Quatrain 72 from Rubaiyat of Omarf Khayyam
تا راهِ قلندری نپویی نشودرخساره به خونِ دل نشویی نشود
سودا چه پزی؟ تا که چو دلسوختگانآزاد به تَرکِ خود نگویی نشود
Description:
A Note About This Quatrain
This particular rubai of Omar Khayyam is rich in philosophical and existential undertones, making a direct, literal translation quite challenging. The imagery of the dervish path, the cleansing of the soul through suffering, and the concept of true freedom contribute to the poem's depth and complexity.
English Translation
A more literal translation
Until you seek the path of the dervish, you will not be cleansed,
Your face will not be washed with the blood of your heart.
What sorrow do you cook up? Until, like the heartbroken,
You freely say, "Farewell to myself."
A more poetic and interpretive translation
The dervish path, until you seek, remains unknown,
Your heart's blood must flow, for you to truly atone.
What sorrows do you crave? Until, like the forlorn,
You're free to say, "I've left myself, I've been reborn."
A contemporary and informal translation
You won't find peace until you let go of your pride,
Your heart needs to break, to feel what's inside.
Why seek out sorrow? Just let it be,
And find your freedom, wild and free.
"تا راهِ قلندری نپویی نشود": This line emphasizes the importance of seeking the spiritual path of a dervish.
"رخساره به خونِ دل نشویی نشود": This line suggests that true spiritual growth requires suffering and sacrifice.
"سودا چه پزی؟ تا که چو دلسوختگان": This line questions the pursuit of worldly desires and suggests that true happiness lies in letting go.
"آزاد به تَرکِ خود نگویی نشود": This line indicates that true freedom comes from letting go of one's ego and attachments.
Themes and Interpretations
The spiritual path:
The poem emphasizes the importance of seeking a spiritual path and letting go of worldly attachments.
The role of suffering: The rubai suggests that suffering is a necessary part of spiritual growth.
The concept of freedom: The poem defines freedom as a state of being that is achieved through letting go of one's ego.
This rubai is a profound meditation on the human condition. The imagery of the dervish path and the cleansing of the soul through suffering create a powerful visual representation of the spiritual journey.