Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Poem by Mahsati Ganjavi (12th century)
Once again, Ivan Granger has unearthed an early poet (this time female) whose words strike home. She lived long ago, but what she says resonates deeply. I am always amazed at how such simple language can convey such profound meaning.
When we read her life story (see Ivan's commentary at the bottom), we learn that she was yet another mystic who was persecuted for her belief in a direct connection with the divine, sans priests and overlords. Such rejection and even persecution of those who stand outside the gates of convention and authority continue even to this day, both in this country and abroad. The mystic, like anyone who defies the social norms, is never a welcome guest in the banquet hall of conformity.
The Pathway Finally Opened
By Mahsati Ganjavi
(12th Century)
English version by David and Sabrineh Fideler
When my heart came to rule
in the world of love,
it was freed
from both belief
and from disbelief.
On this journey,
I found the problem
to be myself.
When I went beyond myself,
the pathway finally opened.
-- from Love's Alchemy: Poems from the Sufi Tradition, Translated by David Fideler / Translated by Sabrineh Fideler
============
Thought for the Day: (from Ivan)
Religion is not a fixed collection
of beliefs and rituals.
Religion, properly understood,
is a living technology
for experiencing God.
============
Mahsati Ganjavi (also written Ganja'i or Ganjevi) lived during the 12th century, born in Ganje, Azerbaijan. Her poetry was a strong voice against prejudice and hypocrisy and patriarchy, while upholding love -- both human and divine.
She was celebrated at the court of Sultan Sanjar for her rubaiyat (quatrains), but later persecuted for her courageous stand against overly dogmatic religion and arbitrary male dominance...
When I went beyond myself,
the pathway finally opened.
(from Ivan)
When we read her life story (see Ivan's commentary at the bottom), we learn that she was yet another mystic who was persecuted for her belief in a direct connection with the divine, sans priests and overlords. Such rejection and even persecution of those who stand outside the gates of convention and authority continue even to this day, both in this country and abroad. The mystic, like anyone who defies the social norms, is never a welcome guest in the banquet hall of conformity.
The Pathway Finally Opened
By Mahsati Ganjavi
(12th Century)
English version by David and Sabrineh Fideler
When my heart came to rule
in the world of love,
it was freed
from both belief
and from disbelief.
On this journey,
I found the problem
to be myself.
When I went beyond myself,
the pathway finally opened.
-- from Love's Alchemy: Poems from the Sufi Tradition, Translated by David Fideler / Translated by Sabrineh Fideler
============
Thought for the Day: (from Ivan)
Religion is not a fixed collection
of beliefs and rituals.
Religion, properly understood,
is a living technology
for experiencing God.
============
Mahsati Ganjavi (also written Ganja'i or Ganjevi) lived during the 12th century, born in Ganje, Azerbaijan. Her poetry was a strong voice against prejudice and hypocrisy and patriarchy, while upholding love -- both human and divine.
She was celebrated at the court of Sultan Sanjar for her rubaiyat (quatrains), but later persecuted for her courageous stand against overly dogmatic religion and arbitrary male dominance...
When I went beyond myself,
the pathway finally opened.
(from Ivan)
