Kalyan-I (Peace)
1The One Creator, the all greats;
Lord of the universe
The living, the original;
Ruler with power innate;
The giver, the sustainer,
the unique , compassionate;
This master praise, to Him alone
thyself in praise prostrate..
The generous, who does create
the universe in pairs..
2
None shares His glory, "He was..is,
shall be"..who this doth say
Accepts Mohammad as 'guide'
with heart and love's true sway;
None from amongst those lost their way
or ever went astray.
3
“He is without a partner” , when
this glorious news you break
With love and knowledge, Mohammad
accept ..as cause him take
Why would you then obeisance make
to others after that?
4
From One, many to being came;
'many' but Oneness is;
Don't get confounded, Reality
is 'One' , this truth don't miss
Commotions vast display - all this
I vow, of Loved-one is.
5
The Echo and the call are same,
if you sound's secret knew
They both were one, but two became
only when 'hearing' came.
6
A thousand doors and windows too,
the palace has ..but see,
Wherever I might go or be
master confronts me there
7
If you have learnt to long, by pain
be not distressedSecret of love's sorrow must be
never confessedSuffering is by the heart caressed,
and there it is preserved.
8
The poison-drinking lovers, lured
by poison sweet, drink more and more;
To bitterness of fatal cup,
the poison-drinkers are inured,
Though wounds are festering, and uncured,
no whispers to the vulgar goes.
9
All from Beloved's side is sweet
whatever He gives to you.
There is no bitter, if you knew
the secret how to taste.
10
There is a call to gallows, friends,
will any of you go!
Those who do talk of love may Know
to gallows they must speed.
11
If you a draught desire
to tavern find your way;
Thy head do sever, and that head
beside the barrel lay;
Only when you this price do pay
then few cups you may quaff.
12
The genuine lover, for his head
care and concern has none;
He cuts it off---joins it with breath
as gift then hands it on ;
Carves down to shoulders, form loved-one
then begs for love's return.
13
To guard and to preserve the head,
the lover's business is not this---
One of beloved's glance is worth
so many hundreds head of his---
Flesh, skin and bone, and all there is ,
the 'least ' of loved-one , equals not.
Summary
"Kalyan-I" by Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai is a spiritual poem that explores the concept of oneness and the divine nature of the Creator. The poem praises the uniqueness and omnipotence of God, emphasizing His compassion and sustenance. It reflects on the importance of accepting Muhammad (PBUH) as a guide and stresses that true understanding leads to the realization of the unity in diversity.
The poet delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the mystical journey of the lover toward the Beloved. Through metaphors and allegories, he conveys the struggles and joys of this journey, highlighting the pain and sweetness intertwined in love. The poem suggests that true lovers are willing to sacrifice everything, even their lives, for the sake of love.
Analysis
The poem begins by establishing the supremacy of the Creator, illustrating His attributes of greatness, compassion, and sustenance. It invites the reader to recognize and praise Him alone, setting a tone of reverence and devotion. The reference to Muhammad (PBUH) as a guide reinforces the significance of following a righteous path.
The juxtaposition of oneness and multiplicity is a central theme. Bhitai urges the reader to see beyond appearances and understand that all creation stems from the One. This idea is expressed through the lines about the echo and the call, symbolizing the connection between the divine and the human experience.
The imagery of love and sacrifice is profound in the poem. The metaphor of drinking poison symbolizes the trials that lovers endure. Despite the pain, true lovers embrace suffering as a necessary part of their devotion. The poet suggests that love transcends physical existence, emphasizing that a lover's worth is measured not by their body but by their connection to the Beloved.
Themes
- Oneness of God: The poem emphasizes the singularity and uniqueness of the Creator, calling for recognition of His sovereignty.
- Love and Sacrifice: Bhitai explores the depth of love, portraying it as a path that requires immense sacrifice, often likening the lover's experience to that of martyrdom.
- Spiritual Journey: The poem reflects on the mystical journey of the soul toward the divine, characterized by trials and the ultimate goal of union with the Beloved.
- Transformation through Love: The idea that true love transforms the lover, making them indifferent to worldly concerns and deeply connected to the Beloved.
- The Pain of Love: Bhitai acknowledges the bittersweet nature of love, where pain and joy coexist, and suffering is embraced as a part of the love experience.