Reading and Meditating upon Allama Iqbal's poem, Aqal-o-Dil (Mind And Heart). This reminds me of Kabir's words: Meera Daana Dil Soch. And Also Emily Dickinson's poem on the same topic, The Mind lives on the Heart
Aqal Ne Aik Din Ye Dil Se Kaha
Bhoole Bhatke Ki Rahnuma Hun Main
One day reason said to the heart:
‘I am a guide for those who are lost.
Hun Zameen Par, Guzr Falak Pe Mera
Dekh To Kis Qadar Rasa Hun Main
I live on earth, but I roam the skies—
just see the vastness of my reach.
Kaam Dunya Mein Rahbari Hai Mera
Misl-e-Khizr-e-Khajasta Pa Hun Main
My task in the world is to guide and lead,
I am like Khizr of blessed steps.
Hun Mufassir-e-Kitab-e-Hasti Ki
Mazhar-e-Shan-e-Kibriya Hun Main
I interpret the book of life,
And through me Divine Glory shines forth.
Boond Ek Khoon Ki Hai Tu Lekin
Ghairat-e-Laal-e-Be Baha Hun Main
You are no more than a drop of blood,
While I am the envy of the priceless pearl!
Dil Ne Sun Kar Kaha Ye Sub Sach Hai
Par Mujhe Bhi To Dekh, Kya Hun Main
The heart listened, and then said: ‘This is all true,
But now look at me, And see what I am.
Raaz-e-Hasti Ko Ti Samajhti Hai
Aur Ankhon Se Dekhta Hun Main!
You penetrate the secret of existence,
But 1 see it with my eyes.
Hai Tujhe Wasta Mazahir Se
Aur Batin Se Ashna Hun Main
You deal With the outward aspect of things,
I know what lies within.
Ilm Tujh Se To Maarifat Mujh Se
Tu Khuda Joo, Khuda Numa Hun Main
Knowledge comes from you, gnosis from me;
You seek God, I reveal Him.
Ilm Ki Intiha Hai Betaabi
Iss Marz Ki Magar Dawa Hun Main
Attaining the ultimate in knowledge only makes one restless—
I am the cure for that malady.
Shama Tu Mehfil-e-Sadaqat Ki
Husn Ki Bazm Ka Diya Hun Main
You are the candle of the Assembly of Truth;
1 am the lamp of the Assembly of Beauty.
Tu Zaman-o-Makan Se Rishta Bapa
Taeer-e-Sidra Se Ashna Hun Main
You are hobbled by space and time,
While I am the bird in the Lotus Tree.
Kis Bulandi Pe Hai Maqam Mera
Arsh Rab-e-Jaleel Ka Hun Main!
My status is so high—
I am the throne of the God of Majesty!
This beautiful poem by Allama Iqbal, a renowned philosopher, poet, and scholar, captures a profound conversation between reason (Aqal) and the heart (Dil). It explores the distinct roles and perspectives of these two faculties in understanding the world, spirituality, and God. Here's a commentary on the poem:
Reason as the Guide : Reason is presented as the guide for those who are lost in the complexities of life. It's the rational and analytical part of human consciousness that seeks to provide direction and understanding.
Heart's Vast Perspective : The heart, in contrast, claims to possess a broader perspective. While reason lives on earth, the heart is not confined by such boundaries, symbolizing its emotional and spiritual depth.
Metaphorical Reference to Khizr : The mention of Khizr, a revered and mysterious figure in Islamic tradition, emphasizes the heart's connection to mysticism and spirituality, suggesting that the heart has insights beyond the rational.
Interpreting the Book of Life : Reason claims to interpret the book of existence, while the heart represents divine glory. This implies that both reason and emotion have their unique roles in understanding life and spirituality.
Value of the Heart's Perspective : The heart counters reason's assertions, highlighting its significance by comparing itself to a priceless pearl and stating that it can see existence through its own eyes.
Heart's Understanding : The heart claims to understand the secrets of existence and focuses on the inner aspects of things, suggesting that it holds a profound understanding of the metaphysical.
Quest for Gnosis and God : Reason seeks knowledge, while the heart is associated with gnosis (knowledge of the divine). The heart claims to reveal God, implying a spiritual connection beyond intellectual comprehension.
Restlessness in Knowledge : The heart acknowledges that attaining the ultimate knowledge can lead to restlessness, and it positions itself as a cure for this restlessness, suggesting that it brings a sense of spiritual peace.
Metaphorical Imagery : The poem uses rich metaphors, such as the heart being the lamp of beauty and the bird in the Lotus Tree, to illustrate the heart's connection to aesthetics and the divine.
Elevated Status of the Heart : The poem concludes by elevating the heart's status to a higher level, suggesting that it is the throne of the divine. This emphasizes the importance of spirituality and intuition in understanding God.
Overall, Iqbal's poem beautifully contrasts reason and the heart, highlighting their distinct but complementary roles in human understanding and spirituality. It encourages the reader to reflect on the interplay between intellect and intuition in their own life's journey.
Singing oneness!
. This reminds me of Kabir's words: Meera Daana Dil Soch...){kind=link}
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