The Sufi poet, philosopher & humanist, Bulleh Shah left behind some writings, which seem to transcend time. The sheer simplicity with which he has been able to address the complex fundamental issues of life and humanity is a large part of why he appeals to so many. Here’s a small couplet which is in Punjabi & then its English translation.
Padh padh ilm hazaar kitaabaan
Qaddi apnay aap nou padhiya naee
Jaan jaan wadhday mandir maseedi
Qaddi mann apnay wich wadhiya naee
Aa-vain ladhda aye shaitan de naal bandeaa
Qaddi nafss apnay naal ladhiya naee
Yes, yes, you have read thousands of books
But you have never tried to read your own self
You rush in, into your temples, into your mosques
But you have never tried to enter your own heart
Futile are all your battles with Satan
For you have never tried to fight your own selfish egocentric desires
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