The Road Not Taken
By
Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
23 January
2024
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
― Robert Frost
The most
oft-quoted lines of Robert Frost never seem to lose their relevance because
life's biggest thrill lies in exploring the world, hitherto unexplored. Wahi
Kaamyaab Hua Hayaat Mein/ Raah Jis Ne Koi Nai Akhtiyaar Ki (One who has
chosen a different path has succeeded in his/her life).
A
well-travelled road may lead you to your destination but it'll be devoid of
challenges.
Life is all
about facing challenges manfully. Life ensconced in a comfort zone soon becomes
dull, boring and unexciting. Rough seas produce efficient and more competent
sailors.
The great
mystic poet Fariduddin Attar of Nishapur chose to write mystical poetry though
in his whole clan, there was not a single poet! As his name 'Attar' suggests,
his family was into making Itra / Attar (perfumes/scent) and they were very wealthy. But Attar
had different plans: Nee Azkeen Muattar Mee Zai Qalam (I'll spread the
scent through my quill). He said this in Tazaki (Attar's mother spoke Tazaki)
and chose a path of poetry which none of his family members ever thought of.
Needless to say, young Attar became one of the greatest mystics in the annals
of mysticism and is believed to have guided Maulana Rumi in his initial years.
Life is all
about accepting the responsibility of every decision that you take. If your
decision clicks, give wholesome credit to yourself and even if you fail, you've
the satisfaction that it was your decision and was not imposed upon you by
others. If you watch or read the end of a suspense thriller, you'll never read
or watch the whole movie or book because you've killed the suspense. So,
suspense is a must for retaining the excitement in life. Sabhi Toh Chalte
Hain Pite-Pitaye Raston Par/ Kabhi Toh Chal Ke Dekh Apni Raah Par (All walk
upon beaten tracks/ Find a road for yourself to traverse upon).
Remember
Steve Jobs' sagacious advice: You've every right to do things your own way
regardless of what your dad and grand-dad did in their lives. Yours truly chose
to study religions, languages and civilizations despite having a series of
medicos in the family for more than a century. And at this age and stage of his
life, he's very much happy with his decision. You must do what pleases your
heart and carve a niche for yourself.
Often the
roads less taken lead you to an exciting heaven. It's always admirable to be
different from run-of-the-mill. It doesn't mean that you should be scornful of
others. But you must be mindful of your inclinations and proclivities. So,
never choose a tried out road. Instead, choose a road you've to try out.
----
A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul
is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He
has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several
languages including Persian.
URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/road-not-taken/d/131569
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