Quatrain 59 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
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اجرام که ساکنان این ایواننداسباب تردد خردمندانند
هان تا سر رشتهٔ خرد گم نکنیکآنان که مدبرند سرگردانند
Description:
A Challenge in Translating Omar Khayyam's Rubai
This particular rubai of Omar Khayyam is rich in philosophical and cosmological undertones, making a direct, literal translation quite challenging. The imagery of celestial bodies, the concept of "خردمندان" (wise men), and the idea of being lost suggests a deep contemplation of the universe and human existence.
English Translation
A more literal translation
Celestial bodies, the inhabitants of this celestial dome,
Are the causes for the wandering of the wise.
Beware lest you lose the thread of wisdom,
For those who are wise are also bewildered.
A more poetic and interpretive translation
Stars that adorn the cosmic sky,
Confuse the wise, as they wonder why.
Hold fast to wisdom's guiding light,
For even the learned can lose their sight.
A contemporary and informal translation
The stars above, so bright and far,
Can make even the smartest go astray.
Don't lose your way, or get lost in thought,
Even the brainiest get caught.
"اجرام که ساکنان این ایوانند": This line refers to the celestial bodies, the stars and planets, as inhabitants of the cosmic dome.
"اسباب تردد خردمندانند": This line suggests that the celestial bodies cause the wise to wander or become confused.
"هان تا سر رشتهٔ خرد گم نکنی": This line is a warning to hold onto wisdom and not to lose one's way.
"کآنان که مدبرند سرگردانند": This line emphasizes the idea that even the wise can become lost or confused.
Themes and Interpretations
The mystery of the universe: The rubai suggests that the universe is vast and mysterious, and that even the wisest among us cannot fully comprehend it.
The limitations of human knowledge: The poem highlights the limits of human understanding and the possibility of becoming lost in contemplation.
The importance of wisdom: The rubai emphasizes the value of wisdom and the need to hold onto it.
This rubai is a profound meditation on the nature of existence and the limits of human knowledge. The imagery of the celestial bodies and the wise men wandering creates a powerful visual representation of the mysteries of the universe.