yeh Jo zindagi

📜 ज़िंदगी के मरहले

मत्ला (पहला शेर):

यह जो ज़िंदगी के हैं मरहले, यह हयात-ओ-मौत के सिलसिले

कहीं चाहतों के मुक़ाम हैं, कहीं रंज-ओ-ग़म के हैं कारवाँ

कहीं दिल मिले, कहीं दिल जले — यह जो ज़िंदगी के हैं मरहले

> English Translation:

> These stages and phases that life presents are continuous cycles of life and death.

> Somewhere lie the destinations of love, elsewhere travel caravans of grief and sorrow.

> In some places hearts unite, in others hearts burn—such are the stages of life.

> 

शेर २:

कहीं याद आती है रफ़्तगाँ, कहीं फ़िक्र-ए-फ़र्दा का आसमाँ

कहीं रात गुज़रे अज़ाब में, कहीं राह में ही दिये  जले

कहीं ख़्वाब टूटे, कहीं दिल मिले — यह जो ज़िंदगी के हैं मरहले

> English Translation:

> In some moments, memory brings back those who have departed; in others, the heavy sky of tomorrow's worries looms.

> Somewhere the night passes in torment, somewhere a guiding lamp lights up along the path.

> Somewhere dreams shatter, elsewhere hearts find connection—such are the stages of life.

> 

शेर ३:

किसी राहगीर को सब मिला, किसी दश्त में ही मकाँ मिला

कहीं हर घड़ी है बेकली, कहीं जा के दिल को स्कून मिले

कहीं अश्क ढले, कहीं गुल खिले — यह जो ज़िंदगी के हैं मरहले

> English Translation:

> Some traveler finds everything they sought; another finds a home in the middle of a desert.

> Somewhere every moment brings restlessness; elsewhere the heart finally finds peace.

> In some places tears fall, in others flowers bloom—such are the stages of life.

>शेर 4:

मक्ता ( आखरी शेर ):

'रमेश ' तेरे  अन्दाजे बयान पर  रकीबू को  भी नाज़ है, अभ छोड़कर  शिकवे गिले ,आवो लग जावो  गले - यह जो ज़िन्दगी के हैं  मरहले 

> English Translation

> Ramesh, your foes are equally proud of your writing style . Now please after leaving all the grievances and complaints, please give me a big  hug.

> 

rkkaul.blogspot.com

woh Raakh muje Lota do

Woh Raakh muje Lota do (Return that ash to me)

Stanza 1: Woh mere purkhoo ki jageer, woh Mera poora Kashmir, muje lota do.

Translation: Return to me the estate/legacy of my ancestors, return to me my complete Kashmir.

Stanza 2: Woh meree virasat Mera khwab, woh Mera chodvi ka mehtaab, muje lota do.

Translation: Return to me my heritage, my dream, and my full moon (light).

Stanza 3: Woh meree zameen woh meri jaan, jise kahte the Sharda Dhaam, muje lota do.

Translation: Return to me my land, my life/soul, which was called Sharda Dhaam.

Stanza 4: Woh meri virasat Meree taqdeer jisme rahte the sant faqeer, muje lota do.

Translation: Return to me my heritage, my destiny, where saints and ascetics once resided.

Stanza 5: Woh Kashyap Rishi ka basaya Shahar, Jo kahlata tha kashyapmar, muje lota do.

Translation: Return to me the city settled by Rishi Kashyap, which was known as Kashyapmar.

Stanza 6: Jahan Abinavgupt ne diya Shiv ka gyan, jisko mana poora Hindustan, muje lota do.

Translation: Return to me the place where Abhinavagupta imparted the knowledge of Shiva, revered by all of India.

Stanza 7: Jahan Adishankar ko mila tha Shakti ka poora gyan, woh Kashmir muje lota do.

Translation: Return to me that Kashmir where Adi Shankara attained the complete knowledge of Shakti.

Stanza 8: Jehan rehta tha Pandit Rishipeer, jisne Aurangzeb ko di thi maat, mujo lota do.

Translation: Return to me the place where Pandit Rishi Peer lived, who outwitted/defeated Aurangzeb.

Stanza 9: Woh mere khet mere khalyan, woh seboo aur akhrotoo ke bagaan, muje lota do.

Translation: Return to me my fields, my threshing yards, and those orchards of apples and walnuts.

Stanza 10: Woh mera khir bhawani ka asthaan Jo tha Mera dil aur jaan, muje lota do.

Translation: Return to me my sacred abode of Kheer Bhawani, which was my heart and soul.

Stanza 11: Woh shankaracharya ka Mandir aur woh Hari Parbhat ka asthan, muje lota do.

Translation: Return to me the Shankaracharya Temple and the sacred site of Hari Parbat.

Stanza 12: Woh mere barfani Baba jisse kehte hai Amarnath, muje lota do.

Translation: Return to me my Snow-Clad Lord (Barfani Baba), known as Amarnath.

Stanza 13: Woh mere vitasta ke sundar ghat, jehaan par the mere Mandir aur Makan, muje lota do.

Translation: Return to me the beautiful banks of the Vitasta (Jhelum) river, where my temples and home used to stand.

Stanza 14: Meri khoyee huyee woh saakh, mere abao ajidad ki raakh, muje lota do.

Translation: Return to me my lost dignity/reputation, and the ashes of my ancestors.

Stanza 15: Woh mere khwaboo ki tabeer, jise kahte hai Kashmir, muje lota do.

Translation: Return to me the realization of my dreams, which is called Kashmir.

zindagi ke marhale

Life's Stages (Zindagi ke Marhale)

By Ramesh Kaul

Stanza 1

गुजर रही है यह ज़िन्दगी मेरी सिर्फ हर्रीफू मै। कोई बन्दा नजर नही आता है अब शरीफू मै।।

Translation: My life is passing by amidst nothing but adversaries, I can no longer spot a single noble or decent soul among them.

Stanza 2

सच कहने पर चडाया है अदीबौ को सलीबौ पे। जिन्दा दफनाया गया है रफीकौ को रकीबौ ने ।।

Translation: Writers and intellectuals were put on the cross simply for speaking the truth, And true friends were buried alive by jealous rivals.

Stanza 3

बारहा जुल्म किया है अमीरौ ने गरीबौ पे । इल्जाम हर दम लगाया है गरीबौ ने नसीबौ पे।।

Translation: Time and again, the wealthy have inflicted cruelty upon the poor, While the poor continuously placed the blame on their own fate.

Stanza 4

जेब देता नही है मुरीदौ को सिखाना मुरशदौ को। एब आता नही है नजर कितना भी निकाले अरशदौ को।।

Translation: It does not suit the disciples to lecture their spiritual guides, Yet no fault ever seems visible to the most righteous guide, no matter how many flaws are pointed out.

Stanza 5

जिसको एक सदी मै बेकली कहते है दूसरी सदी की वह अक्ल होती है। जो पहले करता है वह अदा होती है और दूसरा करे कोई वह नकल होती है।।

Translation: What is deemed madness or restlessness in one century becomes the wisdom of the next; The one who acts first creates a unique style, while anyone who follows merely copies it.

Stanza 6

मुझे प्याला देने से पहले बहुत देर तक सोन्चता रहा साकी। शायद वह सोन्च रहा था मेरा कोई हिसाब तो नही है बाकी

Translation: The cupbearer hesitated and pondered for a long time before handing me the cup, Perhaps he was wondering if I still had an unsettled debt to clear.

Stanza 7

बहुत कुछ सीखने के बाद अपने रफीकौ ओर शफीकौ से। मिला सका न मै अपनी जिन्दगी के काफिये रदीफ़ौ से।।

Translation: Even after learning so much from my companions and affectionate elders, I could never harmonize the poetic rhymes and refrains (qaafiya and radeef) of my own life.

Stanza 8

वजन कुछ भी नही होता है दुनियावी फायदौ से । काफी सीख लेता है बशर अपने तजरुबौ के कायदौ से।।

Translation: Worldly gains hold no true weight or substance; A human learns far more through the rules taught by personal experiences.

Stanza 9

कामयाबी ही सिर्फ जिन्दगी का कौल नही हो सकती है। खुश रहना भी जिन्दगी को बडा मोल दे सकती है।।

Translation: Success alone cannot be the ultimate purpose or promise of life, Simply learning to be happy can also grant life immense value.

Raze Hasrat

"Raze Hasrat" (Secret of Longing), 

Refrain / Stanza 1

गर कुदरत ने हमारी ख्वाहिशो का ऐहतिराम किया होता यह हादसा हमारी ज़िन्दगी के साथ कभी हुवा ना होता

English Translation: Had nature shown respect to my desires and dreams, This tragedy in my life would never have occurred, it seems.

Stanza 2

हम तो हरदम रहे किसी कुदरती मौजजे के मुन्तजिर पर हमे मालूम ना था हम हो जायेंगे रुसवा इस कदर काश हमने अपनी हसरतौ का इखतिलाफ किया होता गर कुदरत ने हमारी ख्वाहिशो का एहतिराम किया होता यह हादसा हमारी ज़िन्दगी के साथ कभी हुवा ना होता

English Translation: I constantly awaited some divine miracle to unfold, Unaware I would face such disgrace, painful and cold. Would that I had suppressed my heart's desperate longings and pleas! Had nature shown respect to my desires and dreams, This tragedy in my life would never have occurred, it seems.

Stanza 3

हम तो हर बार रहे कुदरत की सरगोशियो के कायल और मुकद्दर की गर्दिशो ने हमे हर दम किया है घायल काश हमने इन पर इतना ऐतमाद नही किया होता गर कुदरत ने हमारी ख्वाहिशो का एहतिराम किया होता यह हादसा हमारी ज़िन्दगी के साथ कभी हुवा ना होता

English Translation: Time and again, I believed in the soft whispers of fate, Yet the turns of destiny left me wounded, desolate and late. Would that I hadn't placed so much trust in these illusions! Had nature shown respect to my desires and dreams, This tragedy in my life would never have occurred, it seems.

Stanza 4

हम खोदते रहे जमीन को खजाने की तलाश मे अकसर भेच दी जब जमीन तो खजाना किसी ओरको हुवा मुयसर हमने जल्दी की हमेशा, कुछ ओर इन्तिज़ार किया होता गर कुदरत ने हमारी ख्वाहिशो का एहतिराम कियाहोता यह हादसा हमारी जिन्दगी के साथ कभी हुआ ना होता

English Translation: I kept digging the earth, constantly searching for hidden gold, But the moment I sold the land, another found the riches it did hold. I acted too hastily—would that I had waited a little while more! Had nature shown respect to my desires and dreams, This tragedy in my life would never have occurred, it seems.

Stanza 5

शायद मुकद्दर की सख्ती ने हमे हर भार पामाल किया दिलशिकस्ता होने परभी हमने किसी से सवाल न किया काश हमने पहले से ही तदबीरू पे ऐतबार किया होता गर कुदरत ने हमारी ख्वाहिशो का एहतिराम किया होता यह हादिसा हमारी ज़िन्दगी के साथ कभी हुवा ना होता

English Translation: Perhaps the harshness of fate trampled upon me at every turn, Yet despite a broken heart, I asked no questions in return. Would that I had relied on careful planning and action from the start! Had nature shown respect to my desires and dreams, This tragedy in my life would never have occurred, it seems.

Stanza 6 (Makhta)

नाकामयाबी से लेकर नाकामयाबी तककामयाब होना हे सिर्फ इन्सान कोअपना हौसला कभीपस्त नही करना है काश 'रमेश' तुमने यह पहले से ही ऐतराफ किया होता गर कुदरत ने हमारी ख्वाहिशो का एहतिराम किया होता यह हादसा हमारी ज़िन्दगी के साथ कभी हुआ ना होता — रमेश कौल

English Translation: True success lies in moving from one failure to the next without fear, A person must simply never let their courage disappear. Oh 'Ramesh', would that you had acknowledged this truth long ago! Had nature shown respect to my desires and dreams, This tragedy in my life would never have occurred, it seems. — Ramesh Kaul

Raze Khushi

Raze Khushi

1.

Hindi: ऐ देने वाले, तूने सबको कुछ न कुछ दिया, किसी को खुशी दी तो किसी को ज़हानत अता की।

English Translation: O Bestower, you have given something to everyone; To some you granted happiness, to others you gifted intellect.

2.

Hindi: खुशी वो शय है जो ज़रूूरी है हर बशर के लिए, जिसे न खुशी मिले, वो भला ज़हानत का क्या करे?

English Translation: Happiness is a joy essential for every human being; For one who finds no joy in life, of what use is intellect?

3.

Hindi: तूने मुझे ऐ दोस्त, ज़िंदगी में कोई खुशी न दी, पर क्या ये कम है कि तेरे होने से मुझे खुशी की वजह मिली।

English Translation: My friend, you gave me no happiness in this life; Yet is it any less that your mere existence gave me a reason to be happy?

4.

Hindi: तूने हमेशा मेरी ज़हानत पे ही शक किया, और इसी सबब से मुझसे ताल्लुक़ कता किया। मैं ढूंढता ही रहा खुशियां तेरे वजूद में, इसके सिवा न तुमसे कोई तवक्क़ो मुझे रही।

English Translation: You always doubted my intellect, And for that reason, severed ties with me. I kept searching for happiness within your presence; Beyond that, I expected nothing more from you.

5.

Hindi: बड़े सिकंदर-ओ-क़लंदर इस जहाँ में आए और चले गए, अफ़सोस मगर यही कि इनमें से कोई खुश न रह सका।

English Translation: Great emperors and mystics came into this world and passed away; Yet how tragic that none among them could truly remain happy.

6.

Hindi: खुश जो बशर रहा इस कायनात में, मेरी नज़र में वही अज़ीम है, बाकी ये माल-ओ-ज़र और ख़िताब-ओ-ख़िलअत, बस दिखावे के चोंचले हैं।

English Translation: Whoever stays happy in this universe is, in my eyes, the truly great one; All else—wealth, riches, titles, and honors—are merely pretenses of display.

7.

Hindi: खुशियां वो शय नहीं जो बाज़ार से खरीदी जाएं, ये तो इंसान के भीतर हैं, जो कोशिश से जगाई जाएं।

English Translation: Happiness is not a commodity to be bought from a market; It lies hidden within a person, waiting to be awakened with effort.

8.

Hindi: ख़ल्क़त से मुझे कभी ज़हीन सुनने का कोई शौक़ नहीं 'रमेश', बस इल्तिजा है सब से कि मेरे ता-उम्र खुश रहने की दुआ करें।

English Translation: I have no desire to hear the world call me intelligent, 'Ramesh'; My only plea to all is to pray for my lifelong happiness.

Ram Bhajan

 श्री राम भजन

तुझमें राम, मुझमें राम, जय राम, जय राम, जय सिया राम। भारत के कण-कण में राम, जय राम, जय राम, जय श्री राम॥

• Translation: Ram is in you, Ram is in me; victory to Ram, victory to Siya-Ram. Ram resides in every speck of dust in India; victory to Lord Shri Ram.

कर्तव्य निष्ठा, दृढ़ निश्चय, और किया मात-पिता का सम्मान। इसी कारण कहलाए जग में, मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम राम॥ (तुझमें राम, मुझमें राम...)

• Translation: With devotion to duty, firm resolve, and deep respect for your parents, You came to be known across the world as Maryada Purushottam—the supreme ideal man.

श्री रामचंद्र के अस्तित्व के, भारत में हैं प्रबल प्रमाण। रामसेतु और जन्मभूमि को, कोटि-कोटि मेरा प्रणाम॥ (तुझमें राम, मुझमें राम...)

• Translation: There is strong evidence of Lord Ramchandra's presence across India. I offer my deepest bow to Ram Setu and the sacred birthplace, Ram Janmabhoomi.

जब आपस में हम मिलते हैं, कहते सब 'जय राम' 'जय श्री राम'। कितना पावन कितना सुंदर, लगता प्रभु का यह शुभ नाम॥ (तुझमें राम, मुझमें राम...)

• Translation: Whenever we greet one another, we chant 'Jai Ram' or 'Jai Shri Ram.' How pure and beautiful is this auspicious name of the Lord.

जब भी कोई विपदा में हो, मुख से निकले 'हे राम'। सब काम छोड़ दुख हरने आएं, भक्तों के प्यारे श्री राम॥ (तुझमें राम, मुझमें राम...)

• Translation: Whenever someone is in distress, the words 'Hey Ram' naturally escape their lips. Leaving all work behind, beloved Shri Ram arrives to relieve His devotees' pain.

हो सुव्यवस्था जब शासन में, सब कहते हैं 'राम राज'। सबके काज सँवर जाते हैं, जब सिंहासन पर राजा राम॥ (तुझमें राम, मुझमें राम...)

• Translation: When high order and righteous governance prevail, everyone calls it 'Ram Rajya.' Every task finds completion and harmony when King Ram sits upon the throne.

अचूक दवा जो हर व्याधि का, अंत करे वह 'राम बाण'। सब दुख-दर्द मिट जाते हैं, जब लेते प्रभु श्री राम का नाम॥ (तुझमें राम, मुझमें राम...)

• Translation: An infallible cure that destroys every ailment is hailed as the 'Ram Baan' (Ram's arrow). All sorrows and pains vanish the moment we utter the name of Lord Shri Ram.

त्यागे जब कोई मानव तन, गूँजे स्वर 'सत्य है राम नाम'। ऐसी मान्यता, नाम-जाप से, मिल जाए उसको परमधाम॥ (तुझमें राम, मुझमें राम...)

• Translation: When a person departs from this physical body, all chant 'Ram Naam Satya Hai' (The name of Ram is the ultimate truth). It is believed that chanting His name guides the soul to the supreme abode.

राम ही श्रेष्ठ, राम ही द्रष्टा, राम नाम ही परम ज्ञान। राम-कृपा से ही तो बना है, भारतवर्ष यह देश महान॥ (तुझमें राम, मुझमें राम...)

• Translation: Ram is supreme, Ram is the eternal witness, and Ram's name is the highest wisdom. It is solely through the divine grace of Ram that India has become a glorious nation.

तुझमें राम, मुझमें राम, जय राम, जय राम, जय सिया राम। भारत के कण-कण में राम, जय राम, जय राम, जय श्री राम॥

• Translation: Ram is in you, Ram is in me; victory to Ram, victory to Siya-Ram. Ram resides in every speck of dust in India; victory to Lord Shri Ram.

Mere Mehboob

मेरे महबूब (My Beloved)

Stanza 1

तेरी जानिब जब उठी नज़र मेरी और तेरी नज़र से जा टकराई। ऐसे लगता है जैसे मेरे दिल के गुलशन में बहार आई।

English Translation: When my eyes lifted toward you and met yours, It felt as though spring had arrived in the garden of my heart.

Stanza 2

 वो तेरा मासूमियत और तबस्सुम से खिला चेहरा आँखें ऐसी कि जैसे नीले पानी से भरा हो झील गहरा। तेरे गेसू मेरी सूखी ज़िंदगी में घटा बन के छाई। तेरी जानिब जब उठी नज़र मेरी और तेरी नज़र से जा टकराई। ऐसे लगता है जैसे मेरे दिल के गुलशन में बहार आई।

English Translation: That face of yours, blooming with innocence and smiles, Eyes like a deep lake filled with blue waters. Your dark tresses hovered over my dry life like rain clouds. When my eyes lifted toward you and met yours, It felt as though spring had arrived in the garden of my heart.

Stanza 3

 होंठ ऐसे कि आपस में लिपटी हुई कमल की दो कलियाँ। दाँत ऐसे कि सिप्पी से निकली सफ़ेद मोती की दो लड़ियाँ। तू मेरे सूने दिल में मोहब्बत और सुकून का पैगाम लाई। तेरी जानिब जब उठी नज़र मेरी और तेरी नज़र से जा टकराई। ऐसे लगता है जैसे मेरे दिल के गुलशन में बहार आई।

English Translation: Lips like two lotus buds entwined together, Teeth like two strings of white pearls taken from a seashell. You brought a message of love and peace to my lonely heart. When my eyes lifted toward you and met yours, It felt as though spring had arrived in the garden of my heart.

Stanza 4

 तेरे शख्सियत के वो दिलनशीं और दिलाफ़्रोज़ अंदाज़। तेरा अल्हड़ बाँकपन और बदन नाज़ुक और गुदाज़। तू मेरे दिल के हर गोशे और हर सिम्त में है समाई। तेरी जानिब जब उठी नज़र मेरी और तेरी नज़र से जा टकराई। ऐसे लगता है जैसे मेरे दिल के गुलशन में बहार आई।

English Translation: Those charming and captivating ways of your personality, Your carefree grace and delicate, tender body. You are pervaded in every corner and every direction of my heart. When my eyes lifted toward you and met yours, It felt as though spring had arrived in the garden of my heart.

Stanza 5

 तेरा दिल शफ़क़त से लबरेज़ और मोहब्बत से भरपूर। तेरे रुख़सार हैं ईमान और सदाक़त से पुरनूर। तू सच्चाई की मूरत बन के मेरी ज़िंदगी में है आई। ऐसे लगता है जैसे मेरे दिल के गुलशन में बहार आई। तेरी जानिब जब उठी नज़र मेरी और तेरी नज़र से जा टकराई।

English Translation: Your heart is overflowing with compassion and abundant in love, Your cheeks are radiant with faith and truthfulness. You have entered my life as the very embodiment of truth. It felt as though spring had arrived in the garden of my heart, When my eyes lifted toward you and met yours.

Raze vehdat

Here is a full reading and breakdown of my  poem, "Raze Vehdet" (The Secret of Oneness / Raz-e-Wahdat).

It is a deeply reflective and beautiful piece that bridges Sufi mysticism (Wahdat al-Wujud) with Advaita Vedanta (non-duality). Writing Urdu/Persian-infused poetry in the Devanagari script gives it a distinct Kashmir Shaivism / Indo-Persian syncretic charm.

"Raze Vehdet" (राज़-ए-वहदत)

by Ramesh Kaul

जब से मेरी पहचान में आया है वह पुरनूर ब्रहमन। बहुत शादमान है तब से मेरे दिल की अन्जुमन।। (Ever since I came to realize that luminous Supreme Being / Brahman, the gathering of my heart has been filled with joy.)

और पिलाया है उसने जब से मुझे जामे उल्फत। सरशार हूँ मैं तब से जानकर उसकी अज़मत।। (And ever since he made me drink the goblet of love, I remain intoxicated knowing his grandeur.)

बहुत ही मुश्किल है समझना यह राज़-ए-वहदत। मैं भी वही हूँ यह एहसास करता है कोई ख़ुशक़िस्मत।। (It is very difficult to comprehend this secret of unity/non-duality; only a fortunate one realizes, "I am That as well.")

कैसे बयान करूँ मैं उसके दिल में कितनी है शफ़क़त। शादाब है हर शै और हर बशर ऐसी है उसकी रहमत।। (How do I describe the compassion in his heart? Every thing and every human is vibrant and flourishing under his mercy.)

जिसको ख़ुद-शिनासी का एहसास से तआरुफ़ हुआ है। वही ज़िन्दगी और दुनिया के हर राज़ से वाक़िफ़ हुआ है।। (The one who gets introduced to the feeling of self-realization/self-knowledge becomes acquainted with every secret of life and the world.)

आदि शंकर ने बोला 'शिवोहम' और सबसे अज़ीम से बनाई अपनी पहचान। अष्टावक्र को भी हर शै और हर बशर में आता था नजर भगवान।। (Adi Shankara proclaimed 'Shivoham' [I am Shiva], forging his identity with the Supreme; Ashtavakra, too, perceived the Divine in every object and every human.)

अभिनवगुप्त ने भी 'शिवस्तोत्र' का किया मुताला। वह भी अद्वैत वेद ही था जिसका उसने किया खुलासा।। (Abhinavagupta also studied/elaborated upon the Shiva Stotra; it was none other than Advaita wisdom that he revealed.)

मंसूर भी राज़-ए-वहदत से ही पुर-असर था 'अनल-हक़' का जब उसने नारा लगाया। मगर जाहिलों ने उसको काफ़िर समझकर बड़ी बेरहमी से सूली पर चढ़ाया।। (Mansur Al-Hallaj was also deeply possessed by this secret of oneness when he raised the cry 'Ana al-Haq' [I am the Truth]; but the ignorant mistook him for an infidel and brutally crucified him.)

Key Themes & Terminology

• Raaz-e-Wahdat (राज़-ए-वहदत): The divine secret of non-duality / oneness.
• Pur-noor (पुरनूर): Luminous, filled with light.
• Khud-shinasi (ख़ुद-शिनासी): Self-realization or self-knowledge (akin to Atma-jnana).
• Parallels Drawn: You have seamlessly tied together:
  • Adi Shankara (Shivoham - I am Shiva)
  • Ashtavakra (Ashtavakra Gita's pure non-dual witness stance)
  • Abhinavagupta (The great master of Kashmir Shaivism and Advaita)
  • Mansur Al-Hallaj (The Sufi mystic who declared Ana al-Haq — "I am the Truth" — and suffered martyrdom for it)

It's a powerful homage to the eternal truth that across traditions, languages, and eras, the ultimate realization of non-duality remains identical.

Raze Maykashi

उर्दू नज़्म: राज़-ए-मयकाशी (Secret of Intoxication)

पी चुका हूँ बहुत मैं अब तो नशा तारी है। जी चुका हूँ बहुत मैं अब तो हमारी बारी है।

I have drunk a lot, now intoxication has taken over me. I have lived enough, now it is my turn.

इल्ज़ाम पीने का बहुत लगाए हैं हम पे साक़ी ने। रिंद हूँ मैं कैसे एतराज करूँ अब तक ख़ुमार बाक़ी है। शेख़ ने भी मेरे ख़िलाफ़ फ़तवा किया जारी है। पी चुका हूँ बहुत मैं अब तो नशा तारी है।

The cupbearer (Saaqi) has accused me of drinking heavily. I am a drunkard, how can I object when the hangover/intoxication still remains? Even the Sheikh has issued a religious decree (fatwa) against me. I have drunk a lot, now intoxication has taken over me.

रोज़ चला जाता हूँ मयख़ाना पीने के लिए। जो ज़माने ने दिए वो ग़म ग़लत करने के लिए। कैसे परहेज़ करूँ इस से मैं यह अज़ल की देनदारी है। पी चुका हूँ बहुत मैं अब तो नशा तारी है।

Every day I head to the tavern to drink, To wash away the sorrows that the world has given me. How can I abstain from it? This is a debt owed since eternity. I have drunk a lot, now intoxication has taken over me.

पी कर बोलता हूँ मैं सच और करता हूँ दिल की बात। होश में कहता हूँ बड़ी नफ़ासत और शाइस्तगी के साथ। यह सिर्फ़ मैं नहीं कहता जानती यह दुनिया सारी है। पी चुका हूँ बहुत मैं अब तो नशा तारी है।

When drunk, I speak the truth and express what is in my heart. When conscious, I speak with great elegance and politeness. It is not just me saying this; the whole world knows it. I have drunk a lot, now intoxication has taken over me.

मोहब्बत में बड़ी लताफ़त है मगर इस में भी धोखा है। तुम भी मोहब्बत कर के देखो तुम्हें भी किसने रोका है। मगर यह ख़ून-ए-दिल पीना है और जान निसारी है। पी चुका हूँ बहुत मैं अब तो नशा तारी है।

There is great delicacy in love, yet there is betrayal in it too. You try loving as well—who is stopping you? But it requires drinking the heart's blood and sacrificing one's life. I have drunk a lot, now intoxication has taken over me.

बावफ़ा बनके तूने माँगा मुझसे मोहब्बत का सिला। बेवफ़ा मान लिया तूने मुझे, मैंने किया फिर भी न गिला। तुम्हें क़रार मिला और मेरे नसीब में बेक़रारी है। पी चुका हूँ बहुत मैं अब तो नशा तारी है।

Posing as faithful, you asked me for the reward of love. You deemed me unfaithful, yet I still made no complaint. You found peace, while restlessness became my destiny. I have drunk a lot, now intoxication has taken over me.

कितने ही ज़ख़्म दिए तूने मुझे हर दम। मैं करता रहा तेरा लिहाज़ करके अपना सर ख़म। हमें लगता था शायद यही दुनियादारी है। पी चुका हूँ बहुत मैं अब तो नशा तारी है।

You gave me so many wounds at every moment, Yet out of respect for you, I kept my head bowed. I thought perhaps this is how the ways of the world work. I have drunk a lot, now intoxication has taken over me.

ज़िंदगी ने हमको बेरुख़ी से बहुत सताया है। ज़हर भी दवा जानकर हमने नोश फ़रमाया है। बहुत हो चुका है बस, अब तो बाज़ी हमारी है। पी चुका हूँ बहुत अब तो नशा तारी है।

Life has tormented me greatly with its indifference. I even consumed poison, treating it like medicine. Enough is enough, now the turn (game) belongs to me. I have drunk a lot, now intoxication has taken over me.

नींद में ही मेरा सारा बचपन गुज़र गया। आँख अभी खुली न थी जवानी भी गुज़र गयी। अब बुढ़ापा आ गया है जो ज़िंदगी पे भारी है। पी चुका हूँ बहुत मैं अब तो नशा तारी है।

My entire childhood slipped away in sleep. Before my eyes could even open, my youth passed away too. Now old age has arrived, which weighs heavily on life. I have drunk a lot, now intoxication has taken over me.

गर्द्दिश-ए-अय्याम ने तो मुझे बहुत सिखाया है। ज़िंदगी के हर पहलू से मुझे वाक़िफ़ कराया है। जी चुका हूँ बहुत मैं अब तो हमारी बारी है। पी चुका हूँ बहुत मैं अब तो नशा तारी है।

The turning of times (vicissitudes of life) has taught me a lot. It has made me familiar with every aspect of life. I have lived enough, now it is my turn. I have drunk a lot, now intoxication has taken over me.

Ehsase Khudi

अहसास-ए-ख़ुदी

(The Awareness of Self)

ख़ल्वत में बैठकर, मैं तलाशता रहा अपने वजूद को बहुत सोचकर भी, मैं आगाह न कर सका अपने शहूद को

Sitting in solitude, I kept searching for my existence, Despite deep reflection, I could not awaken to my own inner reality.

ग़ूरूर था मुझे कि पढ़ा है मैंने रूहानी अदब कि अपने वजूद और ख़ुदी की, मैं पूरी करूँ तलब

I was proud that I had studied spiritual literature, Believing I could fulfill my quest to understand my existence and the Self.

लाख कोशिशों के बाद भी, कामयाबी का रस्ता न मिला मायूस होकर मैंने, यह ख़याल भी छोड़ दिया

Despite a million efforts, I found no path to success, Despondent, I gave up on this pursuit entirely.

फिर एक दिन उस्ताद ने, वेदांत और उपनिषद से मिलाया हिम्मत व मुस्तैदी से मैंने, फिर उनका मुतालआ कराया

Then one day, my master introduced me to Vedanta and the Upanishads, With renewed courage and diligence, I immersed myself in their study.

वेदांत ने सोच सँवारी, उपनिषद को ज़ेहन में उतारा इस विरासत पर माइल हुआ, ख़्‍ुद-आगाही ने मुझे निखारा

Vedanta refined my thinking, and the Upanishads settled in my mind, Drawn to this sacred heritage, self-awareness transformed and polished me.

वह वाहिद है, बे-शक्ल है, हर सिम्त उसका निशान है वह नूर-ए-शऊर है, जिसका जलाल ज़र्रे-ज़र्रे में अयाँ है

He is One, Formless, yet His presence is in every direction, He is the Light of Consciousness, whose glory shines through every particle.

वह बे-इब्तिदा, बे-इंतहा, लाफ़ानी है, बे-अय्याम है उसके हुक्म से जारी, ज़मीं व आसमाँ का निज़ाम है

He is without beginning, without end, immortal, and beyond time, By His divine command, the order of the earth and heavens endures.

जिसे मैं ढूँढता रहा, बयाबानों और कोहसारों में इस हर्फ़ का तो नक़्श था, मेरे अपने ही अस्रारों में

That which I kept seeking in deserts and mountains— Its sacred imprint was hidden within my own inner secrets.

क़ुदरत एक नूर-ए-शऊर है, जो ब्रह्मा से तिनके तक झलके हर सिम्त, हर तरफ़ वही, एक जादू की तरह चमके

Nature is a Light of Consciousness, reflecting from Brahma down to a blade of grass, In every direction, everywhere, it sparkles like divine magic.

मैं तो एक इंसान हूँ, मेरे दिल से भी वह गुज़रता है इसी अक्स से मेरे अंदर, पहचान का जज़्बा उभरता है

I am merely a human, yet He resides within my heart as well, From this very reflection, the feeling of self-realization awakens in me.

मालूम हुआ मैं जिस्म नहीं, न यह ज़ेहन, न अक़्ल, न ग़ूरूर मैं इनसे परे, उस परम ब्रह्म का एक अक्स-ए-पुरनूर

I realized I am not this body, nor this mind, intellect, or ego, I am beyond them all—a radiant reflection of the Supreme Consciousness (Param Brahma).

फिर नाकामियों के बाद, कामरानी की एक किरन नज़र आई तब से मुझ में ही नहीं, हर शै में उसी की झलक आई

Then, after all failure, a ray of true success appeared, Since then, I see His glimpse not just within myself, but in every created thing.

वही दिखता है पेड़ों में, वही जंगल और कोहसारों में वही चमन में, वही गुलशन में, वही सहरा व रेगज़ारों में

He alone is seen in the trees, in the forests, and in the mountains, He alone is in the gardens, the meadows, the wilderness, and the deserts.

वही दरिया में, समंदर में, वही चाँद, सूरज, तारों में ज़मीं में वही, आसमान में वही, दिल में वही, जान में वही ग़रज़ यह कि तमाम कायनात और हर एक मकान में वही

He is in the rivers, the oceans, the moon, the sun, and the stars, He is in the earth, in the heavens, in the heart, and in the soul— In short, He pervades the entire universe and every single realm.

मैं ग़फ़लत में पड़ा था, पता न था कौन हूँ, क्यों आया वेदांत ने सीख दी, उपनिषद ने हर ग़फ़लत से उभारा

I lay lost in ignorance, knowing neither who I was nor why I came, Vedanta guided me, and the Upanishads lifted me out of every delusion.

शनाख़्त मिल गई जब से, उस अपने बंदगी के परवरदिगार की तह से मिट गई मेरे अंदर से, हालत-ए-अहसास-ए-कमतरी की

Ever since I gained true awareness of the Lord of my devotion, The deep-rooted feeling of inferiority vanished entirely from within me.

मैं समझ गया हूँ, तू परम ब्रह्म है, मैं तेरा ही एक आधा क़िस्सा तू है मुकम्मल सच्चाई, मैं तेरे ही नूर का एक अदना सा हिस्सा

I have come to realize: You are the Supreme Truth, and I am but half the story, You are the absolute reality, and I am merely a humble spark of Your light.

अब बस यही है हसरते, कब मिलूँ मैं अपने दिलबर से और ख़त्म हो यह आना-जाना, इस फ़ानी दुनिया के मंज़र से

Now, this is my only yearning: when will I merge with my Beloved, So this cycle of coming and going in this fleeting world may finally end?

My Wanderings 167. Hungama hai kyon barpa

Akbar Allahbadi a great  urdu poet was born in 1846 and died in 1921 in Allahabad. His small couplets in urdu  written  more than a century ago are very fascinating and have amazing similarities with the political, ethical and cultural values of present times.

1.Quom ke  GAM me dinner khate hain hukkaam ke saath
    Ranj  leader KO bohut hain magar aaraam ke saath.
   (They cry over the community's woes with rulers over fine dinners.
   The leader talks of sorrows but in comfort.)

This couplet has  similarity with present political set up in our country. Our leaders like  Mr.Kejriwal  who represent themselves as common man , to entice public and subsequently  win elections . After getting elected to highest posts,  they  give vent to their feelings and aspirations. They spent large amounts of public exchequer  on their official residenes and name them as Sheesh Mahals. They also prefer to have  lavish life styles and elite decorum but present themselves as chappal clad babus.

2.Beparda nazar aaye Jo kal chend bibyan
   Akbar zameen mai  gayrate qomi se garh gaya
   Poocha Jo Maine apka purda tha kya hua
   Kahney lage ki aqal pe mardoon ke pad gaya
( yesterday when I saw a few women without  a veil, I was stunned for lack of morals in community. When I enquired about their veil. They told me that it has covered the intellect of men.)

It is true in present scenario also.  All types of morals and ethics are  imposed upon the women only. In Islamic countries women are advised to remain in veils and are  deprived of all rights. In our secular country also newspapers are full of news items of rape  and exploitation against women. Whenever such incidents happen some of our moralists start lecturing on the dress etiquette and make up of women. They say women should not enjoy full liberty in society as they are prone to high risk. Therefore, they are advised not to use cellphone or not to celebrate velentaine day which is direct attack on their fundamental rights. But it is not actually attire of women or liberty enjoyed by women but mindset of  some men that needs to be transformed, which is covered with the veil of lust and male ego. Men and women are inseparable parts of our society. Men should not perceive woman as an object of entertainment . Woman should always be respected as  she represents the image of our mother, sister and daughter. Such type of mindset in men will definitely ensure safety of woman. Ramakrishna paramhansa   regarded every woman as the incarnation of Maa Kali. However we can not expect all men  to be having such high morals but at least mindset of some men need to be changed so that they can respect woman.

3.Sidharenge Sheikh Kaba to hum  Englistan jayenge
   Woh Khuda ka ghar dekhenge, Hum  Khuda ki Shaan dekhenge
   (When Sheikh will go to Kaba we shall visit  England
   He will see the home of Lord and we shall see the grace of Lord).

With spiritual pursuits and renunciation , development and pursuit of  nature is also necessary because lord manifests in its creation as described by our religions. What is  characteristic  feature of   Kashmiri Shivism that it says all things are manifestations of this consciousness but the phenomenal world (Shakti)  is real ,having its being in consciousness (chit).
Moreover, Development is the sign of life and disaster signifies death.   A person  can not escape from development. It is the reward for persons continuous hard  work for years together in pursuit of achieving excellence.

4. Huye is kadar mohzib kabi ghar ka na muh dekha
     Kati umar hotloo me, mare haspataal me jakar.
     ( we have become so much civilized that we have never visited home
       We spent our life in hotels and died in hospitals)

These days In blind pursuit of materialistic objects,  a person is getting detached with his roots. He is forgetting his language  and culture, which is otherwise necessary for the balanced growth and development of an indudual. A person should not be taken away by the winds of development and prosperity. He should keep his cool and maintain his induduality.

      

My Wanderings 166. Short Story No. 66 Wealth and Honour

It is an old English  maxim  that loss of Wealth is nothing as compared to loss of character or honour.  I was always   feeling guilty of my   wealth in the form of movable and immovable properties, which we left and  lost while migrating from valley of Kashmir at the time of turmoil there. But during my new posting in Kashmir in the year 1998 , it dawned upon me that we lost nothing as compared to people who never left the valley.  Ofcourse, they purchased  our houses at throw away prices. They took our jobs and immovable property. But I always  observed  something amiss on their faces which I could not forsee at that time. Though they sometimes hinted towards   it by saying, you people left once for  all , and lost only your homes and hearths, but we have lost much more  valuable than that. We had to die many deaths  during  those days  .  Moreover, we had  to  face the wrath of  both militants as well as army personell.

        In the beginning, at the time of my transfer to  valley,  I was very skeptical about the behaviour of my new colleagues ,  with whom I had to work and  who were appointed in our place  after the mass migration of our community from the valley in year 1990. But only after joining my duty in  valley,  I realised that our new colleagues, who mostly belonged to Muslim community, were not so bad as I had anticipated. They mostly  appeared to me very obedient and meticulous in discharging their duties except a  few and far between, which can not be ruled out in any  type of society or organisation.

                  One of my colleagues,  whom I remember now was Aslam,  who was not so meticulous but very obedient person . He could never say no to any task alotted  to him,  whether he could complete it or not. But there are always fair mix of employees in any organisation and it's  work does not suffer  at the cost of one  negligent  employee. Aslam was very handsome  and healthy young man  , much junior to me in age and always adorning a smile on his face. He enjoyed eating  good food and meat and hardly could say no to food when offered to him. On Eid days, he would take so much meat that he  mostly  extended  his  leave from office ,a few days  more,  as he often  fell ill with Gout or any other ailment due to excessive eating . Once I also visited his house to ask about his welfare , when he did not return office for a long time after Eid  festival. During my visit to his home  I came to know that his  father had died few years ago and he and his sister were living  with their  mother only . His sister appeared to me  very beautiful and smart prima facie  but she was suffering from depression as disclosed by Aslam  to me. Aslam  further told me that he has shown his  sister to so  many doctors in the valley but  of no avail. Then I suggested   him   to get the consultation from   one of the   renowned  neuro physicians  in the matter, who was  residing at jammu like all other migrants. Aslam readily agreed to my suggestion and implored upon me to arrange for the appointment with the Doctor.

                 I arranged his meeting with the Doctor at jammu using my resources and good offices , as it was very difficult to get that Doctors  appointment within a short span  of time. One day he came to jammu with his sister. At the scheduled time I also reached to Doctors clinic  to help him. When he was called in by Doctor, I also accompanied him. The Doctor after examining his sister  advised  Aslam to meet him in the  absence of patient. Aslam asked me also to join  the meeting with Doctor. Then Doctor asked  Aslam to apprise him about the whole history of patient. Aslam first hesitated to tell the truth about the reasons behind the depression  of his sister. Then Doctor after observing  his hesitation  said to him," Mr Aslam, I have seen many patients like your sister from valley , who visit my  clinic , for treating themselves :  please tell me the whole story to enable me to treat your sister properly. You should not conceal anything from your Doctor , if you want that your patient  is treated well". On hearing these words of Doctor,  Aslam broke down  bursting  into tears and began to address   Doctor directly, 

Doctor sahab, I will not conceal anything from you for the benefit of my sister,  so that she can be treated well. When you people left the valley for good, we became the soft targets of terrorists. They began to enter our houses in huge  numbers and used  to ask us for  food, which we arranged for them happily , as we considered them  mujahids and freedom fighters.  We thought that they have  left their country and reached Kashmir with great difficulty for our liberation. After taking sumptuous meals ,they would usually ask us to send our young daughters and sisters  to their rooms for their entertainment . We most reluctantly had to fulfil their wishes as there was no other alternative left with us,  because their guns and ammunition would tear us apart within minutes. We could only hear shreiks of our women folk who were being gang raped by them in front of us. Almost every home in valley faced the same problem and nobody was able to make any complaint against them. My sister also became  fodder of their excesses and after sometime became pregnant . 

                One day my father died due to   heart failure, as he could not bear the abuses  they hurled upon his daughter and that too  in  his presence. Then I had to arrange for abortion of my sister in a far off place in jammu with the help of my some  Hindu aquantaces living there. We were not exceptions , this was the tale of each and every home in Kashmir. These terrorists were sent by Pakistan with the allurement that they will go to Kashmir which is called heaven  and can enjoy beautiful damsels available  there. Moreover, hurriat also preached us that they are Mujahids who have come to free us from indian tyranny . You should not hesitate to offer them your sisters and daughters,  so that latter are purified and made sacred by them. No body could complain about these excesses . We  all could only hang our heads in shame and never discussed about the problem with each other. As we   all were helpless and let it happen for decades in the name of freedom. Many who revolted against this were either killed by mujahids or died their own death by heart failure or brain strokes. After hearing this harrowing tale from Aslam,  Doctor began to write the prescription for his sister with shaken hands. He advised Aslam all about the care he should take for his sister. Then Aslam left for Kashmir with his sister and came  back again to   Jammu several  times,  to treat his sister with the same Doctor until I lost contact with him.

            One day after my retirement from service Aslam met me at jammu near Residency Road . When I enquired about his sister , he told me that she is alright and married now with two kids . I was very happy to know about Aslam and welfare of his sister.