You Could Be A Little Verse, You Can Be Pitted Against The Might Of The Universe
By
Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
5 January
2023
The sublime
Persian poetry has been my constant companion since childhood and the profound
musings of Rumi, Sanai, Khaqani et al have never let me feel alone.
Last night,
while browsing through Hakim Sanai's volume ' Hadiqat al Haqiqa, 'I came
across a lovely thought that kept me awake till dawn: " If you know your
own worth, you needn't worry about the acceptance and rejection of others?
" So very true. 'Jab Chale Pade Safar Ko Toh Kya Mud Ke Dekhna/ Duniya
Ka Kya Hai Us Ne Sada Baar-Baar Di ' (Once you embark upon a journey, don't
look back/ This useless world has the habit of beckoning you back; Rajinder
Krishna Duggal, Film: Nazrana, 1961).
The problem
with most of the humans is that they keep asking for the approval and
acknowledgement of others. Life is yours and you're its steward. Josh
Malihabadi wrote, " Tujh Se Jo Phiregi Toh Kidhar Jayegi/ Le Jayega Jis
Simt Udhar Jayegi/ Duniya Ke Havadis Se Ghabra Ke Na Ya Umra/ Jis Tarah
Guzarega, Guzar Jayegi " ( Where else will it go other than you/ It'll
go whichever direction you steer it to/ Don't be afraid of the mishaps of life/
Life will be spent the way you choose to spend it).
Only those
who're completely sure and confident of themselves, need NO one's guidance and
are unperturbed or overjoyed by rejection or acceptance of the world. Zen
Buddhism asks, ' Does anyone else breathe for you? You breathe for your own
survival. So, what difference does it make if you're accepted or rejected? '
One's self-worth is of paramount importance.
Always
remember, when you seek people's approval, you lose your individuality and
ultimately, your identity. The reason is: People always give a diametrically
opposite opinion or approval and if you follow that, your independence gets
compromised. So, Suno Sab Ki, Karo Man Ki (Pay heed to all/ Follow your
own sagacity).
We're
hemmed in by people and their legions of free advice. Just do the opposite and
be wise. There's much more to you than what the world thinks or perceives. You
could be a little verse, you can be pitted against the might of the universe.
The archaic English usage, create your own writ is forever relevant. "Apni
Hasti Ka Bhi Insaan Ko Irfaan Na Hua/ Khaak Phir Khaak Thi, Auqaat Se Aage Na
Gayee" (Man hasn't realised his
own worth/ After all, it's a dust particle that hasn't exceeded its inner
fabric/quality). Urdu poet-lyricist Shakeel Badayuni was spot-on in his rueful
observation. Try to prove him otherwise!
----
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/verse-might-universe/d/128800
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