Quatrain 48 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
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نیکی و بدی که در نهاد بشر استشادی و غمی که در قضا و قدر است
با چرخ مکن حواله کاندر ره عقلچرخ از تو هزار بار بیچارهتر است
Description:
A Challenge in Translation and Interpretation
Unfortunately, the provided rubai presents a unique challenge for direct translation. While the individual words can be translated, the nuances, cultural references, and philosophical undertones make it difficult to capture the full essence of the poem in a single English translation.
Literal Translation
A literal, word-for-word translation might look something like this:
Goodness and evil that are in the nature of man,
Happiness and sorrow that are in destiny and fate,
Do not attribute it to the celestial sphere, for in the path of reason,
The celestial sphere is a thousand times more unfortunate than you.
A More Poetic and Interpretative Translation
To convey the deeper meaning and poetic beauty, we might try something like this:
The good and ill that dwell within mankind,
Joy, sorrow, fates that we cannot bind,
Blame not the heavens for your earthly plight,
For they, in wisdom, know not day from night.
Understanding the Rubai
This rubai touches on several deep philosophical themes, including:
Free will vs. fate: Khayyam seems to suggest that while there may be a degree of fate or destiny involved in human life, individuals still have a role to play in shaping their own experiences.
The limitations of cosmic forces: The "celestial sphere" or "چرخ" is often seen as a symbol of fate or destiny. Khayyam suggests that even this cosmic force is subject to limitations and uncertainties.
The human condition: The poem reflects on the inherent complexities of human nature, including the coexistence of good and evil, joy and sorrow.
Why is a direct translation challenging?
Cultural and historical context: The concept of "چرخ" (celestial sphere) carries significant weight in Persian culture and philosophy, often symbolizing destiny or cosmic order. It's difficult to find an exact equivalent in English that captures the same depth of meaning.
Nuances of meaning: Words like "نیکی" (goodness) and "بدی" (evil) have rich connotations in Persian that may not translate directly into English.
Poetic devices: The use of metaphors, similes, and other poetic devices can make it difficult to find a translation that is both accurate and aesthetically pleasing.
While we can offer a translation that conveys the general meaning of the rubai, it is important to recognize that something is inevitably lost in the process. The beauty and depth of this particular poem are deeply rooted in the Persian language and cultural context.