Wednesday 29 April 2020

Life lesson

Shahnameh, 'The Book of Kings' written by Ferdowsi, a Persian poet,  over 1000 years ago, but is so fresh as if it is written for us today. 

Noshinrvan, a Persian king, was fond of learning and in weekly sessions he would invite experts to teach him. Bozarjomehr, was still a child when he managed to impress the king with his knowledge and gained access to these sessions.
In one of the sessions he asks permission to say something, too. The king gives him permission and he start talking about what makes a happy and successful life. The translation of one of the points discussed is as follows:
"A wise person's life is not free from pain and suffering. How can we do something that at the end it makes us pride."
"Look at the world as your own body. Whatever that you don't like for yourself don't wish it for others not even for your enemy."

یکی گفت کاندر سرای سپنج
نباشد خردمند بی‌درد و رنج
چه سازیم تا نام نیک آوریم
درآغاز فرجام نیک آوریم
بدو گفت شو دور باش از گناه
جهان را همه چون تن خویش خواه
هران چیزکانت نیاید پسند
تن دوست و دشمن دران برمبند

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