Quatrain 51 from Rubaiyat of Rumi
زنهار دلا به خود مده ره غم را
مگزین به جهان صحبت نامحرم را
با تره و نانی چو قناعت کردی
چون تره مسنج سبلت عالم را
Description:
English Translation of the Quatrain
O heart, beware of giving yourself over to sorrow,
Do not engage in the company of the unfamiliar in this world.
With a radish and bread, if you are content,
Like a radish, clear the path of the world for yourself.
Analysis of the Quatrains
Contentment and Simplicity: The poet advocates for a simple life, free from worldly worries and desires.
Avoiding Harmful Company: The poet warns against associating with those who might lead one astray from the spiritual path.
The Path of the World: The "path of the world" refers to the material world and its distractions.
Radish as a Symbol: The radish, a simple vegetable, symbolizes humility, simplicity, and the ability to clear obstacles.
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Deeper Meanings
This quatrain, like much of Rumi's poetry, can be interpreted on multiple levels:
Spiritual Seeking: The poem encourages a focus on spiritual matters rather than worldly concerns.
Simplicity and Contentment: It promotes a life of simplicity and contentment, free from excessive desires.
The Sufi Path: The radish can be seen as a metaphor for the Sufi, who cuts through the illusions of the world to reach the divine.