I become like a pen
Ghazal 2530 from the Diwan-e Shams, in a version by Coleman Barks, in translation by Annemarie Schimmel, and in translation by A.J. Arberry: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~…
This thirst in our souls
No sound of clapping comes from only one hand. The thirsty man is moaning, “O delicious water!” The water is calling, “Where is the…
His form has passed away and he has become a mirror (Rumi)
Sunlight has recently offered two versions/translations of Rumi’s Mathnawi story of the dervish Bayazid Bestami ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BESTAMI That magnificent dervish, Bayazid Bestami, came to…
When you dance
Sunlight’s interpretation of Rumi’s Quatrain 784: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When you dance the whole universe dances. What a wonder, I’ve looked and now I cannot look…
Ask us about the lion of God
This caravan is not bringing our baggage — it has none of the fire of our Friend. Though the trees have all turned green,…
Sources of nourishment
The heart eats a particular food from every companion; the heart receives a particular nourishment from every single piece of knowledge. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Del ze…
A poem by Sarmad
A special friend sent this poem via Facebook. I have read it again and again..hope the readers like it too Along the road, you…
The body is manifest; Life’s spirit is hidden
When a dispute arises as to the ownership of the husk, the husk belongs to the one who possesses the kernel. The heavenly sphere…
Who is looking out?
Who sees inside from outside? Who finds hundreds of mysteries even where minds are deranged? See through his eyes what he sees. Who then…
I have returned, like the new year (Rumi)
I am posting Sunlight translations of Rumi’s Ghazal (Ode) 1375, from “Diwan-e-Shamsi” (“The Collection of Shams”), rendered by Nader Khalili, and Prof. William Chittick:…
The priest thrives on self promotion
A Bait from Sultan Bahu “Haafiz parh parh karan takabbur, mullaan karan vadaaee hoo Saavan maah de badalaan vaangoon phiran kitaabaan chaaee hoo Jithe…
“I have never become less from dying”
Rumi departed earthly life on 5 Jumadi II, 672 A.H (according to the Islamic lunar calendar; Dec 17, 1273 A.D., according to the Christian…
How rarely these few years (Seth)
How rarely these few years, as work keeps us aloof, Or fares, or one thing or another, Have we had days to spend under…
Tau kiya yeh tay haye… (Gulbahar Bano singing)
A piece of Urdu poetry that has remained with me through seasons, years and all the vicissitudes… This is an extraordinary ghazal (rhymed poem…
Remembering Parveen Shakir (1952-1994)
Parveen Shakir (1952-1994) has defined the sensibilities of several generations and beyond. At the relatively young age of 42 years, Parveen Shakir died on…
It Has Been Written
Last night I stumbled upon this translation of Parveen Shakir’s poem (Navishta) rendered by C M Naim. This is where she addresses her only…
Weave not, like spiders..
There was a tragedy in my family recently. It has been a sobering week, reflective as well as chaotic. Last night, I read this…
Mir in Lucknow
Special mention may be made of Mir Taqi Mir. On arrival in Lucknow, he went to a Mushaira (Symposium) dressed in his outdated attire…
I will take you to the depths of spirit
I am the Spirit Moon with no place. You do not see me for I am hidden inside the soul. Others want you for…
I never knew it
By day I praised you And never knew it. By night I stayed with you And never knew it. I always thought that I…