Culture

From the house of unbelief to true religion is a single breath; From the world of doubt to certainty is a single breath; Enjoy this precious single breath, for the harvest of our whole lives is that same one breath. trans. by Juan Cole from Whinfield 24

Fish said to duck, frantic, Will the water ever return if the river jumps its course? Duck replied, When you and I are skewered and kebob, let it be a river or let it be mirage. Trans. Juan Cole Whinfield 23

Although we partiers may have good color and smell pleasant, with cheeks like rubies; and though we’re tall as a cypress– it’s just not clear, in this earthly cabaret, why I was prettied up. trans. Juan Cole from Whinfield 12

A lover all his life is frantic and intoxicated– crazy, distracted and disgraced. When we’re sober, everything annoys us; but when we’re drunk, whatever will be, will be trans. Juan Cole from Whinfield 8

Before time ever was, You fashioned the divine handiwork of heaven and hell– out of compassion and rage. Your banquet is in heaven, and I am empty-handed, since I have no path to paradise. trans. Juan Cole From Whinfield 16.

The idol asked the pagan, “Do you know why you started bowing down to me?” –“It was because the One who looks out through your eyes shone his light on me!” trans. Juan Cole from Whinfield 14

Where’s the smoke from my fire around here? Where’s the profit on my investment around here? As for the guy who called me a bar fly, now really, where’s the bar around here? trans. Juan Cole from Whinfield 13

If you are looking for love, try to attract every heart. On the path of the Presence, try to entice every seeker. A hundred holy shrines made of water and clay are not worth a single heart. Why make pilgrimage to a shrine when you can attract a heart? Trans. Juan Cole From Whinfield 18 […]