Wisdom
A youth in the prime of life went to a knower of God
Translated from Uzbek · Original text
A youth in the prime of life went to a knower of GodAnd bowed his head before him in respect.He said: “O master of the garden of wisdom,Explain to me, O noble scholar!Give me some counsel, let it stay in my memory,Let it not be forgotten in my heart for all my life.Let your words become light, let the darkness vanish,Let me silence the mistakes upon my path!”The perfect guide looked at him calmly:“You blaze like fire, and your heat is great.You are, it seems, pregnant with burning feelings,Within you there is nothing else but passion.I will tell you three words, never forget them,Three words will open up the gate of blessing.First of all, always keep your intention pure,The home of a pure intention is a clean heart.If the intention is spoiled, then life is spoiled,And if your life is spoiled, your world is ruined.Your griefs and sorrows will drag on and on,And you will pass without raising a single building.The second word is this: do not be a heartbreaker,Do no wrong with your tongue or with your hand.The world is a bazaar full of plunder,And you will leave the bazaar when death calls.Youth is half of life, do not take it for a game!If for half your life you lay hearts in ruins —Having wrecked the homes of hearts while thinking to rebuild,You will spend the other half of life adrift.The third word is this: be calm and steady,In words and in decisions do not rush or get excited.If torment comes, wait; if happiness comes, keep it secret,Do not step outside the bounds of composure for a moment.If someone races past you, do not run as well,Do not quicken your step, and do not slow it down.If someone celebrates on reaching his goal,Do not taste a single drop from the cup of envy!Simply know that every deed has its time,Just as every place has its proper word.Make understanding and insight your torch,So that the eye of the heart may always see.Do not hurry — one day God will liftEven the curtains that are closed to you.In haste you will be deprived of blessings,What you gain in haste is loss and pain.”His eyes dazzled by the light of that great man,The pure youth rose and bowed before him.And light came pouring forth from his body too,For the three counsels entered his heart like pearls.Akrom MALIK
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