Quatrain 11 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
ای آمده از عالم روحانی تفتحیران شده در پنج و چهار و شش و هفت
می نوش ندانی ز کجا آمدهایخوش باش ندانی به کجا خواهی رفت
Description:
A Note on this Rubai
The rubai presented here is another beautiful example of Omar Khayyam's work. It's often interpreted as a meditation on the mysteries of life, death, and the human condition.
English Translation
A more literal translation
O you who have come from the spiritual world of heat,
Bewildered by five, four, six, and seven.
You drink, not knowing where you have come from,
Be happy, not knowing where you will go.
A more poetic and interpretive translation
From the realm of spirit, you've descended,
Confused by life's numbers, never-ending.
You drink, unaware of your origin,
Be joyful, for your end is yet unseen.
A contemporary and informal translation
You came from the spiritual realm, it's true,
Lost in this world, with so much to do.
You drink, forget where you came from,
Be happy now, for life is long from done.
"ای آمده از عالم روحانی تفت": This line suggests that the human soul has come from a spiritual realm before entering the physical world.
"حیران شده در پنج و چهار و شش و هفت": The numbers here are symbolic and can be interpreted in various ways, perhaps representing the complexities of life or the limitations of human understanding.
"می نوش ندانی ز کجا آمدهای": This line emphasizes the mystery of human existence and the fact that we often forget our origins.
"خوش باش ندانی به کجا خواهی رفت": This line encourages the reader to enjoy life while they can, as the future is uncertain.
Themes and Interpretations
The mystery of life: The poem explores the profound questions about the meaning of life and our place in the universe.
The transience of life: The idea that life is short and that we should make the most of it is a recurring theme in Khayyam's work.
The importance of enjoying the present moment: The poet encourages readers to focus on the present and not worry too much about the past or the future.
This rubai is a beautiful and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. It invites us to ponder the big questions of life and to appreciate the beauty and mystery of existence.