In the epic tapestry of Persian literature, Ferdowsi’s verses shine with timeless wisdom. His words remind us that every joy and sorrow, every triumph and fall, is but a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of destiny. Today, we explore one such poem—a meditation on suffering, pride, and the inevitability of our mortal fate. Let these ancient lines guide us to reflect on our own lives and to seek a deeper, humbler connection with the divine.
The Original Poem (Persian)
بسا رنج‌ها کز جهان دیده‌اند
ز بهر بزرگی پسندیدهاندسرانجام بستر جز از خاک نیست
از او بهره زهر است و تریاک نیستچو دانی که ایدر نمانی دراز
به تارک چرا بر نهی تاج آزهمان آز را زیر خاک آوری
سرش را سر اندر مغاک آوریترا زین جهان شادمانی بس است
کجا رنج تو بهر دیگر کس استتو رنجی و آسان دگر کس خورد
سوی گور و تابوت تو ننگردبر او نیز شادی سرآید همی
سرش زیر گرد اندر آید همیز روز گذر کردن اندیشه کن
پرستیدن دادگر پیشه کن
An English Translation
Many sorrows have been witnessed in the world,
Chosen they are for the sake of greatness.
In the end, no bed is but the dust of earth—
From it, no sweet remedy but venom is birthed.
Knowing well you won’t abide long on this mortal stage,
Why then adorn your head with a crown of vain display?
Bury that pride deep within the soil,
And its head shall be lost amid decay and toil.
For your joy in this life is ample on its own;
Whose pain, then, is meant for another to be known?
While you suffer, others pass with ease—
No one cares for your grave, your tomb to appease.
Over them, too, fleeting joy may briefly arise,
Yet their heads lie in dust, concealed from the skies.
Reflect upon the swift passage of your days,
And devote yourself to the Just One in humble praise.
Meditations on Ferdowsi’s Wisdom
Ferdowsi’s verse calls us to recognize the impermanence of worldly things. He teaches that:
-
Suffering and Greatness:
Our hardships are not random misfortunes but often the price of striving for greatness. The pursuit of honor and high status may be laced with pain and sacrifice. -
The Futility of Pride:
If our time here is short, why invest in transient symbols of pride—a crown that ultimately fades into dust? True worth is measured not by earthly accolades but by the humility with which we live. -
Impermanence of Joy and Pain:
The poem gently reminds us that both joy and sorrow are temporary. While others may seem to sail through life unaffected, every soul is destined to meet the same end—returning to the earth. -
The Call to Reflection and Devotion:
Amid the ever-changing tides of life, Ferdowsi exhorts us to pause, reflect, and seek a higher purpose. In a world of fleeting delights and inevitable decay, turning our heart toward the divine offers solace and true fulfillment.
In our modern lives, where success is often measured by material gains and public acclaim, these ancient insights invite us to step back and reconsider our priorities. The real treasure lies in inner peace, ethical living, and a steadfast connection to something greater than ourselves.
Concluding Thoughts
Ferdowsi’s timeless verses continue to resonate across the centuries, offering guidance on how to live with humility, introspection, and devotion. As we navigate our own journeys—marked by struggles, achievements, and inevitable endings—we are reminded that our transient existence is best spent in the pursuit of a higher, enduring wisdom.
May these words inspire you to reflect on your own path and to find comfort in the knowledge that while our bodies return to the earth, the legacy of our spirit endures in the lives we touch and the love we share.
Embrace the fleeting nature of life, and let wisdom be your eternal guide.
