Impact of Sufism during Circa 1150 CE--1750 CE-- II

In the house of lovers, the music never stops;
The walls are are made of songs, and the floor dances.
(Rumi)

Continuing learnings from Sufism on Divine Spirituality, Cosmic Harmony and Love for Humanity  by some of prominent Indian Sufi Ascetics shared in blog 9 , we shall try to complete the learnings in the current Blog , targeting those impacting Dharma & Ethical living in that period.We shall attempt to include the strong vibrant feelings in this direction, expressed by a few more Indian Sufi Ascetics including  Amir Khosaru,  Bulleh Shah and Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.

Amir Khosaru Dehlawi ( 1253-1325 CE ), was a Sufi mystic and a disciple of Nizammuddin Auliya. He has been regarded as the Father of Qawwali, the devotional music of Sufi's, besides his writings in the form of Gazals& Rubai. His teachings focused on intense Love for his Guru, Humanity in general and love & peace for the world.

खुसरो दरिया प्रेम का, उल्टी वा की धार ।

जो उतरा सो डूब गया, जो डूबा सो पार ।।

It conveyed that river of love for the Humanity flows in strange directions. One, who jumps into it drowns and one who drowns only gets across. One can quote several of his great writings impacting Ethical Living and fighting religious day to day superstitions,  in general. Quoting another famous writing used by several celebrities of yesterday and today in their compositions;

छाप तिलक सब छीनी रे, मोसे नैना मिलाइके ।

प्रेम भटी का मदवा पिलाइके, मतवारी कर लीन्ही रे, मोसे नैना मिलाइके ।।

It conveyed a strong message on respect for Guru and ethical living in general. It says" you have taken away my looks and my identity by just a glance.By making me drink the wine of love, you have intoxicated me by a simple glance." In another writing, following example of great ethics and moral values, he submits to his Guru, Nizamuuddin Auliya, that he has scores of weaknesses/ deficiencies, which Guru alone can correct.

सब सखियो मे चुनर मेरी मैली, देख हसे नर नारी निजाम।

अब के बहार चुनर मेरी रन्ग दे, पिया रख ले लाज हमारी निजाम।।

 Let me move on to another Sufi ascetic Bulleh Shah ( 1680-1757 CE), who was a Punjabi Sufi Poet-- a Humanist and philosopher. He impacted the society with his simple philosophical writings ( Kafis). His life span overlapped with Punjabi poet Waris Shah ( 1722-1798 CE) of Heer Ranjha fame and Sindhi Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai ( 1689-1752 CE ). His Kafis highlight mystical spiritual voyage involving four stages of Sufism, namely SHARIAT ( Path), TARIQAT( Observance), HAQIQAT( Truth) and MARFAT( Union). Several Sufi singers of today like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Waddali Brothers, Abida Praveen and others have beautifully  composed his Kafis into adorable music. Let us look into a few of his Kafis, which have created a great impact on ETHICAL LIVING.

Bulleya Ki Janna Mein Kaun,

Na Mein Mo-min vi ch maseetaan,

Na Mein vi ch kufar diyan reetan,

Na Mein paakan vi ch paleetan,

Na Mein moosa Na fir-own.

Broadly meaning that Bulleh Shah is questioning himself--- his inner self; he is not a believer inside a mosque; nor a disciple of false rites; nor the pure among-st the impure; nor Moses or the Pharaoh. It shows the HUMANIST face of Bulleh Shah. Further he adds

Na Mein andar Ved  Kitabaan,

Na vi ch bhangaan, Na sharabaan.

Meaning that he is not in the Holy Vedas, Nor in opium or wine. What a message on Ethical living in society? One more English translation of his  writing, conveying values to be observed;

You have learnt so much.

 You have read a thousand books;Have you ever read yourself?

You have gone to mosque & temple; Have you ever visited your soul?

You are busy fighting Satan; Have you ever fought your evil intentions?

You have reached into the skies; But you have failed to reach inside your heart.

One Dohre of Bulleh Shah emphasizing the need to look inside of self is reproduced below;

रब रब करदे बुड्ढे हो गए, मुल्ला पन्डित सारे।

रब दा खोज खुरा ना लब्भा, ओदे सजदे कर कर हारे ।

रब ते तेरे अन्दर बसदा, तेरे विच कुरान इशारे ।

बुल्लेशाह रब ओनू मिलदा, जेड़ा अपने नफस नू मारे ।।

Another Sufi scholar, mystic, saint and Sindhi poet Shah Abdul  Latif Bhittai, whose poems were compared to great Persian poet Rumi, created enormous impact on Dharma & Ethical practices during early and middle of 1700 CE. His collection  " Shah  Jo Risalo" is a testimony of his thoughts.  Quoting a few;

If you are seeking  Allah, then keep clear of religious formalities;

Those, who have seen Allah, are away from all religions.

The message is clear that "Human Dharma" is bigger than any religion and service to mankind should be the part and parcel of every Ethical life. In another poem, he writes;

Egoism and Allah, can not exist in one and the same soul;

Be Modest and Humble, anger brings enormous sorrow;

Patience yields contentment, if you were to understand.

In another writing, he emphasized " Malicious never benefit from malice". Another one, focused on the philosophy of these Sufi scholars is given below;

Sufi's do not believe in religious convictions, no one knows their faith;

Their mind is always busy for war, with egoism, but disclose nothing;

They help all, even those, who are antagonistic to them.

Summing up the two blogs on Indian Sufi Ascetics, focusing their impact on Dharma & Ethical practices by way of their  philosophy and writings, let me add that it generated enormous impact on masses and the society. Their writings and preaching s undoubtedly convey Love for Humanity, Standing high above all religious convictions & superstitions, Modesty in behavior, Humility, Fighting egoism, Truthfulness, Contentment, Self exploration & Self understanding and Service to people by helping the needy. Quoting the great Persian Poet & Philosopher RUMI;

Love is the bridge between you and everything.