Hey Everyone
If an angle is sitting next to you, you are already in paradise even if you are living on earth. Today we explore Quatrain 169 form Rubaeiat of Omar Khayyam. I first read the original Persian poem and then its translation to English and a brief analysis.
چندانکه نگاه می کنم هر سویی
در باغ روانست ز کوثر جویی
صحرا چو بهشت است ز کوثر کم گوی
بنشین به بهشت با بهشتی رویی
As I gaze all around, in every direction,
A stream of Kawthar form paradise flows through the garden.
Speak less of Kawthar, this green field is like paradise,
Sit in paradise with a face like an angel.
This quatrain refers to paradise and the pool of Kawthar, from which only the dwellers of paradise drink.
Khayyam's criticism is directed at those who preach from pulpits, constantly talking about paradise and the pool of Kawthar. Khayyam says that wherever I look, in the gardens of Nishapur, a stream of water flows from the pool of Kawthar. Look at the green fields, which is as green and lush as paradise. Speak less to us of paradise of Kawthar, for we are already in paradise. If you have a heavenly face in this green field sitting by your side, it is paradise itself. What more need is there for paradise?
Khayyam believes that we should make this world our own paradise, rather than living in hell now in the hope of going to paradise later.
Let’s read the translation of the quatrain in another form:
As I look around, in every direction,
A stream of paradise flows through the garden.
Speak not of paradise's water,
Sit in paradise with a face like an angel.
The interpretation of this quatrain is that Khayyam is criticizing the religious authorities of his time for their focus on the afterlife and their neglect of the present world. He believes that we should find joy and beauty in the here and now, rather than waiting for a reward in paradise.
The quatrain is full of imagery and symbolism. The garden is a symbol of paradise, and the stream of paradise water is a symbol of life and abundance. The Khayyam's invitation to sit in paradise with a face like an angel is an invitation to embrace the beauty of the world and to live life to the fullest.
The poem is a reminder that we should not take life for granted. We should appreciate the beauty of the world around us and live each day to the fullest.
