THE

DIALOGUE

OF

THE

GULSHAN-I-RAZ

OR

MYSTICAL

GARDEN

MAHMOUD

OF

SHABISTARL

WITH

THE

ROSES

OF

SELEOnONS

FROM

OP

EUBAITAT

OMAE

KHAYAM.

-l^zy^-c^a^ot

A^l.^^7^^-^^

LONDON:
TEUBNEE

"

CO.,

LUDGATE

HILL.

1887.
\A}1 rights

reserved,

HANSOM

BALLANTYNS,

EDINBURGH

AND

AND

LONDON

CO.

PREFACE.

-M-

following

The

shan-i-Raz

aside

translation

begun

was

the

on

of

of

use

than

the

the

author

text

might
literal

For

other

its

of

pix)se
those

be

the

to

serve

plete
com-

of

principles

which

the

and

Epilogue,
rather

to

employed

images

excuse

Sufis

by

adhering

while

would

fullest

voluminous

possibly

sequently
Sub-

year.

principles.

those

notes

repelled

have

who

by

the

lation
trans-

for

time

no

and

commentaries,

or

retaining

such

produce

closely

as

and

allow

to

sense,

interest

might

as

of

in

lation
trans-

induced

Prologue,

circumstances

as

thrown

prose

was

the

endeavoured,

has

meaning

perusal

their

Gul-

the

was

ensuing

forth

sensual

various

explain

to

The

to

portions,

the

the

present

omitting

and

Whinfield's

in

sets

of

Dialogue
1879,

Mr.

the

which

portion

concluding

the

of

the

year

work

author

philosophy,

the

the

of

entire

the

Sufi

in

appearance
the

that

of

dryness

apparent

the

who

of

translation.

who

translations,

have

no

it

is

knowledge

of

noted

the

that

the

original

Gulshan-i-Raz

or

vi

PREFACE.

composed

was

the
year

series

13

of

Sufi

it

in

from

Bombay,

the

"Thoughts

are

the

form

in

Azarbayan
of

Amir

by

entirely

edition,

to

answers

Hosaini,

Sayid

originals
the

omitted.

translation

present
forth

setting

(lithographed)

its

at

for

was

H.

sion
conclu-

Agha

H.

1280.

ah.

differs

on

the

printed

was

text

which

from

special

that

The

in

a.h.),

of

Herat.

is

Khan

Shabistari

propounded

original

made

(717

a.d.

19

questions

of

The

Mahmoud

by

in

unimportant

many

employed
Heavens

by
"

and

Mr.

particulars
and

Whinfield,

"Thoughts

on

Souls

the

"

DIALOGUE

OF

ERRATA.

Page

40,

line

Page

48,

line

liat

6,/c"'

from

It

IS

"face"

read

bottom,

tnaD

is

"grace."

for

"

And

"

read

conierriptauun

"

iru^

One.

ANSWER.

bids't

Thou
Whose
It

Sages,
^

The

The

word

question

the

I
asks

fills

doth

atom

on

have
its

this

here

mystical

point

thy

from

path

narrow

contemplation

meaning

the

who

what

say

hidden

treads

Within

me

world
have

translated

meaning.

soul

is,

with

doubt

right

to

wrong

perceive.
held

discourse,

contemplation^

is

Tafakkur.

GULSHAN-I-RAZ,

THE

This

definition

Reflection's
Is

to

the

When

clearly

dawn

within

learned

Reflection, when

plan

disposition

By

Things

parent

Of

argument

of

in

Thy

thought

The

road

Like

Thy

for

Truly

"

of

phantasy.

shun

journey

valley
and

awhile.

pause

doubt.

to

cease

proof,

The

light of being first in all perceives.

The

soul

solitude

In

When

light

wisdom,

Through

"

which

Aiman's

first in

reflection's

bursts

and

thereon

valley," where

aside

cast

unity receiveth

disposed,

refused,

be

God,"

am

womb

maintain.

distant

displayed.

result.

be

they

foolish

season

stilL

fruitful

child

the

should

Aiman's
I

"

view

the

symmetry

! this

long

in

out

however

In

staff.

who

He

is

Moses,

Hear

from

passed,

brain

busy

full

why,

is but

is

truths.

are

divine

thought

contemplation

apparent

order

man

trvs.

in

the

forth

their

"

recognised.

brings

if aid

Again,

"

thought

whaty and

Must

is

concealed

erst

The

But

within

formed,

is

is

of

mind

bound

wise

the

by

the

contemplation

contemplation's

Conviction

announced

have

purity
all

sees

worth
the

Moses

is

flash

saw

discerns
God.

found,
of aid

the

divine.

burning

bush.

GULSHAN-LRAZ,

THE

He

from

By

key

whose
of

logic

So

the

Of

all created

Alone

By

travels

In

tangled

His

wandering

Till

by

All

things

Are

evident

the

him

know

In
No

dim

the

the

His

light

No

man

Be

his

glory

are

Wagib

necessary"

doth

and

Imkan,
in

the

**the

cans't

thou

the

amid

the

whose

system.

or

this,

or

from

the

How

sun

place

the

know,

to

same.

light

any

shell.

view

essential

opposition
Other

it ?

fulfil.

universe

contingent."

discern

waste

of

be

ever

**

him

shining

change

is God

rendered

perceive

perceive

if this

the

light

cans't

seeks

no

proclaim

thou

then

would

know

have

and

points

sun

kind

that

words

how

other, kernel

or

Within

The

in

bound.

are

possible

taper's light

would

God's

the

who

bright

feet

God

may

then

hath

fool

contemplates,

his

what

How

by comparison

unlike

or

soul

his

perplex

what

but

path

fleeting thoughts

Existence

nature

that

Were

in

prove

seems

backward

fast

doubt

essential

the

on

essential

the

of

counterpart

By

the

so

mind

essential

Behold

would

sore

chain

not.

the

and

sequence

perplexed,

possible

far ; sometimes

He

the

confusion

in

unclose.

thought

existence

possible

Like

in

things,

perceives,

door

conceals

path

still the

no

may

philosopher

Wrapped

God

eyes

in

concealed

"

one

translators

"

and
of

the

the

have

possible
most

used

"

minent
pro-

**the

GULSHAN^I-RAZ,

THE

lo

And

that

as

Or

radiance

yet in kind, therein

think

Dost

For

who

Much

its

by

is

man

human

while

! seek
as

All

The

one-eyed

In

this

As

who

The

The
Save
Hence

the

gnostic's
in

his

relief

doubt

its worth

knoweth

;
:

false

is

claimed.
pro-

perceive

delight

no

infidel.
not

of

unity

falsity obscured.
is

eye

corporeal
all

bom

creed

of

scum

must

behold.

Buddhist's

reckoneth

gaze

thou

seeks

alone

that

eye

to

of blindness

was

skill,

worldly-wise

unity

atonement

that

speech
by

God's

beauties, is the

nature's

In

the

man

blind, who

bom

one

in

the

they

and

face the

if gaze

eyes,

doth

by example

That

provides.

presumptuous

brook

not

may

one-eyed

soul

and

iliat

on

other

trembling

Proof

that

Soul

transmigration's slave,

wisdom

Begone
Even

for

aye,

his

content

of trouble

Philosophy's
Of

doth

place

part.

no

for

fixed

foresight, wisdom,

Through
This

abides

existence

own

reason

store

change

itself

of

change

no

hath

world

the

in

ever

He

Is

knows

clouded

ever

o'er,

perceiving naught.

sense

of

speech

things,

both

great

and

small,
Tells
While
The

but

of

His

Godhead

that

which

existence
is

no

mortal

is from
mark

for

eyes

perceive,

proof exempt.
human

thought

GULSHAN-LRAZ,

THE

ii

QUESTION.

How

then

the

may
was

the

thought

of

path

truth

pursue

Why

mortal

may

yesterday

that

to-day

sin

be

thought
?

pure

ANSWER.

who

He

creation

upon

Doth

well

His

thought

is

of

doubt

if he

but

meditates

evil.

wholly

existence,

Grod's

'tis

For

vain

to

dwell
On

which

that

Knowest
Thou
Is

thou
can'st

not

from

The

then

The

light

Find

the

Even

as

Thy

human

With

God

Must

shun
his

Grants

of

his

wisdom
himself
the
own

flame
cast

orb

his
could

harbour,

think
of

light

help?

draws.
to

his

in

\ be

how

the

For

disclose

space
forth

attribute.

aside

lead

man

God

burst

so

day, and
to

possess

so

man

existence

leaping

Archangel's
near

to

thought.

universe

The

splendour

no

earth

can

suflficient

no

dost

by his light revealed

is

How

existence,

universe

the

world

his

obtain

now

thou

what

that

of

reach

the

beyond

not

glorified by

He

The

lies

one

bat

dim-eyed

when

thee, what

though

thy

God

avails
his

place

be

The

turn

to

Before

that

brilliant

the

of

Within
Of

thou

Do

Grod

earth-bom

And

shrink

The

stigma

God

angel

**

celebrated

was

Sufis

to

while

yet

prophet
justify
in

the

life.

when
can

the

The

from

was

doctrine

with

God

thereto.'*

attain

of

of

possible

light.

men.

bears
wisdom

Behold

have

enough

Dervish

form
:

fail

world

the

They
Hadis

thereby

separate

words

the

the

neither

path

God."

with

passage

time

be

possible
more

was

in

well

found

human

must

lies

! the

gaze

infinity.

presence."

own

Allah,

So

dim.

and

existence

pure

attempt

existence

for
to

man

the

dispense

revealed
a

in

darkness

appearance,

contempt

the

knoweth

God's

nor

doth

before

from

May

There

pupil

of

eye

behold

and

that

of

Grod's

is in

be

not

The

of

light

mankind

weak

grows

eyeball

part in such

What

the

eye

sure

radiance.

as

the

to

wisdom

wisdom's

presence

light

reject

may

their

is

rays

man's

light approacheth,

dark

eye's

effulgent

'neath

When

the

thine

presence

head, diminished

immortality

The

of

ashes

it that

that

own

angel's wing,

sun.

fathom

Think

Ma

its

source

To

the

God^s

if those

Would

The

Li

him

scorch

hide

in

Grod,

Would

Before

"

for

place

Must

of

throne

No

**

GULSHAN'I'RAZ,

THE

12

so

the

treads

translated

are

commencement

"

in

such

These

wise
are

absorption

that

neither

held

by

into

the

some

deity

GULSHAN'I'RAZ,

THE

Is

dark

That,

the

Are

at

near

obscure

so

Within
this

In

Rush

to

lips

my

as

light ;
of

'twere

^yet no

"

tents

Behold

beams

as

gloom,

such

shineth

words

assembly

the

may

reveal

of darkness

the

seen,^

tells

more

theme

day

what

desert

and

wayfarer,
hand

yet 'tis but

of the

horizon

the

on

Gladdens

On

worlds

in both

13

light
refrain.

best

EXAMPLE.

Would'st

thou

Upturn

thine

Though

on

Yet

in

Be

viewed

the

safety

Knowledge

thereof

"

The

light

At

unity appears

And

'tis

the

Though
in

This,

authority,

the

rendering

of

forms

image
this

doth

multitude

reckonest

one,

be

but

lost

very

and
"

portrayed

beginning

is

Moulvi

shows

so

numeration,

infinite

I admit,

even

in

an

free

and

Sawad-i-'Azim."

end

so

even

Sufi,

the

one,

translation

ardent

gaze,

light

its

as

million

thou

its disc

therein

"

from

therein, and

once

bear

proportion just

the

so

may
to

non-existence

As

existence,

That

Is

in

eye

brook

may

as

sun

what

may

increaseth

of God.

forth

of existence

mirror

The

eye

reflected

stream

with

no

noonday
task

The

orb

diminished,

Set

good

that

the

eyes

shown

Is

towards

to

had

whom

it from
I

applied

high
for

GULSHAN-I'RAZ,

THE

14

unsubstantial

The
Is

purified, and

The
"

in

hidden

was

the

lo 1 at

Now

hidden

secret

The

unsubstantial

as

The

world

reflected

Is

that

And

reflection's

clearer

Thou

gazest long

is the

Hath
So

exposition

tradition

not

that

Think

nor

shall

particle

universe
this

Than
When

given.
origin,

behold

truth

in

sight,

is needed

to

perceive ?

verse

be

the

now

seen.

this

ear

imi

this

thou

Each

nor

eye

seer

set

presentment.

for

thine

the

behold
the

be

may

man

world.

upon

and

seer,

him

eye

become

man

shows,

art

o' thine

see

light.

to

; mortal

in

thou

light

and

man,

mirror

eye

person

it the

No

It

therein

hidden

The

Is

darkly

thou

shalt

spring

The

low

whisper

hid,'* then

treasure

essence

exposed,

once

lies.

treasure

Eternal

for

then

mirror,

thee

sun.

RULE.

If

yonder

Behold
In

raindrop

therein

every

The
In

In
The

gnat

if thou

of
in

name

is

every

grain

world

seas

doth

drop

yonder

within

thousand
a

match
as

displayed.

aright,

gaze

reasoning beings

limbs

disclose.

its heart

hundred

atom,

Thousands

should

contained.

are

the

Nile's

elephant.
broad

harvests

grain of

millet's

flood.

dwell.
heart.

GULSHAN'I'RAZ.

THE

universe

The
Within

in

Upon

the

Lord

Therein

two

worlds

Behold
The

the

With

is kneaded
the

the

Moumin

The

commingled

world

Satan

heart
of the

Master

prevaileth

with

angel

the

Iblis

fiend

with

be

may

as

even

seen

Adam.

dough

cherubim

the
with

which

that

the

Kafir, and

the

worlds.

sometimes

movable

roll.

heavens

the

space

and

Resteth

Sometimes

in

spot within

little

one

contained.

mosquito's wing

the

point

that

15

moveth
Kafir

not

with

the

Moumin,
the

See

in

The

change

The

invisible
1 in

Lo
A

but

The

universe

All

move

Holds

By

its

Merge
All

ever

not

order
all

own

nature

the
move,

from

every

spring,

of
of

particle

the

the

possible
universe

imprisoned
is

restrained,

atom

every
nor

may

illimitable

yet all

"

moved,

be

place

one

are

Moumin,

ever

the

and

years

link

is overturned.

yet

and

in

its

once

each

every

revolution.

boundary
the

months,

creation.

circle

in

from

at

the

foot

Sets

doth

and

apace,

Beyond

formed

are

orbit

atom

one

man's

chain, from

forms

centre,

and

days,

and

endless

that

assembled.

are

time, and

descent

thousand

Itself
If

of

this

Within

moment

present

bound

faithfuL

point

i6

GULSHAN'T'RAZ.

THE

Ever

and

they don,

The

of life ; while

robe

Ever

at

His

rest

origin

And

nor

end

or

Beneath
life

of each

way.

lies concealed

atom

beloved.

of the

face

of the

increasing beauty

his

wends

presence

fate.

his

bears

one
"

the

"

curtain

the

perceives

one

yet each

vibration,

in

ever

any

toward

ever

The

lay aside,

ever

RULE.

Thou,

Say,

of that

What

of

When

what

Paradise,

What

world

from

Come,

Ja

What

may

JS

Balks

traditions

tradition

of

assisted
him
a

and

to

by
say

Haruf

they

had

Ja

Ja

the

Angel

what

was

"

They

was

to

endowed

them

was

the

at

their

to

answer

promising
scene

the

overcome

the

own

of

the

human

desire...

Kaf

world

verily

"

hast

heard.

display.
city

be.

cities mentioned

by

That

see

well

faith

eye

Yea,

and

cannot

mind,

Araaf

eyes

world

in

of

year.

cannot

mine

repeated

Gabriel,

the

mount

naught.

before

Balsa's

in his

Balsa

Moruf

world's

mortal

is this
is

thou

what

never

Balsa, enchanted

Balks

been

lips

Balka,^

the

which

seen

concerning

Ja

and

my

what

beheld

eyes

is born

how

Hell, and

day

hast

JS

Moslem.

and

is that

thou

Thou

and

and

? whose

Which

end

roc,

What

Beholds

The

the

thine

tale,

wondrous

so

spiritknowest

or

the

world's

have

what

form

the

this

heard

world

comes

Say,

hast

who

be

in the

if

he

challenged

who

Jew

did

failure

The

miraculously

Prophet,
a

here.

given

Hadis.

to

so

of

passions,

the
with

become

angels
which

GULSHAN'I'RAZ,

THE

Trouble
For

thyself

this

List

Ibn

Thou
but

in

When

in

shalt

thou

from

When

know

His

truth

all thou

and

shalt

thou

this

that

soul^s

the

in

seest

formed.

day

know

"

them

thyself

image

dread

wests

possess.

one

unto

wrapped,

last

the

on

Then

and

and

easts

but

Like

"

slumber

vison

of each

may

Abbas,

art

with

more

story of

the

to

From

Is

world

no

17

but

was

weak

awake,
dream.

the

source

thought

springs forth,
Then

earth

and

When

the

bright

The

light

of Venus

One

ray

of his

And

shatter

Know

in

When

thou

More

to

Oh,

thou
in

The

shreds
time

fade.

what

hairs.

as

know

thou

avails

then

can^st
know

to

heart

what

can

down,

with

feet stuck

lies,thine

own,

yet helpless all

cast

eyes

shine.

flinty rock,

fine

not, what

doth

shall

moon

as

alike.

face

thy

the

world-bound

with

I say

fast

clay,
before

That

sitt'st

Yea, with

Welter

the

strike

present

the

liest

Will

shall

both

are

full in
and

can'st

Thou

Until

thee

to

sun

it to

the

world

Thou

sky

: nor

in

hold

bonds
own

like

locks

let thine
in

may

thine

sittest

thy

thee

even

in

grey,
be

thy

the

nor

mean

in

feet hast

ignorance

within

The

the

thing.

chains,

gate.

satisfied.
thou

so

bound

one

hands

woman

blood, while

world

as

weak

grow

heart

this

brave

house

bound.

GULSHAN'I'RAZ.

THE

Sitt'st

with

What

hast

That

head

woman

shall

All

obstacles
not

Nor

Let

or

with

the

day

be

Shine

the

as

Ever

"

Or,

until

Follow
While

o'er

Still

darkly
God

Thy

Must

show

thee

if

one

upon

thy

God.

and

night
the

heaven,

day.

as

moon,

to

those

not

hearest

and

the

see.''

Thy

amber

obstruct

the

alL

thy God,''
of existence
thou

ever

face, the

road

same

mountain

though

the

'Tis

from

wisdom

turriy^

who
this

"

and

sense,

face

thy

turn

Amran,

and

thought,

his

not

thyself

to
But

love

lowers

cling, as

thou

of

thy path

can'st

Thou

thou

to

stage,

any

of

stars

Moussa

as

even

overcome

night,

as

traveller,

repeat

therein

sun,

lamps

thou,

Do

sense

of life.

call

the

bright

at

caravan

thee

unto

though
yon

night

and

go

her

road

thy

tales,

path aright,

the

follow

to

bar

by day

Abram,

What

If

that

linger

Like

chose

man

without.

wives'

old

perfect

tread

foot

set

these

seems

not

may

How

Rest

thee

to

durst

nor

from

learned

thou

ignorance

When

"

covered,

beseech
comes

answer

soul

certainty

to

doth

the

way,

what

straw.

way

remains

?
ray

of

light

shall

upon

the

stiike

that

mountain's

flinty side,
Even

as

the

dust

road

of

life which

behind.
It

sinks

in

nothingness,

and

by

one

spark

lies

GULSHAN'I-RAZ,

THE

20

Even

the

as

point

"

Ain

"

change

can

into

"Ghain,"!
The

from

Nature

shall

cloud

The

pilgrim's

In

with

wanders
this

Unite

in

Pervadeth

station

in

universe

The

desert

of the
all

thy unity.

him

to

from

the

this

attains,

road,

world.

become

journey

one

aside,

the

multitude.

Plurality personified
Who

be

cast

and

more.

no

thou, the

hast

essence

steps,

remain.

unity

as

shall

one

even

number

Unity's

the

through

being,

essence

perils

existence

exalted

many

up

purified,

essence

is two

progress

personal

When,

fancy conjures

so

; the

pass

fraught

Though

cloud,
ethereal

the

The

He

the

to

essence

particle
is known.

mystery

QUESTION.

of the

Who,
Is

who

he

in the

pilgrims

may

called

be

path

the

of

truth.

perfect

man

ANSWER.

thou

Askest
He
Even

j^

who

the

-4in,

^i,
a

"

Who

fountain

it is who

he

point), a cloud,

still

scum,

an

or

treads

of existence

swiftly

essence;

film.

passes

Qhain

the

path aright

**

knows,
on.

(formed

by

adding

GULSHAN-I-RAZ.

THE

Emerging

toward

unveiling,

truths

and

doubt

Rejecting

from

journey

his

that

All

from

self,as

grosser

the

smoke

leads

flame.

the
Know

from

pure

ii

His

former

Till

perfect manhood

possible,

the

essential

darkness,
he

journey

the

stage

performs

he

again,
attains.

length

at

by stage

RULE.

Do

thou

Ere

yet

observe
in

that

As

how

him

is born

which

hath

the

by the

Next

by almighty

power,

Then

God

bestows

In

Is

on

Take

him

to

their

and

him,

effect

produced.
wakes

reason

energy.

the

will.

to

power

He

perfect knowledge
evil

most

are

than

the

world's

the

of the

combination

Worse

his

his

order

atoms

By

Which

man.

first

increased,

life.

to

first,perception of the world

childhood

opened

perfect

reason

no

Then

soul

springs

he

first

temptations

his

going.

elements
seeks

take

him

in

qualities

; those

beasts,

effect

fiends,

or

;
or

stocks

stones

He

doth

And

from

Are
To

become,

soon

which

Direct

these

while

lust

avarice

and

engendered
he

opposed.

Here

wrath

the
to

appear

pride.

envy,

This

falls, because

and

lowest

depth

unity

by plurality confused.

or

GULSHAN-I-RAZ.

THE

22

He

face

his

sets

his

against

reformation

till

God,

dawns.
If

he

become
than

Further
if

But

Or

one

Light

brutes
of

ray

this

net,
from

wanders

attracting

from

the

up

he

God's

reflected

proof

in

prisoner

the

grace,

God's

heart

secrets

shares.
from

He

turns

him

By

grace

divine

He

doth

the

from

Back

He

sets

Among

He

like

Merged

repentance

his

in

the

evil

his

in

whole,

the

Moses

up

Angel

and

place

faith

the

body

prophet
where

attaius.

first

God,

chiefest

gate,

obtains

release
of

Heaven,

destruction.
ascends

not

and

aside,

accords.

throne

to

may

in

desire

he

following Mahomet,

And,

Heaven

cast

the

by

near

his

deeds.

atom

his

with

Jesus

sits.

becomes.

knowledge

like

clothed.

faith

acquiring

like

saints

he

evil

turned,

qualities released.

firm

of God

giveth

all

prophet Idris,

human

Seated

of sinners

of mankind

from

Noah

will

From

The

with

to

Entering

He

of the

Abraham

Like
The

heaven

chosen

came.

attain.

highest

the

the

faith

purest

he

proof

hell

face, and

from

When

to

his

like

He,

by which

lowest

the

purified

Now

road

by assured

or

road

the

Towards

the

spirit world

his

path,

road

the

to

Heaven.

penetrate

last

are

joined

in

one.

GULSHAN-I-RAZ.

THE

23

EXAMPLE.

The

is

prophet

Is

the

as

Is

Is

wholly

perfect

Apparent

apostle, yet

in

the

prophet,

words

will

God

spirit with

In

spiritual
time

the

he

Though
When
The

He

is

man

he

God

at

; obedience

but

mark

last

and

first shall

of truth

through

Then

once

Back

to

serveth

shall

from

origin

reach

retreat

pure.

task

join

his

the

as

his
him

crown

; his

! his

through

mortality eternity
more

the

who

shall

that

is done
in

one.

SECOND.

THE

master,

finds

he

performed

true

length

in

and

of truth

perfect

be

"

God

attains.

ANSWER

That

attains.

once

at

devotion
sense

apostle,

holy place
"

you

the

as

love

that

love

God

the

In

What

his

remains

even

If ye

"

within

and

with

Even

man

therein

fellowship

master,

beloved, union

is

where

apostleship

the

Admission,

He

for

in

the

"

choice

his

prophecy

apostleship

his

Following

Hears

sphere,

nature

concealment

no

from

of

apostle

lesser

pure

hidden

So

the

meets.

its

Seeks

sun

moon,

Maker
Within

goal

perfection.

slave.

journey's end.
his

as

heir.

attains.
his

pursues

vest, the

law

course

GULSHAN-I-RAZ.

THE

24
.

His

robe,

His

soul

the

finds

faith

And

And

rest

he

from

from

certainty

infidelity

balance

the

apart from

Hidden

'Twixt

"

piety.

evil ; all with

all ;

mortal

the

him,
still

secret

dome.

the

beneath

gaze

renowned

well

virtues, knowledge,

abstinence

Yet

holds

he

all fair

For

; in

pilgrim's path

ILLUSTRATION.

If,

'tis

ere

The

seed

Yet

when

If thou
"

ripe, thou

is

'tis

"

law

is

kernel

If he

let

be

fruit

is

'Tis

good

without

And

the

It

feel

water

And

fill the

Once

By

more

dread

the

laid

bare,

in

this

world,

the

nurse

world
the

decree

to

seed
one

tree

the
shall
to

when

so

husk

road.

sage

his

soul

departs
in

once

once

the

shell

more

it

more

shall

branches

horizon's
its

hundred

ripe,

burst,

thus

but

is

the

is

and

whose

rise

fruit

the

beams,

stage of life

shell.

truth

pilgrim's

if while

but

warm

the

part upon

And

husk

the

good.

way.

when

fruit

sun's

the

but

gains,

returns

certain

the

'tis

husk,
break'st

lies the
in

the

not

ne'er

Its

spoiled ;

ripe

Remaineth
And

these

assurance

and

husk,

hindered

or

The

Certain

the

as

'twixt

of the

fruit, thou

the

shell,

doomed.

corruption

to

win

almond's

the

ripe, stripped

would'st

Tlie

The

surely

break

to

earth

spread.

verge.
race

plays

run.

changed.

GULSHAN-I-RAZ.

THE

As

gains

So

doth

Thus

that
the

last

Even

as

the

the

the

draughtsman's
self-same

the

At

length

circle

his

pass.

journey's end,
circuit

closed.

again

once

compass,

circle, till his sand

his

out;

runs

estate,

and

first,the

joined

sweeps

line

pilgrim gains

has

He

tree's

poiilt through
the

when

The

tiny seed

25

thread

journey's

cut

short,
The
If

of truth

Lord

this, by Grod's

Be

plain,

Obscures
**

And

He

shall

especial
of

veil

no

To

"

thee,

to

grace

heir.

his

verily they ask,"

**

." reveal

answers,

as

metempsychosis

thy vision,
say,"

him

claim

to

us

end.

our

origin

your

"

return

"

KULE.

In

in

perfect

And

did

first

Adam

prophecy

Apostleship lingers
And,

like

the

saint's

existence

In

prophecy

; the

The
In

And
He
The

in

"

world's
whom

Kalifa

seal

"

is mercy

of his

was

shown.

here,
stage treads

again.

membei-ship

in

perfect

circle

form
did

first

most

intelligent

high

descent

great high priest of

of all of Adam's

the

form

which

limbs

"

prophecy

world's

is

revolving

worthy
is the

the

of

season

seed, the

The

Which

seal

the

"

appear.

whole.

displayed.
close.

displayed.
both

race.

the

worlds,

26

GULSHAN'l-RAZ,

THE

ILLUSTRATION.

As

the

sun's

thee

For
As

the

turn

The

prophet
Moses

Read

The

From

and

Al

Almighty

guardianship,

command

the

He

casts

darkness

The

light

His

Keblah
in

When

Satan

Beneath

his
all

Above
And

flood

the

in

his

of

'mid
feet

Apostleship, by

meridian

he

he

bears
and

all

flung
moves.

assured.

well
within

behold
shadow

east

faithful

subsist
him

"

around

stands

thrown

him
he

the

shadow

the

stands.

shadow

serene

prove.

purified.

around

light

the

dignities
shade

time's

Godhead's

lies betwixt

cast,

faith.

for he

the

Grod

eye

of the

shadow

of salvation

of

shadow

steadfast

Be

"

shadow,

no

The

Lost

shall

thine

discern.

each

disc

bridge,

seen.

shall

so

from

sun,

Adam

right, left, no

Sirat's

dawn.

again.

set

firm, behold

meridian,

By

in

ladder

age

Before, behind,
Upon

mighty

from

"

darkness
the

its

the

master's

and

history

doth
form

to

sink

now

stages each

noon's

high

ever-rolling spheres,

as

and

moment

step

On

shineth

world's

varied

Each

to

turn

now,

the

Its

"

must

separate,

are

is the

the

more

sun

night

morning

once

The

In

from

rays

and
it

he

proves.

west.

poured

discerns,

lies concealed.
supreme.

earthly

forms.

enlightened, casts

GULSHAN-I-RAZ.

THE

28
.

Go

cast

Go

and

it from

the

When

He

his

whose

And

the

While

him

on

wisdom

of the

from

the

self is gone.

unasked

fears

nor

road

and

deaf
of

blind."

earthly life,
him

knows

all

repulse.

gains,

stain

perfect

given

been

the

the

in,

whose

from

"

beloved

enter

admittance

token

heart.

thine

the

"

will

has

of

of

thee

soul

"

dwells

Till

mansion

he

to

within.

pure

guest-chamber,

beloved's

claims

The

face

devotion

Prepares
the

the

departest

show

be

dwelling-place

thou

And

So

clean

sweep

Garnish

and

thee

not.

stumbling-blocks

are

swept,
No

light

As

in

Four

the

from

is

third

purity

which

Through
brute

deliverance

and

fiend's

from

from
man

; and

Till

brow

thy pure

thou

sin

first,

and

evil ;

sink

below

the

Cloud

Worthy

changes

may

jealousy

tale

"

filthy lusts.

Fourthly, malignant

The

temptations,

the

soul.

impediments,

chances

the

of his

dwelling

of

methods

from

Next

the

four

are

way

the

are

Freedom

The

pierce

may

is told
to

; and

learn

hast

How

can

But

when

'Tis

precious

he

the

secret

the

journey
these

bears
may

deemed.

be

be

pure
in

the

in

adoration

self-abasement

sight

of

purity.

true

ends.

signs

utterly rejected self,

thy prayers
the

here
who

ne'er

must

?
prays,

GULSHAN'I'FAZ,

THE

29

QUESTION.

If to

the

What

so

sage

avails

then

life be

pure
to

of

form

this

man

known,

clay

ANSWER.

Be

For

Yet

his

by

the

wonder

And

that

sun's

hope

reviving

nature

ray.

then

not

thy

God

"

to

say

who

or

thereby

may

did

Grod

life ;

to

sprang

why

draw.

may

cherish

atoms

how

known

clearer
Am

its heat

earth

alone

him

save

thy thought's conditions

Perchance

"

for

reflect

thou

Be

its

longing

naught

sees

that

him.

recognisest

the

sun

gifts of God,

the

thou

wise

the

from

Nor

Do

light

how

Mark

for

ungrateful

not

man,
answer,

gave

"Yea."
The

hour

The

tale

Read
So

of

last

thou
hast

this

That

If thou
Thou

Behold

man

night

through

folly in

God's

was

his
hast

mayest

also

his

see

him

attributes

of contract

to

here

forgot

earth

call

when

thee.

to

day

one

might

thy God

seen

seal

word

own

covenant

to-day

the

it o'er ;

ponder

clear

be

heart.

thy

on

tale ;

shall

readest

all thou

And

valley

wondrous

that

engraved

he

thy creation,
Aiman's

then

Did'st

For

of

to

time

sent

set

down.

mind.

began,

again.

displayed.

GULSHAN-I-RAZ,

THE

30

That

the

on

Go, read

may'st

failest, deem

if thou

And

thou

morrow

can*st

Thou

"

himself

see

thy grief
"

not

and

loss.

no

comforted.

be

ILLUSTRATION.

blind

The

will

believe

not

if

tale

thy

thou

colour

describe,
for

Though

hundred

and

proof

red, and

black, the

All

alike

him,

the

Behold

to

And

Even

soul
this

Of

fire

and

thou

When

this

Spite

of

Go, ask

is the

the

thyself

thou

thyself that

springs.

dost

God's

which

thy

divine.
:

thyself.

it to

together meet,

both

illumines

known.

bom

iron

and

becomes

spark

secret

it, take

hear

effulgent light

Th'

iron

and

stone

given,
be

may

sight

doom,

blind
is

secret

stone

same

final

man

grass.

his

restore

body leaps

dost

blind

bom

to

yellow

darkness.

are

born

one

one

as

conjunction

When

all

creation's

sees

from

and

green

salve

hidden

the

as

From

leech's

intellect

mighty

Whereby

of

world

the

and

case

which

Wisdom,
Blind

evil
the

shall

How

to

ment
argu-

"

White,
are

marshal

thou

years

the

worlds.

image

bear

soul

desires.

QUESTION.

What
If

every

meaneth
atom

then
shadow

"

am

forth

the

God

the

Lord

of
?

truth,"

GULSHAN-I-RAZ,

THE

31

ANSWER.

words

Within

those

Wholly

unveiled, for

ShaU

thee, like

To

in

Ever

As

and

praise

Shalt

the

thou

Almighty,

of

the

grasp

When

truth.

doubt.

self

thou
from

thou

take

carded

hast

.carder

low

whisper

thou

as

So

living thing

learn, then

even

"

God

am

who

of drunkenness.

desire

cry.

cotton-wool

every

secret

wool,
this

raise

The

the

Truly

Lord."

the

card

men

secret

praise they firmly

Would'st
All

"

lies

mighty

save

Mansour,

drunken,

Seems

"

thee

unto

say

the

thine

! One

Hark

ears

Almighty

God!"
Ever

this

Doth

thy

Come

into

The

Is

bark

lawful

of

God's

Or

more

Hallaj,
using

the

these

for

"

to

God

with

thee

glory

may

correctly,
wool-carder,
words.

is

To

alone

fancy

by

none

"Verily
was

I I

at

"

vexed

there
"

his

executed

one

the

am

Lord

"

personality

and
be

by doubt

is but

say

God.*'

then

fortunate

never

once,

thy

am

tree, why
the

come.

judgment-day
there,

Lo

that

surety

absolute.

Belongs
not

the

great soul

Existence

Is

for

lawful

whose

Knows

valley
"

doth

thee

to

tarry till the

Aiman's

it not

He

God

proclaimeth

tree

If it be

from

cry

thought
shared

the

am

at

lie hid.

; therein

truth."

Bagdad,

A.H.

Mansour

309,

for

GULSHAN-I-RAZ.

THE

32

/, tliou^and

we

The

person

and

For

unity

admits

freedom,

That
"

Verily

Is

the

Concord

his

nature's

So

God

Nor

his

Concord
For

slave,

and

to

Creator

and

Alike

in

two

see

variance.

springs.

his

man

God

becomes.

be,

never

may

is error's

one

beings

core.

are

is what

nor

from

existence

here

created

dream,

one.

pilgrimage.

nor

union

but

spring

from

order

then

are

progress

of

born

eternity
and

incarnation

unity is

But

his

resounds

soul

echoing
in

and

God,'*

and

one,

obtains

he

self, when

through

and

pilgrim

in

join

opposition overwhelmed,

The

one.

are

variance.

from

am

all

existence

no

is free

who

He

for

not,

are

be.

to

seems

EXAMPLE.

THE

ON

And,

gazing

Look

once

It

is not

Self

in

Knows

How

Darkness
The

this
its

what

; what

other

past is gone,

never

future

semblance

is it then

be

fixed.

what

shadow

may

the

that

firmly

living mingle
light

self.

other

may

existence

that

and

that

nor

own

the

that

it, see

again

not
can

in

thy face.

before

straight

mirror

yonder

Set

NON-EXISTENCE.

OP

EVIDENCE

with

it is ?

the

join
is to

void
in

come.

one.

GULSHAN'I-RAZ,

THE

33

this

What

save

This

little
line

The

point, which,
calPst

thou

What

save

What

is this

These

phantom

All

Matter

seem,

for

thee

this

this

empty

upon

the

sound
flood

they formed

are

in its

forms,
and

depth,

time,

waste

self,how

but

and

of

stream

is in

borne

say

breadth,

Length,

voice

jewels

exists

flowing

forms

moving,

of truth

echoing

remains

now

ever

the

Lord

the

that

these

moment

present

then

whence

springeth self^
known

My
Thus

and

thus

only

This

hast

thou

learnt

That

save

the

Who

truth
Set
Take

thy faith

must

existeth

the

be

fixed,

naught.

truth"

shall

"The

say

L"
of

not

? then

is

nothingness

spheres exist.

of truth

God

am

dreams

the

do

"He

saith

of

born

existence

fancy

from
for

stranger

far ;

existence

thy

friend.

chosen

QUESTION.

What

mean

How

ye
such

may

by

"

state

union

He

and

attained

hath

such

path

be

won

ANSWER.

Union
Who
So

with
knows

when

Sweepeth

the

Grod

is far

from

man's

him

must

be

himself

possible

away,

save

to

creation's
the

estate

unknown.

dust

essential

naught

"

GULSHAN-I-RAZ.

THE

34

Remains,
Is

but

and

Passeth
Union

with

Alone

these

Which

hath
doth

What

claim
thus

words

the

the

creature

the

perfect

with

the

soul

should

door

of

lords

in

God,

should

be

formed

mystic lore,

whisper straight

not

Lord

this

graSp

that

merge

to

order

and

way

thou

this

nothingness
"

the

man

shall

by

enter

man

How

utter.

earth-born

hath
"

may

being

no

If, then, the

Would'st

attain

worlds

eternity

doth

nor

God

What

That

away

of both

in

which

dream,

existence

the

God

**

pardon

me"1
Thou

art

No

the

for

Which

who

Those

the

jewel

this

weighty

in

sparkles

existence

And

from
forms:

Naught
Save

and

without

without

in

that

Naught

that

form

apparent
mote

the

these

no

twain

form

form

spring

light,

cause

appears,

existeth

mote

depth.

not

the

world^s

varied

"

themselves,

they
in

and
of

beam

yon

not

discussed

by length, breadth,

Obtains

So

is it then

have

matter

by itself,yet by external

as

hath

resteth

Naught

But

thereby

what

fleeting moments

two

that

mote

the

as

magnitude

dimensions

Define

it should

that

motion,

no

hath

non-existent

essential,
if

lustre

No

The

of

power

Attain

and

not,

are

not

itself,yet

and
:

and

is not

nothing
the

known

of

living world.

nothingness.

them,

GULSHAN'I-RAZ.

THE

36

Even

as

but

Are
Their
As

herb, the

one

drop

season

their

Each

beginning
of them

as

comes

was,

so

raindrop

that

The

mist,

the

cloud, the

The

herb, the

beast, and

Yet

all from

all these

which

and

world

The
Shall

be

origin

From

ovei*take

Even

in their

as

Shall

be

Naught
that

And,
Even

When

parted

the

The
truth

all else

things,
germ

the

upon
the

shore,

prophecy

yesterday

is not"

phantoms

pass

"

doth

thou

that

away

anywhere

remain

the

goal,

art

is raised

vanishes,

shall

thyself,can'st

thy thought

man

stars.

existence

strikes

moment

from

the

nothingness

abounded

bright

as

and

vanish, and

"

"

form.

changing

changing

and

shall

save

drop,

one

in

that

that

fulfilled.

for destiny

courses,

which

"That

waves

assumed

self,all sacred

heavens

in

the

reasoning

but

shown

wave

world

The

In

the

overwhelmed

Even

'mid

it hath

was

as

end

to

Shall

Be

even

forms.

from

last the

were

wisdom,

thee

to

turn,

rain, the dew, the earth.

last

first to

centre

blood.

forms

and

names

end.

madding

drawn

many

again.

unity

of

sea

How

In

the

thousand

round

So

particles,

of life.

sea

is their

to

bound.

arise

Wherein
Behold

but

although

sea,

the

must

its nature

by

world's

round

within

passes

one

As
Is

the

near

join \h" friend.

to

unison,

still remains.

GULSHAN'I'RAZ.

THE
And

say

Its

ordered

For

thou

not

union

This

so,

with

has

nor

the

of

are

the

Atom

and

universe

know

And

worlds

Live

for

many

as

in

from

while, and

of

truth.

this

farther

point,

pass*

few

chosen

such

dust, in

grasps

perceive

turn

and

one,

stooped

gained

no

joined

heart

have

may

but

"

firmly

Who
the

high

passed

has

essential

grasps

halt, and

These

And

the

"

essential

possible.

promise

trembling

the

"

mystic meaning,

Thousands
But

possible

limits, and

'tis not

To

the

"

37

wisdom

have

dust

to

fancy formed.

human

then

gained

return.

QUESTION.

What
With

is the
the

union

of the

essential

The

riddle

That

old

"

Far

thou

Wilt
"

and

tradition

possible

near

and

solve
"

for

me

and

More

less,''

ANSWER.

Hear

from

Through

my

lips the
thou

nearness

Even

as

Been

brought

truth,

existence
to

has

hast

"

Nor

fallen

more

far

nor

from

self,

by nothingness
Thence

light.

near

and

far have

come.

And
Is

more

light

and
itself

less.

is

near

less."

That
;

that

life whose

origin

nothingness,

GULSHAN'I-RAZ.

THE

38

from

Which
The

which

light

dwells

existence
shines

set

More

bitter, bearing hope

They

tremble
doth

Yet

free

From

his

Once

thou

from

that

form

own

shadow

settest

what

terrors

Hell

for

thee

whose

So

the

gold

doth

pure

if there

how

Yet

thou

do

Yet

If thou
At

in

The

the

circle

The

as

of

Till, Satan-like, thou

Like
Thou
"

unto

is

body

Whereby
Beware

"

Thou

in

Which

may

he

Whose

very

being

to

self,

pervades thy soul,

"

Who

and

is there
word

very
at

move

on

in

choose, this
doth

for

opposed

soul

charge

calamity

existence.

thee.

to

that

thy

treadest

change.

unity.

sayest

steed

of

art

law

thyself

weighty

is

Existence

veil

of

But

declare

dost

Thy

me

speaks

care

shamefully

unchanging

not

are

of thine

existence

all-glorious star

world's

that

by

fire

alloy ?

no

chains

is

atom,

meanest

the

To

world

burn

thought

in

the

fire

naught

no

bound

art

once

Thou

take

soul

lash

no

the

and

the

it

thee

within

hast

Thou

in

protect
not,

hath

body

in

be

know,

needs

racer

turn

remaineth

; the

Of

fear

forth

on

in

child

trembling
;

him

fear

this

than

grisly phantom

the

urge

To

and

Lord

the

What

being.

the

who

from

thee

upon

Shall

thee

apart, is far.

doth
thee

will.

rein.
is laid."

Gheber's

the

path.

grief.
poor

oppress

benighted
his

soul

one,

GULSHAN-T'RAZ.

THE

Is

of evil ?

bom

As

thee

to

to

bs

Whence

is

! but

when

to

be not, can'st

thou

say

Nay

and

choice

thy

39

where

he

Thou

wert

not

born
Of

thine

Thou

choice

own

Whom

good

not

art

hast

thou

tasted

Who

hath

attained

And

rested

there

Are

Seek

beyond

ask

Therein
The

the

"

whose

man

Is

but

So

speak they

So

these

To

me

For

blind
these

fools

things

when

But

thou

wert

chosen

Thy

vigour

Thy

wisdom

each

thousand

Simple

is but

in

ages
purpose,

in

to

truth,"

it lies !
?

power

stands

shows.

of

and

We

"

metaphors

I."

or

play thy part

lot

God

of his.

life

obedience
children

portioned out,

were

by thy

evidence

set,

was

the

"

compulsion

deeds

thee

limb

dream.

here

lent

Lord

of Ahriman

as

they

displayed.

are

from

thy

the

but

task

"

but

is but

thou

but

is this

speak

are

of

there

gods,

who

wert

To

for

Prophet

of their

hope

the

signet

free
the

as

ere

of

next,

of his

order

the

creed

the

or

great remain,

the

Nor

Predestined

summit

of power

itself

origin

world

thyself. What

Gheber,

the
The

sons

so,

grief endured

thyself,

of

thou

this

no

being

thyself.

has

discern

thou

not

Nor

and

in

in

*neath

prostrate

Would'st

evil

or

seen,

Has

joy

deed, and

or

were

was

formed,
cast

stand.
of the

curse.

GULSHAN'I-RAZ,

THE

40

the

Work

through

rebellion

repentance

gazes

Another
And

in

And,

sins

Another

the

Grant
Nor

So

there

And
With
His

majesty.

The

slave's
and

Mercy

Humility

is

Lordship

is known

Nor

should

of his

The

slave
he

hath
who

Beneath

By

his

destiny

he

act, and

own

Nor

is this

tyranny,

Nor

is this

cruelty,

For

this

That

by

is wisdom
their

deeds

Lord

strength

but

but

alone

good

ill

and

oppressed
by choice.

slave

just

and

kindness'

granted
his

chose.

of
is

compels,

himself

him

God

of

is

calamities.

not

subjection

thought.

slave.

may

nothing

words

excuse.

of the

bring

questions
like

without

when

is honoured

For

in

by ever-growing
act

bandy
insult

to

doubt

but

of the

God's

Mankind

And

he

worthy

worthy

when.'*

thought.

thou

were

is held
are

"

or

Mohamet,

see

Can'st

Though

wrath

gains.

"

why

of

That

request

law.

ignorance

JahiL

Almighty

fathomless.

Here

Abu

see

the

is

wisdom.

to

"

measurement

eternity

through

"

pure

pardon

of

Wisdom

the

to

light,

cursed.

ever

stripped

Almighty

subject

Opposed

all

and

pity

is for

the

rejects the

one

face

and

deeds

thy

Behold

the

"

God's

through

Yet

gains
on

still,that

stranger

is wonderful.

this

out, and

curse

to

praise

wise

self ;

mankind.
should

be

set

forth.

GULSHAN'I-RAZ.

THE

When

meekness

Thou,

at

to thee

comes

bound,

clear

dost

gift of Grod,

the

from

thyself

free

trammels;

Surrounding

from

all

self

thou

stand'st.
Thou

wealth

rich, thy

art

poor

consigned

to

God.

Go, gain thy life

Submit

soul

thy

leave

thy body

the

to

divine

fate

to

decree.

QUESTION.

What

is that

sea

jewel

The

men

whose
fish

may

shore

is wisdom

from

out

its

What

depths

ANSWER.

is

Existence

its

Letters

sea

man's

oyster

shells,

its shore

speech

pearls

of

the

of

price

wisdom.
With

Scattered

around,

facts

New

thousand

Nor

less

Here

Save

of

drop

is

envelope

understanding
a

parable,

imagery.
fresh

that

not

them

and
be

and

draw.

all.

contain

sea

speech

halts
may

in

than

to

arise,

breath

every

existence, doth

outward

in

knowledge,

with

waves

one

pearls

conclusions

grasp,

is in

Wisdom,
Its

to

thousand

wave

every

sound.

more.

given.

heart's

GULSHAN-I'RAZ.

THE

42

EXAMPLE.

So

have

I heard

In

Oman's

Mouths

And

Then,
Those

mouths
bind

And

Thy
Which

is

Grod's

the

The

pearls

Thy

heart's

Whose

of
a

shell
soul

Reject

Are

but

And

he

to

speed

husk,

the

who

know.

wrappings

as

gives

to

these

"

the

Lord,

lore,

the

lightning
the

kernel

the

of

letters, pearls of price,

shell, bring forth

retain

take

must

forth

the

flash.

princely

gem.

sweet.

part of speech

declension, grammar,
the

may

with

contain

swift

rain

man

converse

and

grateful

jewels

so

mist,

plunge

the

of

speech

the

the

Meaning,

vessel

doth

break

of all that

speech,

And

sea

fruitful
in

bed,

deep

descends

pluck

wave

priceless pearl.

the

who

the

pearL

sea's

deep

chains

thousand

becomes

fall

rare,

beneath

sink

do

treasure

though

and

mist

drops

of that

sea

rain,

held

the

diver

is

in

spring

rest,

some

as

shore

to

the

the

to

even

wave

from

drop

which

the

surface

mouths

thereform

knowledge,

Into

Then

little

bounty,

pearl-shells rise

they

thy being

Wisdom's

Thy

and

is the

body

the

they

plunges

brings

gladsome

again

sealed

them,

diver

And

knew
are

lo ! each

The

falls

thirsty

they

as

the

the

on

; and

and

in their

Did

and

deep,

apace

in

green

all agape

Bises

Of

waters

of the

Out

that

central
his

days

sign

and

strength.

GULSHAN'I'RAZ.

THE

44

Be

sure

the

angel

Go

and

make

clean

So

that

the

Gather
And

angel

his

God's

So

thy

may

abide

thy heart,

therein.

thine

soil ; the

of

tablets

may
as

in.

enter

not

the

wisdom

till the

Read

will

heritage,
world's

next

harvest

own

book, thyself, and

soul

with

virtue

cpmes.

all around

adorned.

be

RULE.

The

noble

life must

wisdom,

Then
Combine
In

word

His
No

and

fool,

is with

and

the

wisdom

in

cunning

vainly

His

fleshly lusts

in

chastity

contained.

Nor

is desire

yet unstained

Brave,
Not

rash,

knows

abideth

Virtue

That
The
Fine

Nor

from

may

path,

Opposing

and

empty

Al

and
passer

vices

midward

on

halt

or

boasts

so

is true.

path.
alike.

bridge,

either

sharper

soul

garment

default

Sirat's

all ;

he

from

and

not,

from

abyss

hair
the

the

and

bottomless
a

him

in

excess

middle

as

his

vain

with

as

wise

guides

over-cautious, free

nor

Oppression

nor

by

justice clothed

With

Far

unknown,

endowed.

acquaint

are

yet

nor

sage

forms

these

life with

all

courage,

perfection

deed

and

heart

justice spring.

chastity, and

form

to

first from

than
turn

equity display,

behold

hand,
a

sword

aside.

GULSHAN'I-RAZ.

THE

these

And
A

are

hidden

Are

To

tyrant,

in

Heaven,

place

Mercy

and

Curses

and

Virtue

in

is in

the

As

when

Its

numbers

Nor
To

No

form

from

Receive

The
And
As

spirit world
the

shines

the

sun

in

the

true.

the

parts

spirit hath
clay

made

pure

complement.
born

are

its

bright

the

anew,

beam

shines

judgment
upon

the
binds

and

elements

in

germ,

and

know

soul

sheds

just

water

earth's

the

on

Ye

God

forms,

which

same

attributes

bodily

powers.

as

phantom

whole.

the

just,

oppressor's debt.

individual

the

aye.
the

body

groweth

the

bond

is that

When

it

form,

finds

one

their

wide

yawns

for

justice perfected

betwixt

bond

the

is manifest

lose

in

Simple

and

pay

composite

bears

man

recompense

darkness

equity

body

just

ever

shall

light

Hell

as

the

so

number

gates of Hell

and

greet the

His

The

number

in

each

the

So

secret.

seven

and

seven,

45

fruitful

thereon.
that

ray,

earth.

EXAMPLE.

Though
His
The

the
do

rays

sun

light

knows

sun

Nor

feel

Yet

by

the

him

dwelleth
and

naught
stars

all the

deep

in the
forth

marshal
of

the

heaven,

world.

earthly weaknesses,

cold, heat,
elements

fourth

or

do

damp,
change

or

drought

GULSHAN'I-RAZ.

THE

46
In

and

heat

cold, white, red, and

All

by

So

just

Or

where

As

justly poised

The
And

his

order,

and

"

faith

the

they

foundations

its

own

come.

natural.

so

seem

gold

whence

not

world's

the

affections

soul's
"

they

go,

just king

some

know

true, ye

they

in

of

as

burning

beauty

is framed

stand,

rare.

the

mystic tie.|
_

The

By
And

world

is thus

of this

Celestial

union
and

like

All

wisdom's

'Tis

loveliness

the

flag

in

when

speech

it

The

steed

of

tips

is
and

virtue's

in

the

wields

world
reveller

citadel
and

human
with

tongue
rides

form

beauteous

broke

are

spheres

born,

unknown

seen

beauty

debate

the

presumptuous

some

schemes

In

in

from

given

pervades

arts, virtue

its

plants

dowry

eloquence

beauty

Descends

And

in

man

great spirit which

the

Knowledge

And

to

set

at

form

naiight

eloquence.

right royally.
keen

the

of

sword

speech.

Saint, dervish, king, apostle, all alike

Bow

is this

What
With

Nor

the
hath

save

its throne

charm

than

more

Naught
For

before

down

mortal

the

Divine
lust

Save

that

And

attributes

And

recognise

the

that

truth

truth

may

of evil.
the

truth

beauty

ravish

mortal

face

Can'st

thou

say

hearts,

human

partnership.

no

to

its sway.

own

clothes

may

owneth
power

and

vex

the

souls
at

wear

Learn
in

every

to

times

of

men.

the

know

place,

dress

GULSHAN'I'RAZ.

THE

foot

thy

Nor

set

The

truth

in

the

beyond

worthy

47

is God

garb

sphere.

proper

himself.

QUESTION.

is that

What

the

what

And

atom

path

in

the

than

greater

that

space

whole,
treads

atom

ANSWER.

is

There

Existence

for

But

in

The

universe

Is

its

but

only

in

subject
in

Exist
him

and

its

is
is

in the

by

numbers

complete

towards

in

it firm

holds
the

way

of Ufa

universe
manifest

compound

nothingness,

world

shown

pageant

as

existence,

doth

nor

particle.

own

with

is that

many

number

tends

itself
save

whole

that

as

manifold,

clothed

travels

who

Existence
And

to

truth,

Single yet
Its

essential, for existence

Itself
And

far

wanders

than

atom

unity.

manifold

unity

truth

being.

inward

that

"

form.

outward

appearance

is that

Nor

To

in

is

semblance

infinite

less

'Tis

in

whole

universe

itself

bears

being

particle

Through
Is

in

is various

Being

the

behold

universe

Is, yet that

the

greater than

atom

one

form.
obedient

to

4S

GULSHAN-I'RAZ,

THE

The

vanishes, the

Which

world

The

is

not, and

iV

the

Again

in

is

grey-haired elder,
*tis
for

Nor
For

in

yet 'tis

This

is the

lest

Behold

the

was

remain

rise

they

but

hour, the

day,

these

the

of faith.

that

entangle

again.
true

betwixt

ignorance

young.

spread,

anything

works,

difference

is the

Beware

of

day

knows

now

resurrection

the

not

sees

hour

ever

of death

hour

the

and

eye

an

moment

but

does

hours

And

Vast

in

gathered

two

each

who

so

away.

; each

earth

heaven

Ever

pass

bom,

an

of

twinkling

ages

world

itself

possible,^^and

the

the

the

and

"

mote

every

universe

not, for it is but

Is

//

of fate ; in

messenger

two.

thee.
the

month,

year.

EXAMPLE.

If thou

would'st

E^flect

that

All
In

things
soul

in

heaven

body

above

personality

it thou

art

every

of death

kinds

moment

The

others, in

The

third

the

one

death

death

as

earth,

or

right,
well.

beneath

exemplified.

are

soul

riddle

this

life and

hast

has

Three
And

thou

read

to

world

The
To

and

seek

as

body

thou

'tis to

mortal

must
to

his

nature

die

his

selfish

to

which

he

thee.

endure.

man

due

will,
is

compelled.

GULSHAN-I'RAZ.

THE

life and

So

threefold

The

world

For

thou

This

of

Even

it

as

also

Thy

body

Thy

senses

Thy

bones

be
is

in

thy

death

as

earth, thine

hair

Thine

the

tremble

Shall

senses

fail and

Thy

palate

drenched

shall

Limb

limb

be

shall

from

the

when

the

Thy

land

shall

The
Is

in
in

thou
truth
not

thy

with

And

As

motion,

dyed

friend

even

or

as

The

And

blood

soul

such

case

dread
remains

alone
in

sevenfold

trees

from

world
shalt

; all else

dim

;
sea

therein.

shall

be.

be

separate

frame,

the

plain.

unchanging

hour

agony

bones

friend

the

hard

grows

drowned

death

parted

day

the

intertwined

all become

that

all this

is

as

stars

in

as

thy

wool

are

light

the

as

in

! in

last

soul's

tremble

penitence

the

on

thy

sense

man

in

frame

earth

the

is clouded

weakness

sun

are

Thy

In

the

herbs, thy members

brain

Oh, wretched

heaven,

as

they

as

without

head

that

Thy

Thou,

agony.

in

thy death, thy

at

harvest-day

mountains

are

so

stars, thy soul

the

last

at

beginning

world's

as

change

becomes

the

is in

Will

its

will,

possess

it doth

but

and

in

was

Whatever

And

will

moment,

every

dost

of creatures

alone

of

death

the

endure

not

may

stages three.

life in

his

stands

faculty

With

opposition stand,

in

death

As

49

shall

be

find

thyself.

must

fade.

language

told.

GULSHAN-I-RAZ,

THE

so

the

Setting
Ever
So

in

Creation

Though

the

to

still

creation

natural

Here

it every

see

All

things

Two

forms

thou
at

with

Union

in

other

The

is

name

the

And

in

Shall

stands

Almighty
permanent

in
the

ripe

first is
this
next

last

the

true.

secure.

yet where

fast

one.

are

manifest

and
is in

world
in

and

separate,

hour

that

what

be

hold

nature

apparent

in

manifestor

Showeth

is to

more

once

prove.

their

in

the

The

manifest.

change

fleeting and

so,

Lord

of the

; the

Being

Tis

prolonged

seem

may

everlasting

once

the

pass

soul,

his

is made

seest

one

ever

renewed,

moment

all shall

Hereafter

created, perfected ;

world

the

see

There

splendour

away,

man

and

its span

eye

to

back

overflowing bounty

The

In

renders

pass

forth

formed

are

created

man

must

creation

new

worlds

two

In

all of earth

how

Showing

natural

last

is

first ;

sufferance.
stand.

being

RULE.

Of

every

act

thou

dost, thou

That, if repeated, thou

time

Each

Thy

soul

Moments

repeated,
shall

hold

be

shalt

soul's

less
nature

well.
it.

master

it for weal

it still in

repeated thy

knowest

or

woe,

account.

form

GULSHAN'I'RAZ.

THE

52

"

Lord

Their

birth

new

from

drawn

draught

fresh

that

What's

the

What's

drink."

them

give

shall

heavenly

spring,
self 1

from

rising pure

But
What

fragrant sweetness,

What

joy,

Oh, happy
For

wealth

passed

earth

Are

naught

For

to

this

the

I know

not

fear, and

may

doth

trembling

Paradise

account

no

lie

we

never

;
man,

penetrate.
this

vision, drunk

this

what

drunkenness

As

of

initiate, may

dazed

and

chamber

seen

too.

reason

and

Houris

eternity

secret

I have

When

ourselves

saintly poverty

drunken

away,

the

Save

in

cup

wealth

heavenly

"

leave

we

faith, reliance,

and

Upon

when

the

taste

in

the

cup,

dwell.

future
its

bring

punishment,

overcometh

me.

QUESTION.

What
That

parts
one

the

from

Eternal

becomes

the

the

world, the

temporal,
other

ANSWER.

Eternity
For

and

dwell

time

of existence

ever

doth

not

beatitude,

what

desires,

pure

moment

perfect

Wisdom
All

what

Oh,

apart.
remain

God

GULSHAN'I'RAZ,

THE

The

present

And

this

"

in

That

moment.

the

53

is

time

Phoenix.

Save

nameless;

yet

all,

the

eternal

Truth,
All

things

are

this

may

not

be
That

non-existence

No

True

Set

forth
is the

Nor
Save
All
The
As

that

that

itself

all

time,

whirl

Though

forms

in

of

And

by thy

How

can'st

reason

lo !

to

Take

in

circle

it becomes

not

exists
that

doubt

Impossible
and

Being

Plurality
Apparent
All

come

And

yet,

All

witness

unity

is shown

and

delusive

save

and

that

formed.

perforce.
more.

God,"

this.
this

exists

from
as

to

and

the

one.

personality,

chameleon

the

each

are

by comparison.

but

change

dream.
alike

nothingness

is

single

unity

spark

away.

Duality

thee

point

contained

be

sever

thou

*tis

circle.

What

"

plain

present

reckoning

saying

truth.

fancy formed.

in

and

counting

the

Reject

made

now

round,

it

one

force

the

it is in

what

is but

save

whirling

And

is

anything

save

hard

was

world

being, temporal
moment

present

prove.

remain,

must

ever

present

this^ nor

That

By

existence
in

existence

should

of

possible.
in

itself,

God.

shall

pass

GULSHAN'I'RAZ.

THE

54

QUESTION.

What

the

means

Which

he

What

he

means

mole
The

forth

sets

in
the

by

parable

the

mystic by

of

terms

lock

the

and

eye

down

lip 1
lip

on

halted

traveller

the

on

mystic

road

ANSWER.

All

things

that

reflections

Are

but

The

world

For

everything

God's

now

Are

but

The

is

in
the

When

good

clothe

locks

then

The

can

thou

more

That

bar

the

How

can

these

human

When

They

the
deal

us

of

and

the

be

wrath,
thereof.

sensual

the

obstacles

thou
bom

of

art

mysteries

perplexed.

ecstasy

interpreted

would

it ?

encompass

the

more

interpret them,
in

ear,

understood.

is infinite

on

lock

it forth.
and

meaning

mysteries

initiate

curling

set

earthly speech

way,

majesty,

beauty types

thinkest

brow.

place.

in

do

sun.

own

now

that

sensual

language

with

its

fall upon

spiritual world

How

in

displayed

mole, the

tenderness

are

words

is their

other's

; cheek

symbols

these

The

By

is

world

our

dotcn, the

beauty

and

this

of that

the

attributes
cheek

First

as

doth

light

And

God's

in

are

parables.

the

GULSHAN'I'RAZ,

THE

At

times

these

Cast

by

That

other

their

Know

world

all

When
She

but

by

they

of

those

changed

times

the

but

crowd

the

sensual

images

glance

words,

assigned

first

were

child

nurse.

meanings

her

cast

shades

as

words

meanings

know

Eeason

; at

foster

these

things

what

For

doth

celestial

are

images

world

other

believe

Well,
To

that

sensual

55

mystical

made

world

the

upon

and

them

the

bear

sense

That's

them

assigned

now

and

wise

when

men

turned
Their

thoughts

mystic

and

resemblance.

paid

they

words,

to

regard
To

due

proportion

Perfect
Yet

analogy
thou

be

Thou

can'st

meet

there

is

leader

Yet

while

thou

And

well

observe

mystic

license

Annihilation,
Of

three

To

use

If thou
The
These

these

words

know

not

infidel

in

God

save

none

any

the

three

bears

well
and
these

ignorant

states, in truth,

states

recognise

time

meaning

and
to

states, pass

place

assign.
on,

nor

join

counterfeit.
are

no

"

trance

who

what

! !

law.

several

the

They

! beware

of the

statutes

one,

himself.

thyself, beware

drunkenness,

know

from

reproach

longing.

amorous

These

art

its search.

in

constant

not

For

The

unattainable.

be

ever

Though

delusive

shows

56

GULSHAN-I'RAZ.

THE

But

They
All

all

do

that

learn

not

the

not

vainly
they

of

secrets

boast

think

who

on,

duly
but

known

Only

by

revelation

or

by

the

"

faith.

these

way."
weigh
states

are

SELECTIONS

FROM

T//"

RUBAIYA

OF

OMAR

KHAYAM.

6o

RUBAIYAT.

THE

4.
If wine
If

and

there

there

song

be

be

where

spots

soul-entrancing bliss,

give thee

to

and

fields

verdant

purling

brooklets

kiss,
thou

Ask

If there

no

from

more

be

Providence,

Paradise

any

for

'tis

man,

thee

turn

nor

despair

in

this.

even

5.

Thy

ruby lip pours

Thine

eye's deep

As

yonder

So

in

fragrance
bids

chalice

crystal goblet

thy

the

tear

heart's

mine.

unto

thy

drink

me

brims

with

full tide

soul

wine.

doth

rolL

6.
What
Or

reck
bitter

Drink
Shall

that

we

the

be

then

sands

run

or

sweet,

draught

thy

wine

and

wane

our

with
when

wax

thou

Balkh
the

once

so

for

me,

in

out

many

and

are

Babylon,

or

draught

silver

is done.

moon

gone.

7.
To

those

Where

who
lovers

Heaven
What

recks

know

the

rest;

truth, what

choice

'twere

though

in

of foul

Hell,

for

or

fair
them

'tis

there.
the

Dervish

that

he

wears

sackcloth

or

satin

sheen.
Or

lovers

that

beneath

their

heads

be

rocks

or

pillows fair.

6i

RUBAIYAT.

THE

8.

0
The

Oh,

chiefest
thou

couplet

the

in

knowest

who

of

realms
of

ode

of

love

love, and

truth,

youth

world

the

not

life is

this, that

Learn

of the

record

! chief

Love

love.

is ruth.

9"

the

with

Though

and

rose

time

to

My

days

have

brought

'Tis

past

! the

phantoms

no

me

of

tale

Yet

no

wine

rosy

joy

tell

doth

sign

of

fly,and

hopes
breaks

dwell,
;

fulfilled
the

spell.

lo.

the

Though

sweet

Though

deep

And
Were

though
it not

we

rose,

drink

thousand

hard

to

wait

the

yet sorely wounds

to-night, we
years
the

were

last

rue

the

granted,
day's

dawn

thorn

mom

say.
]

;
;

62

RUBAIYAT.

THE

II.

As

the

sweeps

plain

hurrying

the

wind,

the

flows

as

rippling

stream,
So

from

yesterday

And

while

lives

two

our

live, these

to

has

shall

soul

my

and

is

bring

nor

passed

dream

hope,

nor

dread.
The

that

morrow

never

may

the

come,

yesterday

that

fled.

12.

! of thee

Oh, joy in solitude

worth

Woe

the

spring

may
when

For

Proudly

heart

well

that

the

may

that

soil wherein

no

owns

sing

poet

flower

wassail

sinks

through

vacant

in

wailing
hall

the

and

friends

traitor

gone,

step shall

wanderer^s

sturdy

are

ring.

13.
If

grief be

Brood
Behold
How

not

the

companion

o'er

thine

another's
small

woe,

thine

of thine

own

heart,
and

sorrows

and
and

own,

learn

their

smart

thereby

comfort

thy

sad

heart

14.

Oh, swiftly
So
Now

madly

sought

faint
end

The

came

bowl
cast.

and

the

winter

my

longing

weak

as

wind,
soul

weakness'

and
the

swiftly
rest

self, she

she

hurried
found

waits

at

but

past

last

for

the

is

broke, the

wine

remains,

but

on

the

ground

is

RUBAIYAT.

THE

Through

the

unknown

Did

the

tablet

seek

Then

and

Tablet

life's first dark

the

and

soul

my

scroll

mystic

and

Heaven

are

so

Hell

and

Paradise

hand, and

in thine

are

pen

his

day

and

pen,

from

teacher

the

read

63

Hell.

16.

Hast
All

the

seen

hast

thou

hast

said, all thou

hast

heard

verge

hast

all thou

Even

thou

horizon's

the

Sweep

All

world

in

from

pole

done

secret

is

is

seen

or

naught,

wrought

pole, 'tis

to

vain

naught.

17.
The
In

many

And
To

of heaven's

Architect

many

silken

puppet-show,

the

and

dome

of the

Ruler

deeper plunge

doth

grief-laden heart

gathers
fillhis

blue

and

tress

world, and

many
his

And
Ever

My

with
thou
hand

the

ills of life content

bid'st
is

of w^ter

formed

I be

empty

shun

me

the

wherefore

and

of

chibouque,

clay.

for aye.

joyful
bid'st

cup.
me

glaive,

ruby lip

18.

Though

the

wave

stay ?

the

grave.