Ruminations from Kasur

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Remembering the mystic whose message transcended caste, religion and power in seventeenth century Punjab. Born in 1680 and named Abdullah Shah in a Syed family, he found a Murshid (spiritual master) in Shah Inayat, a man from a lower caste.

 

Na Raindee Hai, a Kalam by Bulleh Shah.

The world is a slippery place;     Tread carefully for ‘tis dark;

Go inside see who’s there;    Why do the people search outside;

What’s on the tongue must be said;     Bullah, the beloved is not separate from us;

Besides the beloved there is naught;   But the discerning eye is missing;

Therefore life endures separation;    What’s on the tongue must be said;

Learning through the rote of books you call yourself a scholar;

Grasping the sword in your hand you call yourself a warrior;

Having visited Mecca and Medina you call yourself a pilgrim;

Bullah, what have you accomplished if you have not remained true to your friend!

 

Photographs taken by Hoshyaar contributor Bushra Shehzad and packaged by Hosh media, a volunteer-based organization that aims to bring youth voices on to the mainstream media.

 

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