"Run Parallel Like Train Tracks"
By
Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
28 December
2023
“I've
always been interested in people, but I've never liked them.” This famous quote
of W Somerset Maugham reminds me of Nida Fazli's famous ghazal, "Badla Na
Apne Aap Ko Jo Thay Wahi Rahe/ Milte Rahe Sabhi Se Magar Ajnabi Rahe/ Apni Tarah
Sabhi Ko Kisi Ki Talaash Thi/ Hum Jiske Bhi Qareeb Rahe Door Hi Rahe"
(I never changed myself and remained what I was/ I met all, yet, remained a
stranger/ Like me, everyone was in search of something/ Whoever I was close to,
I also kept a distance from). Dosti Sab Se Rahi, Adavat Kisi Se Nahin/ Phir Bhi
Koi Mere, Main Kisi Ke Qareeb Nahin (All have been friends; I had enmity
with none / Yet, no one's close to me, nor am I close to anyone).
This is not
narcissism or megalomania. Nor does it smack of contempt and disdain for
people. Psychologists have found that even the most gregarious people are also
disenchanted with others. After a certain period, they too find social
intercourse fatiguing and seek one's own company.
All those
noisy and convivial company of friends in life are actually failed and
miserable attempts to run away from oneself and drown the depression with the
cacophony of the world.
Famous
composer Ravi once told yours truly that the gentlest soul Muhammad Rafi was
friendly with all but overfriendly with none. He interacted with all but was
never hail-fellow-well-met with any person in the film industry. That way, Rafi
could retain his sanctity and serenity in a mad world of Hindi cinema. This
also helped him remain focused on his objective in life. Our involvement with
people often degenerates into over-involvement and that validates Shakespearean
wisdom: Familiarity breeds contempt (...and children, Mark Twain's witty
addition).
So, it's
always better and advisable to keep a measured distance from all those who come
into contact in your life's sojourn. Be respectful to all. But retain your
individuality. Come close but never too close for comfort. Life is all about
meeting (even mating!) sans getting involved. To quote my favourite writer
Albert Camus, " Run parallel like train tracks." Yes. Meet all. Greet all. But finally retreat
to the solitude of four walls.
-----
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/run-parallel-train-tracks/d/131400
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