Quatrain 116 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
Quatrain 116 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
By
@hamed
خیام اگر ز باده مستی خوش باش
با ماهرخی اگر نشستی خوش باش
چون عاقبت کار جهان نیستی است
انگار که نیستی چو هستی خوش باش
Description:
A Beautiful Rubai by Omar Khayyam
English Translation:
If Khayyam, from wine, is drunk and glad,
If with moon-faced beauty you are clad,
Since the end of the world’s affairs is naught,
Be as if you’re not, while you are, be glad.
Analysis of the Rubai
This quatrain by Omar Khayyam offers a characteristically philosophical and hedonistic perspective on life.
Embracing Pleasure: The first two lines invite the reader to enjoy life's pleasures, particularly wine and beautiful company.
The Nihilistic Undercurrent: The third line hints at a nihilistic worldview, suggesting that life is ultimately meaningless.
Carpe Diem: Despite the nihilistic undertone, the final line encourages the reader to seize the day and enjoy life while they can.
Deeper Meanings and Interpretations
The Paradox of Existence: The poem presents a paradox: if life is ultimately meaningless, why should one seek pleasure? Khayyam suggests that even in the face of nihilism, it is better to enjoy life's fleeting moments.
The Transience of Life: The idea of "being as if you're not" emphasizes the impermanence of human existence.
Hedonism as a Philosophical Stance: Khayyam's poetry often promotes hedonism as a way to cope with the existential dread of mortality.