The Poet of Mirrors
Renditions by Vraje Abramian
Hohm Press
ISBN: 978-1-942493-75-4
Ebook: 978-1-942493-76-1
$24.95, 150 pages, 5 ½ x 8 ½ "
Mirza Abdolqader Azimabadi—penname “Bee’del”—was born in Putna, India in 1644 CE and died in Delhi in 1721. He spoke Bengali, wrote poetry in Persian (Farsi), and was familiar with Arabic, Urdu, Bengali and Sanskrit. One of the most prolific and regarded poets of his day, his style is considered the glory of Persian poetry of Central Asian/Indian origin. Among many ethnic groups outside the present borders of Iran, whose culture/mysticism and literature is influenced by the Iranian culture and
language, Bee’del is classified alongside Ha’fez—an honor conferred on very few.
As he became familiar with the teachings of the Sufis, he continued to frequent their gatherings throughout life. Their literature influenced both his work and his growing involvement in things of the spirit.
Bee’del’s relevance to our times is obvious—his message is informed by a universal regard for the inner life and potential of humans, regardless of geography, ethnicity or religion. As a Sufi poet, Bee’del urges us to attend to our most important task—experiencing, as opposed to reading/hearing about, one’s inner Origin/Essence—and thus realize the true purpose of our existence.
“Life has become a heavy load
and refuses to slide off my back
Yet, old age and this bent back
have done nothing to dampen this Longing
I lose my mind
seeing just Your image
What would become of me Beloved
if I were to behold You
without veils or covering?”
Vraje Abramian, a translator of numerous works, including Nobody Son of Nobody, presents a selection of qhazals and rubais (classical forms of Persian poetry) from the original Farsi Divan of Bee’del. This collection is offered as a prayer for our times. The teachings contained here can strengthen faith in one’s innate capacity to rise above
circumstances and thus improve our chances of survival as a species at this critical stage in human history.
A book for: Individuals, groups and libraries with interests in mysticism, Muslim saints, Islamic studies, and Sufi poetry.