Understanding the Nuances:
Rumi
Before we dive into the translation, it’s important to note that Rumi’s poetry often relies heavily on subtle nuances, cultural references, and poetic devices that can be challenging to directly translate into another language. The beauty of his words lies in their depth and layers of meaning, which may not be fully captured in a literal translation.
A Proposed Translation:
Here’s a possible English translation that attempts to convey the essence of Rumi’s verse while maintaining its poetic rhythm and meaning:
Literal translation: “If anyone speaks ill of us to others, we do not wrinkle our brow in sorrow. We speak well of them to others, so that we both may have spoken falsehood.”
More poetic translation: “Let others spread their tales of woe, I’ll wear a smile, serene and slow. I’ll praise their name, let rumors fly, So we can both be liars, you and I.”
Explanation of the Translation:
“هر کس بد ما به خلق گوید – ما چهره به غم نمی خراشیم”: This line suggests a state of inner peace and resilience. The speaker is indifferent to the negativity of others and chooses not to react with sorrow or anger.
“ما خوبی او به خلق گوییم – تا هر دو دروغ گفته باشیم”: This line adds a layer of irony and perhaps a touch of playful defiance. By speaking well of someone who has spoken ill of them, the speaker is essentially engaging in a form of non-violent resistance. It’s a way of saying, “I refuse to let your negativity affect me.”
Additional Considerations:
Cultural context: Rumi’s poetry is deeply rooted in Sufi mysticism and Persian culture. Some concepts and imagery may not have direct equivalents in English.
Poetic devices: Rumi frequently uses metaphors, similes, and other poetic devices to convey his message. These devices can be challenging to translate without losing their impact.
Interpretation: Different people may interpret Rumi’s poetry in various ways. There is no single “correct” translation.
هر کس بد ما به خلق گوید – ما چهره به غم نمی خراشیم
مولانا جلال الدیم محمد بلخی
ما خوبی او به خلق گوییم – تا هر دو دروغ گفته باشیم
در این بیت زیبا، مولانا به زیبایی به موضوعی ظریف و عمیق اشاره می‌کند. او می‌گوید که اگر کسی بدی از او بگوید، او ناراحت نمی‌شود و در عوض، خوبی آن شخص را به دیگران می‌گوید. با این کار، هر دو نفر در واقع دروغ گفته‌اند.
معانی ضمنی:
آرامش درونی: مولانا نشان می‌دهد که آرامش درونی او به حدی است که از سخنان بد دیگران تأثیر نمی‌گیرد.
بزرگواری: با پاسخ مثبت به بدی، او بزرگواری خود را نشان می‌دهد و به جای انتقام، راه مهربانی را انتخاب می‌کند.
طنز تلخ: مولانا با طنزی تلخ به این نکته اشاره می‌کند که گاهی اوقات حقیقت گفتن ممکن است به دردسر بیافتد و بهتر است که به جای آن، دروغی مهربانانه بگوییم.
دوری از درگیری: او با این کار، از درگیری و جدال پرهیز می‌کند و به دنبال آرامش و صلح است.
Ҳар кас бади мо ба халқ гуяд – мо чеҳра ба ғам наме харошӣм
Мавлоно Ҷалолуддин Муҳаммади Балхӣ
мо хӯбӣ у ба халқ гӯйем – то ҳар ду дуруғ гуфта бошем
من يقول عني سوءًا للناس – لا أعبس وجهي من الأسى
مولانا جلال الدین محمد بلخی
و أقول عن حسناته للناس – ليكون كلاّنا قد كذب
في هذا البيت الشّريف، يشير مولانا إلى معنى عميق وبسيط في آنٍ واحد. يقول إنّه إذا قال عنه شخص ما شيئاً سيئاً، فإنه لا يحزن، بل يقول عن ذلك الشخص شيئاً جيداً. وبهذه الطريقة، يكون كلا الشّخصين قد كذب.
معاني ضمنية:
السّكينة الداخليّة: يبيّن مولانا أنّ سكينته الداخليّة تجعله غير متأثّر بكلام السّوء.
الكرم: بإجابته الإيجابية عن السّوء، يظهر كرمه ويختار طريق اللطف بدلاً من الانتقام.
السّخرية اللاذعة: يشير مولانا بسخرية لاذعة إلى أنّ قول الحقيقة قد يؤدي أحياناً إلى المشاكل، وأنّ الأفضل أن يكذب كذبة طيبة.
التّجنّب عن الصّراع: بهذه الطريقة، يتجنّب الصّراع والنزاع ويسعى إلى السّلام والطمأنينة.
A Comprehensive Analysis of the Rumi Verse in English
The Verse:
Original Persian: هر کس بد ما به خلق گوید – ما چهره به غم نمی خراشیم ما خوبی او به خلق گوییم – تا هر دو دروغ گفته باشیم
Literal Translation: If anyone speaks ill of us to others, we do not wrinkle our brow in sorrow. We speak well of them to others, so that we both may have spoken falsehood.
Analysis:
This couplet from Rumi’s poetry offers a profound insight into human nature, relationships, and spiritual growth. Let’s delve deeper into its meaning and implications:
Thematic Exploration:
- Non-reactivity: The first line emphasizes the idea of non-reactivity to negativity. When faced with slander or ill-will, the speaker chooses not to react emotionally. This suggests a level of emotional maturity and self-control.
- Positive Reinforcement: The second line introduces the concept of positive reinforcement. By speaking well of someone who has spoken ill of them, the speaker is attempting to shift the narrative and promote harmony.
- Irony and Paradox: The idea that both parties are “telling falsehoods” is paradoxical. It suggests a playful engagement with the concept of truth and a recognition that sometimes, the “truth” can be harmful.
- Spiritual Growth: This verse aligns with core Sufi principles, emphasizing the importance of love, compassion, and inner peace. The speaker’s response can be seen as a form of spiritual practice, aimed at cultivating higher states of consciousness.
Literary Devices:
- Juxtaposition: The contrast between the negativity of the slander and the positivity of the response creates a striking juxtaposition.
- Irony: The ironic twist in the final line adds depth to the poem and invites the reader to consider the complexities of human interaction.
- Simplicity: Despite its profound meaning, the verse is expressed in simple and direct language, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Cultural and Historical Context:
- Sufism: Rumi was a Sufi mystic, and his poetry often explores themes of love, unity, and the divine. This verse reflects the Sufi emphasis on inner peace and compassion.
- Persian Culture: The concept of hospitality and respect for others is deeply rooted in Persian culture. This verse aligns with these cultural values.
Overall Interpretation:
This verse offers a powerful message about how to respond to negativity. By choosing love, compassion, and forgiveness over anger and resentment, the speaker is not only protecting their own peace of mind but also creating a more harmonious world. The paradox at the heart of the verse challenges us to reconsider our notions of truth and falsehood, and to explore the possibility of a higher truth that transcends both.
In essence, Rumi suggests that by responding to negativity with positivity, we can transcend the limitations of our ego and connect with a deeper level of reality.
Possible questions for further discussion:
- How does this verse relate to contemporary concepts of mindfulness and emotional intelligence?
- What are the implications of this verse for conflict resolution and peacebuilding?
- How can we apply the wisdom of this verse to our daily lives?
Let’s explore a specific aspect of the Rumi verse: The paradox of truth and falsehood.
The final line, “So that we both may have spoken falsehood,” presents a fascinating paradox. It suggests that sometimes, truth can be harmful, while falsehood can be beneficial. This paradoxical idea aligns with the Sufi concept of taqiyya, a strategic dissimulation or denial of one’s religious beliefs.
Here’s a deeper dive into this concept:
- The Sufi Perspective:
- Sufis often employed taqiyya to protect themselves and their communities from persecution.
- In the context of Rumi’s verse, taqiyya can be seen as a strategic use of falsehood to preserve peace and harmony.
- By speaking well of someone who has spoken ill of them, the speaker is essentially practicing a form of taqiyya.
- The Paradox of Truth:
- The verse challenges the notion that truth is always absolute and beneficial.
- Sometimes, the truth can be hurtful and divisive.
- By choosing to speak a “falsehood,” the speaker is prioritizing peace and harmony over the pursuit of absolute truth.
- The Power of Words:
- Words have the power to both heal and harm.
- By choosing our words carefully, we can create positive or negative outcomes.
- Rumi’s verse encourages us to use words as a tool for building bridges, rather than walls.
In conclusion, the paradox of truth and falsehood in Rumi’s verse invites us to consider the complexities of human interaction. It reminds us that sometimes, the most compassionate and effective response is not to confront negativity directly, but to respond with love, understanding, and forgiveness.
