtbycrafttorestorethefortunesof

hisrace.

Theweak,inordertopreservethemselves,

Seekdevicefromskilledintelligence.

Inslavery,forthesakeofrepellingharm,

Thepowerofschemingbecomesquickened.Andwhenthemadnessofrevengegains

hold,

Themindoftheslavemeditatesrebellion.

Oursisahardknot, saidthissheepto

himself,

Theoceanofourgriefshathnoshore,

Byforcewesheepcannotescapefromthe

tiger:

Ourlegsaresilver,hispawsaresteel.

Tisnotpossible,howevermuchoneexhorts

andcounsels.

Tocreateinasheepthedispositionofawolf.

Buttomakethefurioustigerasheepthatis

possible:

Tomakehimunmindfulofhisnaturethatis

possible.

Hebecameasaprophetinspired,

Andbegantopreachtothebloodthirsty

tigers.

Hecriedout,Oyeinsolentliars,

Whowotnotofadayofillluckthatshall

continue

for

ever!

Iampossessedofspiritualpower,

IamanapostlesentbyGodforthetigers.

Icomeasalightfortheeyethatisdark,

Icometoestablishlawsandgive

commandments.

Repentofyourblameworthydeeds!

Oplottersofevil,bethinkyourselvesofgood!

Whosoisviolentandstrongismiserable:


13/30

Secrets&Mysteries15

Lifessoliditydependsonselfdenial.

Thespiritoftherighteousisfedbyfodder:

ThevegetarianispleasinguntoGod.

Thesharpnessofyourteethbringsdisgrace

uponyou

Andmakestheeyeofyourperceptionblind.

Paradiseisfortheweakalone,

Strengthisbutameanstoperdition.

Itiswickedtoseekgreatnessandglory,

Penuryissweeterthanprincedom.

Lightningdoesnotthreatenthecornseed:

Iftheseedbecomeastack,itisunwise.

Ifyouaresensible,youwillbeamoteofsand,

notaSahara,

Sothatyoumayenjoythesunbeams.

Othouthatdelightestintheslaughterof

sheep,

Slaythyself,andthouwilthavehonour!Lifeisrenderedunstable

Byviolence,oppression,revenge,andexercise

ofpower.

Thoughtroddenunderfoot,thegrassgrows

uptimeaftertime

Andwashesthesleepofdeathfromitseye

againandagain.

Forgetthyself,ifthouartwise!

Ifthoudostnotforgetthyself,thouartmad.

Closethineeyes,closethineears,closethy

lips,

Thatthythoughtmayreachtheloftysky!

Thispasturageoftheworldisnaught,naught:

Ofool,donottormentthyphantom!

Thetigertribewasexhaustedbyhard

struggles,

Theyhadsettheirheartsonenjoymentof

luxury.

Thissoporificadvicepleasedthem,

Intheirstupiditytheyswallowedthecharm

ofthesheep.

He

that

used

to

make

sheep

his

prey

Nowembracedasheepsreligion.

Thetigerstookkindlytoadietoffodder:

Atlengththeirtigerishnaturewasbroken.

Thefodderbluntedtheirteeth

Andputouttheawfulflashingsoftheireyes.

Bydegreescourageebbedfromtheirbreasts,

Thesheendepartedfrommirror.

Thatfrenzyofuttermostexertionremained

not,

Thatcravingafteractiondweltintheirhearts

nomore.

Theylostthepowerofrulingandthe

resolutiontobeindependent,

Theylostreputation,prestige,andfortune.

Theirpawsthatwereasironbecame

strengthless;

Theirsoulsdiedandtheirbodiesbecame

tombs.

Bodilystrengthdiminishedwhilespiritual

fearincreased;

Spiritualfearrobbedthemofcourage.

Lackofcourageproducedahundred

diseases

Poverty,pusillanimity,lowmindedness.

Thewakefultigerwaslulledtoslumberbythesheepscharm

HecalledhisdeclineMoralCulture.

TotheeffectthatPlato,whosethoughthas

deeplyinfluencedthemysticismand

literatureofIslam,followedthesheeps

doctrine,andthatwemustbeonour

guardagainsthistheories

Plato,theprimeasceticandsage

Wasoneofthatancientflockofsheep.HisPegasuswentastrayinthedarknessof

idealism

Anddroppeditsshoeamidsttherocksof

actuality.

Hewassofascinatedbytheinvisible

Thathemadehand,eye,andearofno

account.

Todie,saidhe,isthesecretofLife:

Thecandleisglorifiedbybeingputout.

Hedominatesourthinking,

Hiscup

sends

us

to

sleep

and

takes

the

sensibleworldawayfromus.

Heisasheepinmansclothing,

ThesouloftheSufibowstohisauthority.

Hesoaredwithhisintellecttothehighest

heaven

Andcalledtheworldofphenomenaamyth.


14/30


Twashisworktodissolvethestructureof

Life

AndcuttheboughofLifesfairtreeasunder.

ThethoughtofPlatoregardedlossasprofit,

Hisphilosophydeclaredthatbeingis

notbeing.

Hisnaturedrowsedandcreatedadream

Hismindseyecreatedamirage.

Sincehewaswithoutanytasteforaction,

Hissoulwasenrapturedbythenonexistent.

Hedisbelievedinthematerialuniverse

AndbecamethecreatorofinvisibleIdeas.

Sweetistheworldofphenomenatotheliving

spirit,

DearistheworldofIdeastothedeadspirit:

Itsgazelleshavenograveofmovement,

Itspartridgesaredeniedthepleasureof

walkingdaintily.Itsdewdropsareunabletoquiver,

Itsbirdshavenobreathintheirbreasts,

Itsseeddoesnotdesiretogrow,

Itsmothsdonotknowhowtoflutter.

Ourreclusehadnoremedybutflight:

Hecouldnotendurethenoiseofthisworld.

Hesethisheartontheglowofaquenched

flame

Anddepictedawordsteepedinopium.

Hespreadhiswingstowardsthesky

Andnever

came

down

to

his

nest

again.

Hisfantasyissunkinthejarofheaven:

Iknownotwhetheritisthedregsorbrickof

thewinejar.

Thepeopleswerepoisonedbyhis

intoxication:

Heslumberedandtooknodelightindeeds.

Concerningthetruenatureofpoetryand

reformofIslamicliterature

Tisthebrandofdesiremakesthebloodof

manrunwarm,

Bythelampofdesirethisdustisenkindled.

BydesireLifescupisbrimmedwithwine,

SothatLifeleapstoitsfeetandmarches

brisklyon.

Lifeisoccupiedwithconquestalone,

Andtheonecharmforconquestisdesire.

Lifeisthehunteranddesirethesnare,

DesireisLovesmessagetoBeauty.

Whereforedothdesireswellcontinuously

ThebassandtrebleofLifessong?

Whatsoeverisgoodandfairandbeautiful

Isourguideinthewildernessofseeking.

Itsimagebecomesimpressedonthineheart,

Itcreatesdesiresinthineheart.

Beautyisthecreatorofdesiresspringtide,

DesireisnourishedbythedisplayofBeauty.

TisinthepoetsbreastthatBeautyunveils,

TisfromhisSinaithatBeautysbeamsarise.

Byhislookthefairismadefairer,

ThroughhisenchantmentsNatureismore

beloved.

Fromhislipsthenightingalehathlearnedher

song,

Andhisrougehathbrightenedthecheekof

therose.Tishispassionburnsintheheartofthemoth,

Tishethatlendsglowinghuestolovetales.

Seaandlandarehiddenwithinhiswaterand

clay,

Ahundrednewworldsareconcealedinhis

heart.

Eretulipsblossomedinhisbrain

Therewasheardnonoteofjoyorgrief.

Hismusicbreathesoerusawonderful

enchantment,

Hispen

draws

amountain

with

asingle

hair.

Histhoughtsdwellwiththemoonandthe

stars,

Hecreatesbeautyandknowsnotwhatis

ugly.

HeisaKhizr,andamidsthisdarknessisthe

FountainofLife:

Allthingsthatexistaremademorelivingby

histears.

Heavilywego,likerawnovices,

Stumblingonthewaytothegoal.

His

nightingale

hath

played

a

tune

Andlaidaplottobeguileus.

ThathemayleadusintoLifesParadise,

AndthatLifesbowmaybecomeafullcircle.

Caravansmarchatthesoundofhisbell

Andfollowthevoiceofhispipe;

Whenhiszephyrblowsinourgarden,

Itslowlystealsintothetulipsandroses.

HiswitcherymakesLifedevelopitself


15/30

Secrets&Mysteries17

Andbecomeselfquestioningandimpatient.

Heinvitesthewholeworldtohistable;

Helavisheshisfireasthoughitwerecheapas

air.

Woetoapeoplethatresignsitselftodeath

Andwhosepoetturnsawayfromthejoyof

living!

Hismirrorshowsbeautyasugliness,

Hishoneyleavesahundredstingsinthe

heart.

Hiskissrobstheroseoffreshness,

Hetakesawayfromthenightingalesheart

thejoyofflying.

Thesinewsarerelaxedbyhisopium,

Thoupayestforhissongwiththelife.

Hebereavesthecypressofdelightinits

beauty,

Hiscoldbreathmakesapheasantofthemalefalcon.

Heisafish.andfromthebreastupwarda

man,

LiketheSirensintheocean.

Withhissongheenchantsthepilot

Andcaststheshiptothebottomofthesea.

Hismelodiesstealfirmnessfromthineheart,

Hismagicpersuadestheethatdeathislife.

Hetakesfromthysoulthedesireofexistence,

Heextractsfromthyminetheblushingruby.

Hedresses

gain

in

the

garb

of

loss,

Hemakeseverythingpraiseworthyblameful,

Heplungestheeinaseaofthought

Andmakestheeastrangertoaction.

Heissick,andbyhiswordsoursicknessis

increased

Themorehiscupgoesround,themoresick

aretheythatquaffit.

TherearenolightningrainsinhisApril,

Hisgardenisamirageofcolourandperfume.

HisbeautyhathnodealingswithTruth,

There

are

none

but

flawed

pearls

in

his

sea.

Slumberhedeemedsweeterthanwaking:

Ourfirewasquenchedbyhisbreath.

Bythechantofhisnightingaletheheartwas

poisoned:

Underhisheapofroseslurkedasnake.

Bewareofhisdecanterandcup!

Bewareofhissparklingwine!

Othouwhomhiswinehathlaidlow

Andwholooksttohisglassforthyrising

dawn,

Othouwhosehearthathbeenchilledbyhis

melodies,

Thouhastdrunkdeadlypoisonthroughthe

ear!

Thywayoflifeisaproofofthydegeneracy,

Thestringsofthineinstrumentareoutof

tune,

Tispamperedcasehathmadetheeso

wretched,

AdisgracetoIslamthroughouttheworld.

Onecanbindtheewiththeveinofarose,

Onecanwoundtheewithazephyr.

Lovehathbeenputtoshamebythywailing,

Hisfairpicturehathbeenfouledbythy

brush.Thyillnesshathpaledhischeek,

Thecoldnesshathtakentheglowfromhis

fire.

Heisheartsickfromthyheartsicknesses,

Andenfeebledbythyfeeblenesses.

Hiscupisfullofchildishtears,

Hishouseisfurnishedwithdistressfulsighs.

Heisadrunkardbeggingattaverndoors,

Stealingglimpsesofbeautyfromlattices,

Unhappy,melancholy,injured,

Kickedwell

nigh

to

death

by

the

warder;

Wastedlikeareedbysorrows,

Onhislipsastoreofcomplaintsagainst

Heaven.

Flatteryandspitearethemettleofhismirror,

Helplessnesshiscomradeofold;

Amiserablebasebornunderling

Withoutworthorhopeorobject,

Whoselamentationshavesuckedthemarrow

fromthysoul

Anddrivenoffgentlesleepfromthy

neighbours

eyes.

Alasforalovewhosefireisextinct,

AlovethatwasbornintheHolyPlaceand

diedinthehouseofidols!

Oh,ifthouhastthecoinofpoesyinthypurse,

RubitonthetouchstoneofLife!

Clearseeingthoughtshowsthewaytoaction,

Asthelightningflashprecedesthethunder.


16/30


Itbehovestheetomeditatewellconcerning

literature,

ItbehovestheetogobacktoArabia:

Thoumustneedsgivethinehearttothe

SalmaofAraby,

ThatthemornoftheHijazmayblossomfrom

thenightofKurdistan.

Thouhastgatheredrosesfromthegardenof

Persia

AndseenthespringtideofIndiaandIran:

Nowtastealittleoftheheatofthedesert,

Drinktheoldwineofthedate!

Laythineheadforonceonitshotbreast.

Yieldthybodyawhiletoitsscorchingwind!

Foralongtimethouhastturnedaboutona

bedofsilk:

Nowaccustomthyselftoroughcotton!

ForgenerationsthouhastdancedontulipsAndbathedthycheekindew,liketherose:

Nowthrowthyselfontheburningsand

AndplungeintothefountainofZamzam!

Howlongwiltthoufainlamentlikethe

nightingale?

Howlongmakethineabodeingardens?

Othouwhoseauspicioussnarewoulddo

honourtothePhoenix,

Buildanestonthehighmountains,

Anestembosomedinlightningandthunder,

Loftierthan

eagles

eye,

ThatthoumaystbefitforLifesbattle,

ThatthybodyandsoulmayburninLifes

fire!

Showingthattheeducationoftheselfhas

threestages:obedience,selfcontrol,and

divinevicegerency

1.Obedience

Serviceandtoilaretraitsofthecamel,

Patienceandperseverancearewaysofthecamel.

Noiselesslyhestepsalongthesandytrack,

Heistheshipofthosewhovoyageinthe

desert.

Everythicketknowstheprintofhisfoot:

Heeatsseldom,sleepslittle,andisinuredto

toil.

Hecarriesrider,baggage,andlitter:

Hetrotsonandontothejourneysend,

Rejoicinginhisspeed,

Morepatientintravelthanhisrider,

Thou,too,donotrefusetheburdenofDuty:

Sowiltthouenjoythebestdwellingplace,

whichiswithGod.

Endeavourtoobey,Oheedlessone!

Libertyisthefruitofcompulsion.

Byobediencethemanofnoworthismade

worthy;

Bydisobediencehisfireisturnedtoashes.

Whosowouldmasterthesunandstars,

LethimmakehimselfaprisonerofLaw!

Theairbecomesfragrantwhenitis

imprisonedintheflowerbud;

Theperfumebecomesmuskwhenitis

confinedinthe navelofthemuskdeer.Thestarmovestowardsitsgoal

Withheadbowedinsurrendertoalaw.

Thegrassspringsupinobediencetothelaw

ofgrowth:

Whenitabandonsthat,itistrodden

underfoot.

Toburnunceasinglyisthelawofthetulip.

Andsothebloodleapsinitsveins

Dropsofwaterbecomeaseabythelawof

union,

Andgrains

of

sand

become

aSahara.

SinceLawmakeseverythingstrongwithin,

Whydostthouneglectthissourceofstrength?

Othouthatartemancipatedfromtheold

Custom,

Adornthyfeetoncemorewiththesamefine

silverchain!

DonotcomplainofthehardnessoftheLaw,

DonottransgressthestatutesofMuhammad!

2.SelfControl

Thysoulcaresonlyforitself,likethecamel:

Itisselfconceited,selfgoverned,and

selfwilled.

Beaman,getitshalterintothinehand,

Thatthoumaystbecomeapearlalbeitthou

artapottersvessel.

Hethatdoesnotcommandhimself

Becomesareceiverofcommandsfromothers.

Whentheymouldedtheeofclay,


17/30

Secrets&Mysteries19

Loveandfearweremingledinthymaking:

Fearofthisworldandoftheworldtocome,

fearofdeath,

Fearofallthepainsofearthandheaven;

Loveofrichesandpower,loveofcountry,

Loveofselfandkindredandwife.

Man,inwhomclayismixedwithwater,is

fondofease,

Devotedtowickednessandenamouredof

evil.

SolongasthouholdstthestaffofThereis

nogodbutHe,

Thouwiltbreakeveryspelloffear.

OnetowhomGodisasthesoulinhisbody,

Hisneckisnotbowedbeforevanity.

Fearfindsnowayintohisbosom,

heartisafraidofnonebutAllah.

WhosodwellsintheworldofNegationIsfreedfromthebondsofwifeandchild.

HewithdrawshisgazefromallexceptGod

Andlaystheknifetothethroatofhisson.

Thoughsingle,heislikeahostinonset:

Lifeischeaperinhiseyesthanwind.

TheprofessionofFaithistheshell,andprayer

isthepearlwithinit:

TheMoslemsheartdeemsprayeralesser

pilgrimage.

IntheMuslimshandprayerislikeadagger

Killingsin

and

forwardness

and

wrong.

Fastingmakesanassaultuponhungerand

thirst.

Andbreachesthecitadelofsensuality.

Thepilgrimageenlightensthesoulofthe

Faithful:

Itteachesseparationfromoneshomeand

destroysattachmenttoonesnativeland;

Itisanactofdevotioninwhichallfeel

themselvestobeone,

Itbindstogethertheleavesofthebookof

religion.

Almsgivingcausesloveofrichestopassaway

Andmakesequalityfamiliar;

Itfortifiestheheartwithrighteousness,

Itincreaseswealthanddiminishesfondness

forwealth.

Allthisisameansofstrengtheningthee:

Thouartimpregnable,ifthyIslambestrong.

DrawmightfromthelitanyOAlmighty

One!

Thatthoumaystridethecamelofthybody.

3.DivineVicegerency

Ifthoucanstrulethycamel,thouwiltrulethe

world

Andwearonthineheadthecrownof

Solomon.

Thouwiltbethegloryoftheworldwhilstthe

worldlasts,

Andthouwiltreigninthekingdom

incorruptible.

TissweettobeGodsvicegerentintheworld

Andexerciseswayovertheelements.

Godsvicegerentisasthesouloftheuniverse,

HisbeingistheshadowoftheGreatestName.

Heknowsthemysteriesofpartandwhole,HeexecutesthecommandofAllahinthe

world.

Whenhepitcheshistentinthewideworld,

Herollsupthisancientcarpet.

Hisgeniusaboundswithlifeanddesiresto

manifestitself:

Hewillbringanotherworldintoexistence.

Ahundredworldslikethisworldofpartsand

wholes

Springup,likeroses,fromtheseedofhis

imagination.

Hemakeseveryrawnatureripe,

Heputstheidolsoutofthesanctuary.

Heartstringsgiveforthmusicathistouch,

HewakesandsleepsforGodalone.

Heteachesagethemelodyofyouth

Andendowseverythingwiththeradianceof

youth.

Tothehumanracehebringsbothaglad

messageandawarning,

Hecomesbothasasoldierandasamarshal

andprince.

HeisthefinalcauseofGodtaughtAdamthe

namesofallthings,

HeistheinmostsenseofGlorytoHimthat

transportedHisservantbynight.

Hiswhitehandisstrengthenedbythestaff,

Hisknowledgeistwinedwiththepowerofa

perfectman.

Whenthatboldcavalierseizesthereins,


18/30


ThesteedofTimegallopsfaster.

HisawfulmienmakestheRedSeadry,

HeleadslsraeloutofEgypt.

Athiscry,Arise,thedeadspirits

Riseintheirbodilytomb,likepinesinthe

field.

Hispersonisanatonementforalltheworld,

Byhisgrandeurtheworldissaved.

Hisprotectingshadowmakesthemote

familiarwiththesun,

Hisrichsubstancemakespreciousallthat

exists.

Hebestowslifebyhismiraculousactions,

Herenovatesoldwaysoflife.

Splendidvisionsrisefromtheprintofhis

foot,

ManyaMosesisentrancedbyhisSinai.

HegivesanewexplanationofLife,Anewinterpretationofthisdream.

HishiddenlifeisbeingLifesmystery,

TheunheardmusicofLifesharp.

Naturetravelsinbloodforgenerations

Tocomposetheharmonyofhispersonality.

Ourhandfulofearthhasreachthezenith,

Forthatchampionwillcomeforthfromthis

dust!

Theresleepsamidsttheashes,ofourToday

Theflameofaworldconsumingmorrow.

Ourbed

enfolds

agarden

of

roses,

Oureyesarebrightwithtomorrowsdawn.

Appear,OriderofDestiny!

Appear,OlightofthedarkrealmofChange!

Illuminethesceneofexistence,

Dwellintheblacknessofoureyes!

Silencethenoiseofthenations,

Imparadiseourearswiththymusic!

Ariseandtunetheharpofbrotherhood,

Giveusbackthecupofthewineoflove!

Bringoncemoredaysofpeacetotheworld,

Give

a

message

of

peace

to

them

that

seek

battle!

Mankindarethecornfieldandthouthe

harvest,

ThouartthegoalofLifescaravan.

TheleavesarescatteredbyAutumnsfury:

Oh,dothoupassoverourgardensasthe

Spring!

Receivefromourdowncastbrows

Thehomageoflittlechildrenandofyoung

menandold!

Itistotheethatweoweourdignity

Andsilentlyundergothepainsoflife.

Settingforth

the

inner

meaning

of

the

namesofAli

AliisthefirstMuslimandtheKingofmen,

InLoveseyesAliisthetreasureoftheFaith.

Devotiontohisfamilyinspiresmewithlife

SothatIamasashiningpearl.

Likethenarcissus,Iamenrapturedwith

gazing:

Likeperfume,Iamstrayingthroughhis

pleasuregarden.

Ifholywatergushesfrommyearth,heisthe

source;Ifwinepoursfrommygrapes,heisthecause.

Iamdust,buthissunhathmademeasa

mirror:

Songcanbeseeninmybreast.

FromAlisfacetheProphetdrewmanyafair

omen,

Byhismajestythetruereligionisglorified

HiscommandmentsarethestrengthofIslam:

AllthingspayallegiancetohisHouse.

TheApostleofGodgavehimthenameBu

Turab;

GodintheKorancalledhimtheHandof

Allah.

EveryonethatisacquaintedwithLifes

mysteries

Knowswhatistheinnermeaningofthe

namesofAli.

Thedarkclay,whosenameisthebody

Ourreasoniseverbemoaningitsiniquity.

Onaccountofitourskyreachingthought

plodsovertheearth;

Itmakesoureyesblindandourearsdeaf.

Ithathinitshandatwoedgedswordoflust:

Travelers heartsarebrokenbythisbrigand.

Ali,theLionofGod,subduedthebodysclay

Andtransmutedthisdarkearthtogold.

Murtaza,bywhoseswordthesplendourof

Truthwasrevealed,

IsnamedBuTurabfromhisconquestofthe

body.


19/30

Secrets&Mysteries21

Manwinsterritorybyprowessinbattle,

Buthisbrightestjewelismasteryofhimself.

WhosoeverintheworldbecomesaBuTurab

Turnsbackthesunfromthewest;

Whosoeversaddlestightlytheseedofthe

body

Sitslikethebezelonthesealofsovereignty:

HerethemightofKhyberisunderhisfeet,

Andhereafterhishandwilldistributethe

waterofKauthar.

Throughselfknowledge,heactsasGods

Hand,

AndinvirtueofbeingGodsHandhereigns

overall.

Hispersonisthegateofthecityofthe

sciences:

Arabia,China,andGreecearesubjecttohim.

Ifthouwouldstdrinkclearwinefromthineowngrapes,

Thoumustneedswieldauthorityoverthine

ownearth.

Tobecomeearthisthecreedofamoth:

Beaconquerorofearth;thataloneisworthy

ofaman.

Thouartsoftasarose.Becomehardasa

stone,

Thatthoumaystbethefoundationofthewall

ofthegarden!

Buildthy

clay

into

aMan,

BuildthyManintoaWorld!

Unlessfromthineownearththoubuildthine

ownwallordoor,

Someoneelsewillmakebricksofthineearth.

Othouwhocomplainestofthecrueltyof

Heaven,

Thouwhoseglasscriesoutagainstthe

injusticeofthestone,

Howlongthiswailingandcryingand

lamentation?

How

long

this

perpetual

beating

of

thy

breast?

ThepithofLifeiscontainedinaction,

TodelightincreationisthelawofLife.

Ariseandcreateanewworld!

Wrapthyselfinflames,beanAbraham!

Tocomplywiththisworldwhichdoesnot

favourthypurposes

Istoflingawaythybuckleronthefieldof

battle.

Themanofstrongcharacterwhoismasterof

himself

WillfindFortunecomplaisant.

Iftheworlddoesnotcomplywithhis

humour,

HewilltrythehazardofwarwithHeaven;

Hewilldigupthefoundationsoftheuniverse

Andcastitsatomsintoanewmould.

HewillsubvertthecourseofTime

Andwrecktheazurefirmament.

Byhisownstrengthhewillproduce

Anewworldwhichwilldohispleasure.

Ifonecannotliveintheworldasbeseemsa

man,

Thenitisbettertodielikethebrave.

HethathathasoundheartWillprovehisstrengthbygreatenterprises.

Tissweettouseloveinhardtasks

And,likeAbraham,togatherrosesfrom

flames.

Thepotentialitiesofmenofaction

Aredisplayedinwillingacceptanceofwhatis

difficult.

Meanspiritshavenoweaponbutresentment.

Lifehasonlyonelaw.

Lifeispowermademanifest,

Andits

mainspring

is

the

desire

for

victory.

MercyoutofseasonisachillingofLifes

blood,

AbreakintherhythmofLifesmusic.

Whoeverissunkinthedepthsofignominy

Callshisweaknesscontentment.

WeaknessistheplundererofLife,

Itswombisteemingwithfearsandlies.

Itssoulisemptyofvirtues,

Vicesfattenonitsmilk.

Omanofsoundjudgment,beware!

This

spoiler

is

lurking

in

ambush

Benotitsdupe,ifthouartwise:

Chameleonlike,itchangescolourevery

moment.

Evenbykeenobserversitsformisnot

discerned:

Veilsarethrownoveritsface.

Nowitismuffledinpityandgentleness,

Nowitwearsthecloakofhumanity.


20/30


Sometimesitisdisguisedascompulsion,

Sometimesasexcusability.

Itappearsintheshapeofselfindulgence

Androbsthestrongmansheartofcourage.

StrengthisthetwinofTruth;

Ifthouknowestthyself,strengthisthe

Truthrevealingglass.

Lifeistheseed,andpowerthecrop:

Powerexplainsthemysteryoftruthand

falsehood.

Aclaimant,ifhebepossessedofpower,

Needsnoargumentforhisclaim.

Falsehoodderivesfrompowertheauthority

oftruth,

Andbyfalsifyingtruthdeemsitselftrue.

Itscreativewordtransformspoisoninto

nectar;

Itsaystogood,Thouartbad,andGoodbecomesEvil.

Othouthatartheedlessofthetrust

committedtothee,

Esteemthyselfsuperiortobothworlds!

GainknowledgeofLifesmysteries!

Beatyrant!IgnoreallexceptGod!

Omanofunderstanding,openthineeyes,

ears,andlips!

IfthenthouseestnottheWayofTruth,laugh

atme!

StoryofayoungmanofMervwhocame

tothesaintAliHajwiri(godhavemercy

onhim)andcomplainedthathewas

oppressedbyhisenemies

ThesaintofHajwirwasveneratedbythe

peoples,

AndPiriSanjarvisitedhistombasapilgrim.

Witheasehebrokedownthemountain

barriers

Andsowed

the

seed

of

Islam

in

India.

TheageofOmarwasrestoredbyhis

godliness,

ThefameoftheTruthwasexaltedbyhis

words,

Hewasaguardianofthehonourofthe

Koran.

ThehouseofFalsehoodfellinruinsathis

gaze.

ThedustofthePunjabwasbroughttolifeby

hisbreath,

Ourdawnwasmadesplendidbyhissun.

Hewasalover,andwithal,acourierofLove:

ThesecretsofLoveshoneforthfromhis

brow.

Iwilltellastoryofhisperfection

Andencloseawholerosebedinasinglebud.

Ayoungman,cypresstall,

CamefromthetownofMervtoLahore.

Hewenttoseethevenerablesaint,

Thatthesunmightdispelhisdarkness.

Iamhammedin,hesaid,byfoes;

Iamasaglassinthemidstofstones.

Dothouteachme,Osireofheavenlyrank,

Howtoleadmylifeamongstenemies!ThewiseDirector,inwhosenature

Lovehadalliedbeautywithmajesty,

Answered:ThouartunreadinLifeslore,

Carelessofitsendanditsbeginning.

Bewithoutfearofothers!

Thouartasleepingforce:awake!

Whenthestonethoughtitselftobeglass,

Itbecameglassandgotintothewayof

breaking.

Ifthetravellerthinkshimselfweak,

Hedelivers

his

soul

unto

the

brigand.

Howlongwiltthouregardthyselfaswater

andclay?

CreatefromthyclayaflamingSinai!

Whybeangrywithmightymen?

Whycomplainofenemies?

Iwilldeclarethetruth:thineenemyisthy

friend;

Hisexistencecrownstheewithglory.

Whosoeverknowsthestatesoftheself

Considersapowerfulenemytobeablessing

from

God.

TotheseedofMantheenemyisasa

raincloud:

Heawakensitspotentialities.

Ifthyspiritbestrong,thestonesinthyway

areaswater:

Whatwrecksthetorrentoftheupsand

downsoftheroad?


21/30

Secrets&Mysteries23

Theswordofresolutioniswhettedbythe

stonesintheway

Andputtoproofbytraversingstageafter

stage.

Whatistheuseofeatingandsleepinglikea

beast?

Whatistheuseofbeing,unlessthouhave

strengthinthyself?

Whenthoumakstthyselfstrongwithself,

Thouwiltdestroytheworldatthypleasure.

Ifthouwouldstpassaway,becomefreeof

self;

Ifthouwouldstlive,becomefullofself!

Whatisdeath?Tobecomeoblivioustoself.

Whyimaginethatitisthepartingofsouland

body?

Abideinself,likeJoseph!

Advancefromcaptivitytoempire!Thinkofselfandbeamanofaction!

BeamanofGod,bearmysterieswithin!

Iwillexplainthematterbymeansofstories,

Iwillopenthebudbythepowerofmy

breath.

Tisbetterthataloverssecret

Shouldbetoldbythelipsofothers.

Storyofthebirdthatwasfaintwiththirst

Abirdwasfaintwiththirst,

Thebreathinhisbodywasheavinglike

wavesofsmoke.

Hesawadiamondinthegarden:

Thirstcreatedavisionofwater.

Deceivedbythesunbrightstone

Thefoolishbirdfanciedthatitwaswater.

Hegotnomoisturefromthegem:

Hepeckeditwithhisbeak,butitdidnotwet

hispalate.

Othrallofvaindesire,saidthediamond,

Thouhastsharpenedthygreedybeakonme;

ButIamnotadewdrop,Igivenodrink,Idonotliveforthesakeofothers.

Wouldstthouhurtme?Thouartmad!

Alifethatrevealstheselfisstrangetothee.

Mywaterwillshiverthebeaksofbirds

Andbreakthejewelofmanslife.

Thebirdwonnothisheartswishfromthe

diamond

Andturnedawayfromthesparklingstone.

Disappointmentswelledinhisbreast,

Thesonginhisthroatbecameawail.

Uponarosetwigadropofdew

Gleamedlikethetearinanightingaleseye:

Allitsglitterwasowingtothesun,

Itwastremblinginfearofthesun

Arestlessskybornstar

Thathadstoppedforamoment,fromdesire

tobeseen;

Oftdeceivedbybudandflower,

IthadgainednothingfromLife.

Thereithung,readytodrop,

Likeatearontheeyelashesofaloverwho

hathlosthisheart.

Thesorelydistressedbirdhoppedunderthe

rosebush,

Thedewdroptrickledintohismouth.Othouthatwouldstdeliverthysoulfrom

enemies.

IasktheeArtthouadropofwaterora

gem?

Whenthebirdmeltedinthefireofthirst,

Itappropriatedthelifeofanother.

Thedropwasnotsolidandgemlike;

Thediamondhadabeing,thedrophadnone.

Neverforaninstantneglectselfpreservation:

Beadiamond,notadewdrop!

Bemassive

in

nature,

like

mountains,

Andbearonthycrestahundredcloudsladen

withfloodsofrain!

Savethyselfbyaffirmationofself,

Compressthyquicksilverintosilverore!

Produceamelodyfromthestringofself,

Makemanifestthesecretsofself!

Storyofthediamondandthecoal

NowIwillopenonemoregateofTruth,

Iwilltelltheeanothertale.

Thecoalintheminesaidtothediamond,Othouentrustedwithsplendoursevelasting,

Wearecomrades,andourbeingisone;

Thesourceofourexistenceisthesame,

YetwhileIdiehereintheanguishof

worthlessness,

Thouartsetonthecrownsofemperors.


22/30


MystuffissovilethatIamvaluedlessthan

earth,

Whereasthemirrorsheartisrentbythy

beauty.

Mydarknessilluminesthechafingdish,

Thenmysubstanceisincineratedatlast.

Everyoneputsthesoleofhisfootonmyhead

Andcoversmystockofexistencewithashes.

Myfatemustneedsbedeplored;

Dostthouknowwhatisthegistofmybeing?

Itisacondensedwaveletofsmoke,

Endowedwithasinglespark;

Bothinfeatureandnaturethouartstarlike,

Splendoursrisefromeverysideofthee.

Nowthoubecomestthelightofamonarchs

eye,

Nowthouadornestthehaftofadagger.

Osagaciousfriend!saidthediamond,Darkearth,whenhardened,becomesin

dignityasabezel.

Havingbeenatstrifewithitsenvironment,

Itisripenedbythestruggleandgrowshard

likeastone.

Tisthisripenessthathasendowedmyform

withlight

Andfilledmybosomwithradiance.

Becausethybeingisimmature,thouhast

becomeabased;

Becausethy

body

is

soft,

thou

art

burnt.

Bevoidoffear,grief,andanxiety;

Behardasastone,beadiamond!

Whosoeverstriveshardandgripstight,

Thetwoworldsareilluminedbyhim.

AlittleearthistheoriginoftheBlackStone

WhichputsforthitsheadintheKabah:

ItsrankishigherthanSinai,

Itiskissedbytheswarthyandthefair.

InsolidityconsiststhegloryofLife;

Weaknessisworthlessnessandimmaturity.

StoryoftheShaykhandtheBrahmin,

followedbyaconversationbetween

GangesandHimalayatotheeffectthatthe

continuationofsociallifedependsonfirm

attachmenttothecharacteristictraditions

ofthecommunity

AtBenareslivedavenerableBrahmin,

WhoseheadwasdeepintheoceanofBeing

andNotbeing.

Hehadalargeknowledgeofphilosophy

Butwaswelldisposedtotheseekersafter

God.

Hismindwaseagertoexplorenewproblems,

Hisintellectmovedonalevelwiththe

Pleiades;

Hisnest

was

as

high

as

that

of

the

Anka;

Sunandmoonwerecast,likerue,onthe

flameofhisthought.

Foralongtimehelabouredandsweated,

Butphilosophybroughtnowinetohiscup

Althoughhesetmanyasnareinthegardens

oflearning,

HissnaresnevercaughtaglimpseoftheIdeal

bird;

Andnotwithstandingthatthenailsofhis

thoughtweredabbledwithblood,

TheknotofBeingandNotbeingremained

untied.

Thesighsonhislipsborewitnesstohis

despair,

Hiscountenancetoldtalesofhisdistraction.

OnedayhevisitedanexcellentShaykh,

Amanwhobadinhisbreastaheartofgold.

TheBrahminlaidthesealofsilenceonhislips

AndlenthiseartotheSagesdiscourse.

ThensaidtheShaykh:Owandererinthe

loftysky!

Pledgethyselftobetrue,foralittle,tothe

earth;Thouhastlostthywayinwildernessesof

speculation,

Thyfearlessthoughthathpassedbeyond

Heaven.

Bereconciledwithearth,Oskytraveller!

Donotwanderinquestoftheessenceofthe

stars!


23/30

Secrets&Mysteries25

Idonotbidtheeabandonthineidols.

Artthouanunbeliever?Thenbeworthyof

thebadgeofunbelief!

Oinheritorofancientculture,

Turnnotthybackonthepaththyfathers

trod;

Ifapeopleslifeisderivedfromunity,

Unbelieftooissourceofunity.

Thouthatartnotevenaperfectinfidel,

Artunfittoworshipattheshrineofthespirit.

Webotharefarastrayfromtheroadof

devotion:

ThouartfarfromAzar,andIfromAbraham.

OurMajnunhathnotfallenintomelancholy

forhisLaylassake:

Hehathnotbecomeperfectinthemadnessof

love.

Whenthelampofselfexpires,Whatistheuseofheavensurveying

imagination?

Onceonatime,layingholdoftheskirtofthe

mountain,

GangessaidtoHimalaya:

Othoumantledinsnowsincethemornof

creation,

Thouwhoseformisgirdledwithstreams,

Godmadetheeapartnerinthesecretsof

heaven,

Butdeprivedthyfootofgracefulgait.

Hetookawayfromtheethepowertowalk:

Whatavailsthissublimityandstateliness?

Lifespringsfromperpetualmovement:

Motionconstitutesthewaveswhole

existence,

Whenthemountainheardthistauntfromthe

river,

Hepuffedangrilylikeaseaoffire,

Andanswered:Thywidewatersaremy

lookingglass;

Withinmybosomareahundredriverslikethee.

Thisgracefulgaitofthineisaninstrumentof

death:

Whosogoethfromselfismeettodie.

Thouhastnoknowledgeofthineowncase,

Thouexultestinthymisfortune:thouarta

fool!

Obornofthewomboftherevolvingsky,

Afalleninbankisbetterthanthou!

Thouhastmadethineexistenceanofferingto

theocean,

Thouhastthrowntherichpurseofthylifeto

thehighwayman.

Beselfcontainedliketheroseinthegarden,

Donotgotothefloristinordertospreadthy

perfume!

Toliveistogrowinthyself

Andgatherrosesfromthineownflowerbed.

Ageshavegonebyandmyfootisfastin

earth:

DostthoufancythatIamfarfrommygoal?

Mybeinggrewandreachedthesky,

ThePleiadessanktorestundermyskirts;

Thybeingvanishesintheocean,

Butonmycrestthestarsbowtheirheads.Mineeyeseesthemysteriesofheaven,

Mineearisfamiliarwithangelswings.

SinceIglowedwiththeheatofunceasingtoil,

Iamassedrubies,diamonds,andothergems.

Iamstonewithin,andinthestoneisfire:

Watercannotpassovermyfire!

Artthouadropofwater?Donotbreakat.

thineownfeet,

Butendeavourtosurgeandwrestlewiththe

sea.

Desirethe

water

of

ajewel,

become

ajewel!

Beaneardrop,adornabeauty!

Oh,expandthyself!Moveswiftly!

Beacloudthatshootslightningandshedsa

floodofrain!

Lettheoceansueforthystormsasabeggar,

Letitcomplainofthestraitnessofitsskirts

Letitdeemitselflessthanawave

Andglidealongatthyfeet!

ShowingthatthepurposeoftheMuslims

lifeis

to

exalt

the

word

of

Allah,

and

that

thejihad(waragainstunbelievers),ifitbe

promptedbylandhunger,isunlawfulin

thereligionofIslam

ImbuethineheartWiththetinctureofAllah,

GivehonourandglorytoLove!


24/30


TheMuslimsnatureprevailsbymeansof

love:

TheMuslim,ifhebenotloving,isaninfidel.

UponGoddependshisseeingandnotseeing,

Hiseating,drinking,andsleeping.

InhiswillthatwhichGodwillsbecomeslost

Howsmallamanbelievethissaying?

HeencampsinthefieldofThereisnogodbut

Allah;

Intheworldheisawitnesstomankind.

HishighestateisattestedbytheProphetwho

wassenttomenandJinn

Themosttruthfulofwitnesses.

Leavewordsandseekthatspiritualstate,

ShedthelightofGodoerthedarknessofthy

deeds!

Albeitcladinkinglyrobe,liveasadervish,

LivewakefulandmeditatingonGod!Whateverthoudost,letitbethineaimtherein

todrawnightoGod,

Thathisglorymaybemademanifestbythee.

Peacebecomesanevil,ifitsobjectbeaught

else;

WarisgoodifitsobjectisGod.

IfGodbenotexaltedbyourswords,

Wardishonoursthepeople.

TheholyShaykhMiyanMirWali,

Bythelightofwhosesouleveryhiddenthing

wasrevealed

Hisfeetwerefirmlyplantedonthepathof

Muhammad,

Hewasaflutefortheimpassionedmusicof

love.

Histombkeepsourcitysafefromharm

Andcausesthebeamsoftruereligiontoshine

onus.

Heavenstoopeditsbrowtohisthreshold,

TheEmperorofIndiawasoneofhisdisciples.

Now,thismonarchhadsowntheseedof

ambition

in

his

heart

Andwasresolvedonconquest.

Theflamesofvaindesirewerealightinhim,

Hewasteachinghisswordtoask,Isthere

anymore?

IntheDeccanwasagreatnoiseofwar,

Hisarmystoodonthebattlefield.

HewenttotheShaykhofheavenhighdignity

Thathemightreceivehisblessing:

TheMuslimturnsfromthisworldtoGod

Andstrengthenspolicywithprayer.

TheShaykhmadenoanswertotheEmperors

speech,

Theassemblyofdervisheswasallears,

Untiladisciple,inhishandasilvercoin,

Openedhislipsandbrokethesilence,

Saying,Acceptthispoorofferingfromme,

Oguideofthemthathavelostthewayto

God!

Mylimbswerebathedinsweatoflabour

BeforeIputawayadirheminmyskirt.

TheShaykhsaid:Thismoneyoughttobe

giventoourSultan,

Whoisabeggarwearingtheraimentofa

king.

Thoughheholdsswayoversun,moonand

stars,OurEmperoristhemostpennilessof

mankind.

Hiseyeisfixedonthetableofstrangers,

Thefireofhishungerhathconsumedawhole

world.

Hisswordisfollowedbyfamineandplague,

Hisbuildinglayswidelandwaste.

Thefolkarecryingoutbecauseofhis

indigence,

Hisemptyhandednesscauseshimtoplunder

theweak.

Hispowerisanenemytoall:

Humankindarethecaravanandhethe

brigand.

Inhisselfdelusionandignorance

Hecallspillagebythenameofempire.

Boththeroyaltroopsandthoseoftheenemy

Areclovenintwainbytheswordofhis

hunger.

Thebeggarshungerconsumeshisownsoul,

ButtheSultanshungerdestroysstateand

religion.

Whososhalldrawtheswordforanything

exceptAllah,

Hisswordissheathedinhisownbreast.


25/30

Secrets&Mysteries27

PreceptswrittenfortheMuslimsofIndia

byMirNajatNakshband,whois

generallyknownasBabaSahrai

Othouthathastgrownfromearth,likearose,

Thou

too

art

born

of

the

womb

of

self!

Donotabandonself!Persisttherein!

Beadropofwateranddrinkuptheocean

Glowingwiththelightofselfasthouart,

Makeselfstrong,andthouwiltendure.

Thougettstprofitfromthetrade,

Thougainstrichesbypreservingthis

commodity.

Thouartbeing,andartthouafraidof

notbeing?

Dearfriend,thyunderstandingisatfault.

SinceIamacquaintedwiththeharmonyof

Life.,

IwilltelltheewhatisthesecretofLife

Tosinkintothyselflikethepearl,

Thentoemergefromthineinwardsolitude;

Tocollectsparksbeneaththeashes,

Andbecomeaflameanddazzlemenseyes.

Go,burnthehouseoffortyyears tribulation,

Moveroundthyself!Beacirclingflame!

WhatisLifebuttobefreedfrommoving

roundothers

AndtoregardthyselfastheHolyTemple?

BeatthywingsandescapefromtheattractionofEarth:

Likebirds,besafefromfalling.

Unlessthouartabird.,thouwiltdowisely

Nottobuildthynestonthetopofacave.

Othouthatseekesttoacquireknowledge,

IsayoertotheethemessageoftheSageof

Rum:

Knowledge,ifitlieonthyskin,isasnake;

Knowledge,ifthoutakeittoheart,isa

friend.

Hast

thou

heard

how

the

Master

of

Rum

GavelecturesonphilosophyatAleppo?

Fastinthebondsofintellectualproofs,

Driftingoerthedarkandstormyseaof

understanding;

AMosesunilluminedbyLovesSinai,

IgnorantofLoveandofLovespassion.

HediscoursedonScepticismand

Neoplatonism,

Andstrungmanyabrilliantpearlof

metaphysics.

Heunravelledtheproblemsofthe

Peripatetics,

Thelightofhisthoughtmadeclearwhatever

wasobscure.

Heapsofbookslayaroundandinfrontof

him,

Andonhislipswasthekeytoalltheir

mysteries.

ShamsiTabriz,directedbyKamal,

SoughthiswaytothecollegeofJalauddin

Rumi

Andcriedout,Whatisallthisnoiseand

babble?

Whatareallthesesyllogismsandjudgementsanddemonstrations?

Peace,Ofool!exclaimedtheMaulvi,

Donotlaughatthedoctrinesofthesages.

Gettheeoutofmycollege!

Thisisargumentanddiscussion;whathast

thoutodowithit?

Mydiscourseisbeyondthyunderstanding.

Itbrightenstheglassofperception!

Thesewordsincreasedtheangerof

ShamsiTabriz

Andcaused

afire

to

burst

forth

from

his

soul.

Thelightningofhislookfellontheearth,

Andtheglowofhisbreathmadethedust

springintoflames.

Thespiritualfireburnedtheintellectualstack

Andcleanconsumedthelibraryofthe

philosopher.

TheMaulvi,beingastrangertoLoves

miracles

AndunversedinLovesharmonies,

Cried,Howdidstthoukindlethisfire,

Which

hath

burned

the

books

of

the

philosophers?

TheShaykhanswered,Ounbelieving

Muslim,

Thisisvisionandecstasy:whathastthouto

dowithit?

Mystateisbeyondthythought,

MyflameistheAlchemist selixir.


26/30


Thouhastdrawnthysubstancefromthe

snowofphilosophy,

Thecloudofthythoughtshedsnothingbut

hailstones.

Kindleafireinthyrubble,

Fosteraflameinthyearth!

TheMuslimsknowledgeisperfectedby

spiritualfervour,

ThemeaningofIslamisRenouncewhatshall

passaway.

WhenAbrahamescapedfromthebondageof

thatwhichsets,

Hesatunhurtinthemidstofflames.

ThouhastcastknowledgeofGodbehindthee

Andsquanderedthyreligionforthesakeofa

loaf.

Thouart

hot

in

pursuit

of

antimony,

Thouartunawareoftheblacknessofthine

owneye.

SeektheFountainofLifefromtheswords

edge,

AndtheRiverofParadisefromthedragons

mouth,

DemandtheBlackStonefromthedoorofthe

houseofidols,

Andthemuskdeersbladderfromamad

dog,

ButdonotseektheglowofLovefromthe

knowledgeoftoday,

DonotseekthenatureofTruthfromthis

infidelscup!

LonghaveIbeenrunningtoandfro,

LearningthesecretsoftheNewKnowledge:

Itsgardenershaveputmetothetrial

Andhavemademeintimatewiththeirroses.

Roses!Tulips,rather,thatwarnonenotto

smellthem

Likepaperroses,amirageofperfume.

Sincethisgardenceasedtoenthrallme

IhavenestedontheParadisaltree.Modernknowledgeisthegreatestblind

Idolworshipping,idolselling,idolmaking!

Shackledintheprisonofphenomena,

Ithasnotoverleapedthelimitsofthesensible.

Ithasfallendownincrossingthebridgeof

Life,

Ithaslaidtheknifetoitsownthroat.

Itsfireiscoldastheflameofthetulip;

Itsflamesarefrozenlikehail.

Itsnatureremainsuntouchedbytheglowof

Love,

Itiseverengagedinjoylesssearch.

LoveisthePlatothathealsthesicknessesof

themind.

Themindsmelancholyiscuredbyitslancet.

ThewholeworldbowsinadorationtoLove,

LoveistheMahmudthatconquersthe

Somnathofintellect.

Modernsciencelacksthisoldwineinitscup,

Itsnightsarenotloudwithpassionateprayer.

Thouhastmisprizedthineowncypress

Anddeemedtallthecypressofothers.

Likethereed,thouhastemptiedthyselfofself

Andgiven

thine

heart

to

the

music

of

others.

Othouthatbeggstmorselsfromanothers

table,

Wiltthouseekthineownkindinanothers

shop?

TheMuslimsassemblyplaceisburnedupby

thelampsofstrangers,

Hismosqueisconsumedbythesparksof

monasticism.

Whenthedeerfledfromthesacredterritory

ofMakkah,

Thehuntersarrowpiercedherside.

Theleavesoftherosearescatteredlikeits

scent:

Othouthathasfledfromtheself,comeback

toit!

OtrusteeofthewisdomoftheQuran,

Findthelostunityagain!

We,whokeepthegateofthecitadelofIslam,

Havebecomeunbelieversbyneglectingthe

watchwordofIslam.

TheancientSakisbowlisshattered,

ThewinepartyoftheHijazisbrokenup.

TheKabaisfilledwithouridols,InfidelitymocksatourIslam.

OurShaykhhathgambledIslamawayfor

loveofidols.

Andmadearosaryofthezunnar.

Ourspiritualdirectorsowetheirranktotheir

whitehairs


27/30

Secrets&Mysteries29

Andarethelaughingstockofchildreninthe

street;

TheirheartsbearnoimpressoftheFaith

Buthousetheidolsofsensuality.

Everylonghairedfellowwearsthegarbofa

dervish

Alasforthesetraffickersinreligion!

Dayandnighttheyaretravelingaboutwith

disciples,

InsensibletothegreatneedsofIslam.

Theireyesarewithoutlight,likethe

narcissus,

Theirbreastsdevoidofspiritualwealth.

PreachersandSufis,allworshipworldliness

alike;

Theprestigeofthepurereligionisruined.

Ourpreacherfixedhiseyesonthepagoda

AndthemuftioftheFaithsoldhisverdict.Afterthis,Ofriends,whatarewetodo?

Ourguideturnshisfacetowardsthe

winehouse.

Timeisasword

GreenbetheholygraveofShafii,

Whosevinehathcheeredawholeworld!

Histhoughtpluckedastarfromheaven:

Henamedtimeacuttingsword.

HowshallIsaywhatisthesecretofthis

sword?

Initsflashingedgethereislife.

Itsownerisexaltedabovehopeandfear,

HishandiswhiterthanthehandofMoses.

Atonestrokethereofwatergushesfromthe

rock

Andtheseabecomeslandfromdearthof

moisture.

Mosesheldthisswordinhishand,

Documents

Secrets of the Self (Israr e khudi) by Dr.Iqbal