Whence shall we seek (true knowledge? From renouncing (our false) knowledge. Whence shall we seek (true) peace? From renouncing peace (with our carnal selves).
از کجا جوییم علم از ترک علم ** از کجا جوییم سلم از ترک سلم
Whence shall we seek (real) existence? From renouncing (illusory) existence. Whence shall we seek the apple (of Truth)? From renouncing the hand (of self-assertion and self-interest).
از کجا جوییم هست از ترک هست ** از کجا جوییم سیب از ترک دست
O best Helper, only Thou canst make the eye that regards the non-existent to regard that which is (really) existent.825
هم تو تانی کرد یا نعم المعین ** دیده‌ی معدوم‌بین را هست بین
The eye that was produced from non-existence regarded the Essence of (real) Being as wholly non-existent;
دیده‌ای کو از عدم آمد پدید ** ذات هستی را همه معدوم دید
(But), if (thy) two eyes are transformed and illumined, this well-ordered world becomes the scene of the Last Judgement.
این جهان منتظم محشر شود ** گر دو دیده مبدل و انور شود
These realities are shown forth imperfectly (here) because the apprehension of them is forbidden to these raw (ignorant) ones.
زان نماید این حقایق ناتمام ** که برین خامان بود فهمش حرام
Although God is munificent, the enjoyment of the delightful gardens ofParadise is forbidden to him who is destined for Hell.
نعمت جنات خوش بر دوزخمی ** شد محرم گرچه حق آمد سخی
The honey of Paradise becomes bitter in his mouth, since he was not (destined to be) one of them that faithfully keep the covenant of everlasting life.830
در دهانش تلخ آید شهد خلد ** چون نبود از وافیان در عهد خلد
Ye (worldly folk) also (who are engaged) in commerce—how should your hands move (to sell anything) when there is no buyer?
مر شما را نیز در سوداگری ** دست کی جنبد چو نبود مشتری
How should (idle) looking-on be capable of buying? The fool's looking-on is (not for buying, but merely for) loitering.
کی نظاره اهل بخریدن بود ** آن نظاره گول گردیدن بود