ROZ EK SHER: Abdul Hamid Adam

[Manish Modi]

बाज़ औक़ात किसी और के मिलने से 'अदम'

अपनी हस्ती से मुलाक़ात भी हो जाती है

~ अब्दुल हमीद अदम

بعض اوقات کسی اور کے ملنے سے عدمؔ

اپنی ہستی سے ملاقات بھی ہو جاتی ہے

عبد الحمید عدم ~

baaz auqaat kisii aur ke milne se 'Adam'

apnii hastii se mulaaqaat bhii ho jaatii hai

~ Abdul Hamid Adam

At times, by meeting someone else

We get to see our own life

Reflection

Sorrow is a result of reality not matching our expectations. 

Bliss lies within us. And emerges when we let go of expectation and greed. Many of us know this. But few are willing to take steps that would help us rise above likes and dislikes, transcend expectations and move into the realm of eternal bliss. 

The rest of us quell our inner awakening by indulging either in sensual delectation or in mindless rituals. We, therefore, seek solace in sensual pleasures or ritualistic religious practices. 

We take initiative and listen to our own voice when it comes to the pursuit of material happiness. But when it comes to spiritualism, we are happy to hide behind tradition. 

We are easily swayed by sham and pretence. No wonder fraudulent godmen hoodwink us with monotonous ease. 

As thinking beings, it is imperative that we look beyond our constricted horizons and begin seeking the eternal. Having a guru would make our path easier. But we must beware of fake gurus and false prophets. Else, we would end up losing money and time to a huckster. 

While there is no tried and tested one-size-fits-all litmus test to ascertain a true guru, here are some pointers that could help you decide:

1. A guru does not seek fame and fortune

2. A guru stays away from sensual gratification and avoids wealth and luxury

3. A guru is not an attention seeker. He does not seek the company of the rich and powerful

4. A guru helps the seeker realise who he is and what he could do with his life. 

5. A guru believes in transformation and healing through self-correction

6. A guru refrains from pointing fingers at others. Instead, he emphasises internal cleansing through honesty, kindness and nonviolence. Compassion is his byword. 

7. A guru teaches by example. 

_____

Urdu couplet by Abdul Hamid Adam

English translation and reflection by Manish Modi

🙏🏻🇮🇳