Quatrain 58 from Rubaiyat of Rumi

By hamed @hamed | 13 1

غم خود که بود که یاد آریم او رادر دل چه که بر خاک نگاریم او را


غم باد امید لیک بس بیمغز استگر سر ننهد مغز برآریم او را


Description:

English Translation of the Quatrain

What sorrow is there that we should remember him?
Why should we inscribe his image on our hearts?

Sorrow is but a foolish hope,
If we don't sacrifice our heads, let's uproot it.

Analysis of the Quatrains

The Futility of Sorrow: The poet questions the value of dwelling on sorrow and suggests that it is a foolish hope.
The Heart and Memory: The heart is seen as a place where memories are inscribed, and the poet suggests that one should not burden their heart with sorrow.
The Sacrifice of the Ego: The final line suggests a radical solution to overcome sorrow, which is to sacrifice one's ego or "head."


hamed
@hamed Nov. 14, 2024, 8:25 p.m.

Deeper Meanings

This quatrain, like much of Rumi's poetry, can be interpreted on multiple levels:

Overcoming Suffering: The poem addresses the human condition of suffering and suggests a path to overcoming it.
The Nature of the Ego: The "head" symbolizes the ego, which is seen as a source of many problems, including sorrow.
Spiritual Liberation: The call to "uproot" sorrow suggests a desire for spiritual liberation and freedom from suffering.