Quatrain 98 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi

By hamed @hamed | 8 5

از جملهٔ بندگان منش بنده‌ترموز چشم خداوندیش افکنده‌ترم


با این همه دل بر نتوان داشت که دوستچندانکه مرا بیش کشد زنده‌ترم


Description:

English Translation:

Literal:

"Among the servants of my nature,
I am more servile; and from the sight of the Divine, I am more cast down.

Despite all this, the heart cannot help but love,
so much so that the more it kills me, the more alive I am."

Poetic:

"A slave to nature's whims, I'm bound and low,
From God's divine sight, further I do go.

Yet, love's strong grip upon my heart does hold,
And though it kills me, I feel more bold."


hamed
@hamed Oct. 3, 2024, 3:12 p.m.

Analysis:

This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi delves into the complexities of human nature, particularly the tension between spiritual aspiration and earthly desires. Let's break down the deeper meanings:

hamed
@hamed Oct. 3, 2024, 3:12 p.m.

Servant of Nature: The first line suggests that the poet feels trapped by their human nature, subject to its limitations and desires.
Distance from the Divine: The second line indicates a sense of spiritual separation or alienation. The poet feels distant from a higher power or divine source.
The Power of Love: Despite these spiritual and existential struggles, the poet is deeply in love. This love, paradoxically, gives them life and purpose.
Paradox of Love: The last line presents a paradox: the love that causes the poet pain also gives them life. It is a love that both kills and sustains them.

hamed
@hamed Oct. 3, 2024, 3:12 p.m.

Themes:

Spiritual longing: The poet expresses a desire for a deeper spiritual connection.
The human condition: The quatrain explores the complexities of human nature, including our limitations, desires, and capacity for love.
Paradox of love: Love is portrayed as a powerful force that can both give life and cause pain.

hamed
@hamed Oct. 3, 2024, 3:12 p.m.

Deeper Meaning:
Saadi's quatrain suggests a deep understanding of the human condition. The poet is grappling with questions about the meaning of life, the nature of God, and the power of love. The paradox of loving something that causes pain is a universal human experience.

hamed
@hamed Oct. 3, 2024, 3:13 p.m.

This quatrain is a meditation on the human soul. It explores the tension between our earthly desires and our spiritual aspirations. The poet's ability to find beauty and meaning even in the midst of pain is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.