Lessons from Ghalib: Wisdom and Inspiration in Every Verse.

From my very childhood, the works of inimitable Ghalib were helping me through so much, and his poetry taught so much that extend beyond the realm of love and relationships. How I got initiated with his works is still a mystery but found a treasure trove of wisdom which reverberates through slices of life.

For me, Ghalib's poetry is a:

1) Mirror to self-reflection: His words encourage introspection, helping me confront my flaws and weaknesses, and strive for personal growth.

2) Guide to resilience: Ghalib's poetry teaches me to navigate life's challenges with courage and perseverance, finding strength in adversity.

3) Lens to perspective: His ghazals offer a unique viewpoint on life, reminding me to appreciate the beauty in imperfection and find meaning in the journey, not just the destination.

4) Bridge to empathy: Ghalib's poetry helps me understand and connect with others, fostering compassion and tolerance in my relationships.

5) Source of inspiration: His words motivate me to embrace my passions, pursue my goals, and strive for excellence in all endeavors.

Ghalib's poetry has become an integral part of my life, offering guidance, comfort, and inspiration whenever I need it. His ghazals have taught me to cherish the beauty of life, with all its complexities and imperfections, and to find meaning in every moment.

Here are some examples of Ghalib's ghazals/poetry that illustrate each of the 5 points:

1. Mirror to self-reflection:

"Main ne maana ke taghaful na karun,

Lekin khayaal se khud ko kya karun?"

Translation:

"I agree not to be negligent,

But what can I do with my own thoughts?"

This couplet highlights the struggle with one's own thoughts and flaws, encouraging self-reflection.

2. Guide to resilience:

"Qaid-e-hayat aur band-e-gham,

Nahi maanga main ne, nahi pucha kuchh."

Translation:

"The prison of life and the chains of sorrow,

I didn't ask for, nor did I seek anything."

This couplet shows Ghalib's acceptance of life's challenges and his resilience in the face of adversity.

3. Lens to perspective:

"Bas ke dushwaar hai har kaam ka asaan hona,

Aadmi ko bhi, mushkil hai, aashan hona."

Translation:

"It's difficult for every task to be easy,

It's also difficult for a person to become easy-going."

This couplet offers a unique perspective on life, reminding us that ease and difficulty are relative.

4. Bridge to empathy:

"Ek laqeer-e-sadaa se, dil-e-mareez ko,

Kuchh nahin kehna, kuchh nahin sunna."

Translation:

"With a single, gentle word, the ailing heart,

Neither speaks nor listens."

This couplet highlights the importance of empathy and gentle communication in understanding others.

5. Source of inspiration:

"Khudi ko kar buland, itna ki har taqdeer se,

Pehle khuda bande se, khud pooche bata teri zara kya hai."

Translation:

"Elevate your self, so much so that before every destiny,

God himself asks the individual, 'What is it that you want?'"

Here are a few additional couplets that inspires me to strive for excellence and greatness, encouraging us to reach our full potential.

1. Mirror to self-reflection:

"Hazaaron khwahishen aisi ke har khwahish pe dam nikle,

Bohat nikle mere armaan lekin phir bhi kam nikle."

Translation:

"Thousands of desires, each worth dying for,

Many of my wishes were fulfilled, yet still too few."

This couplet emphasizes the endless nature of human desires, prompting deeper self-reflection on one's aspirations and contentment.

2. Guide to resilience:

"Dil hi to hai na sang-o-khisht, dard se bhar na aaye kyun,

Royenge hum hazaar baar, koi humein sataye kyun."

Translation:

"It’s only a heart, not a stone or brick, why shouldn’t it fill with pain?

We will cry a thousand times, why would anyone torment us?"

This couplet reflects on the inevitability of emotional pain and the resilience needed to endure it.

3. Lens to perspective:

"Ishrat-e-qatra hai dariya mein fana ho jaana,

Dard ka had se guzarna hai dawa ho jaana."

Translation:

"The bliss of a drop is to vanish in the river,

The pain that exceeds the limit becomes a remedy."

This couplet offers a perspective on the transformative nature of extreme experiences.

4. Bridge to empathy:

"Ranj se khugar hua insaan to mit jaata hai ranj,

Mushkilein mujh par padi itni ke aasan ho gayeen."

Translation:

"When a person becomes accustomed to sorrow, the sorrow fades away,

So many difficulties fell upon me that they became easy to bear."

This couplet speaks to the human capacity for empathy and understanding through shared suffering.

5. Source of inspiration:

"Na tha kuchh to khuda tha, kuchh na hota to khuda hota,

Duboya mujh ko hone ne, na hota main to kya hota."

Translation:

"When there was nothing, there was God; if there were nothing, God would still be there,

My being has drowned me; had I not been, what would have been?"

This couplet inspires contemplation on existence and the pursuit of greatness despite inherent challenges.

Ghalib's poetry is not just a collection of verses but a timeless guide that continues to offer wisdom, resilience, perspective, empathy, and inspiration. His words remind us to cherish life's journey, embrace our flaws, and strive for greatness, making his poetry a constant source of comfort and enlightenment in my life.

Ghalib image source: https://www.rekhta.org/poets/mirza-ghalib/profile

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