It is noted that December 17th is the day Molana Jalaldin Rumi aka Rumi, aka Molana, a 13th century Persian poet and one of my favorite poets has passed away.
Rumi is one the most translated Persian Poets but he is mostly known for his love poetry but Rumi was much more than his love poem. He was a universal poet even in 13th century.
I am enclosing one of my favorite poem of him and have included the translation of it for non Farsi speaking friends so we can all enjoy the fabulous poetic mastery of Molaana.
Why think O men of piety
I have returned to sobriety
I am neither a Moslem nor a Hindu
I am not Christian, Zoroastrian, nor a Jew
I am neither of the West nor the East
Not of the ocean, nor an earthly beast
I am neither a natural wonder
Nor from the stars yonder
Neither flesh of dust, nor wind inspire
Nor water in veins, nor made of fire
I am neither an earthly carpet, nor gems terrestrial
Nor am I confined to Creation, nor the Throne Celestial
Not of ancient promises, nor of future prophecy
Not of hellish anguish, nor of paradisic ecstasy
Neither the progeny of Adam, nor Eve
Nor of the world of heavenly make-believe
My place is no-place
My image is without face
Neither of body nor the soul
I am of the Divine whole.
I eliminated duality with joyous laughter
Saw the unity of here and the hereafter
Unity is what I sing, unity is what I speak
Unity is what I know, unity is what I seek
Intoxicated from the chalice of Love
I have lost both worlds below and above
Sole destiny that comes to me
Licentious mendacity
In my whole life, even if once
Forgot His name even per chance
For that hour spent, for such moment
I’d give my life, and thus repent
Beloved Master, Shams-e Tabrizi
In this world with Love I’m so drunk
The path of Love isn’t easy
I am shipwrecked and must be sunk.
