You Could Be A Little Verse, You Can Be Pitted Against The Might Of The Universe

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 5 January 2023 The sublime Persian poetry has been my constant companion since childhood and the profound musings of Rumi, Sanai, Khaqani et al have never let me feel alone. Last night, while browsing through Hakim Sanai's volume ' Hadiqat al Haqiqa, 'I came across a lovely thought that kept me awake till dawn: " If you know your own worth, you needn't worry about the acceptance and rejection of others? " So very true. 'Jab Chale Pade Safar Ko Toh Kya Mud Ke Dekhna/ Duniya Ka Kya Hai Us Ne Sada Baar-Baar Di ' (Once you embark upon a journey, don't look back/ This useless world has the habit of beckoning you back; Rajinder Krishna Duggal, Film: Nazrana, 1961). The problem with most of the humans is that they keep asking for the approval and acknowledgement of others. Life is yours and you're its steward. Josh Malihabadi wrote, " Tujh Se Jo Phiregi Toh Kidhar Jayegi/ Le Jayega Jis Simt Udhar Jayegi/ Duniya Ke Havadis Se Ghabra Ke Na Ya Umra/ Jis Tarah Guzarega, Guzar Jayegi " ( Where else will it go other than you/ It'll go whichever direction you steer it to/ Don't be afraid of the mishaps of life/ Life will be spent the way you choose to spend it). Only those who're completely sure and confident of themselves, need NO one's guidance and are unperturbed or overjoyed by rejection or acceptance of the world. Zen Buddhism asks, ' Does anyone else breathe for you? You breathe for your own survival. So, what difference does it make if you're accepted or rejected? ' One's self-worth is of paramount importance. Always remember, when you seek people's approval, you lose your individuality and ultimately, your identity. The reason is: People always give a diametrically opposite opinion or approval and if you follow that, your independence gets compromised. So, Suno Sab Ki, Karo Man Ki (Pay heed to all/ Follow your own sagacity). We're hemmed in by people and their legions of free advice. Just do the opposite and be wise. There's much more to you than what the world thinks or perceives. You could be a little verse, you can be pitted against the might of the universe. The archaic English usage, create your own writ is forever relevant. "Apni Hasti Ka Bhi Insaan Ko Irfaan Na Hua/ Khaak Phir Khaak Thi, Auqaat Se Aage Na Gayee" (Man hasn't realised his own worth/ After all, it's a dust particle that hasn't exceeded its inner fabric/quality). Urdu poet-lyricist Shakeel Badayuni was spot-on in his rueful observation. Try to prove him otherwise! ---- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/verse-might-universe/d/128800 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism