Lesson of Longing and Love: An Appreciation of Bait of Bhittai
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai says :
جَنِ کي دور درد جو، سَبَقُ سُورَ پَڙھَنِ،
فِڪرَ ڦَرھِي ھَٿَ ۾، ماٺِ مُطالعو ڪَنِ،
پَنو سو پڙھن، جنھن ۾ پَسَنِ پرينءَ کي.
Roman Sindhi version of the verse:
“Jinhi ke dor dard jo, sabaq soor paṛhan,
Fikar farhi hath mein, maaṭh muṭalio kan,
Pano so paṛhan, jinhan mein pasan parin khe.”
Translation 1:
Constantly repeating the lesson of suffering. They read the lesson of pain. Holding tablet of meditation, they study in silence. Only that page they peruse which reveals the beloved.
Translation 2:
“Those who truly seek, immerse themselves in the lesson of longing—repeating, absorbing, and living the pain. Holding the tablet of contemplation in their hands, they study in silent devotion. They turn only to that page where the vision of the Beloved is revealed.”
Translation 3:
“True seekers keep learning the lesson of longing and pain. They hold the tablet of deep thought and study in silence. They read only the page that brings them closer to their Beloved.”
Translation 4:
“Those who truly seek love and truth keep learning from their struggles. They reflect deeply and study in silence, focusing only on what brings them closer to their Beloved.”
Translation 5:
“Real seekers embrace their struggles as lessons. They take time to reflect, staying quiet and focused, only paying attention to what truly connects them with their deepest love.”
Translation 6:
“The real seekers live with longing, reading pain like an open book.
They hold their quiet thoughts like a candle in the dark,
flipping through the pages of life,
searching only for the one where Love appears.”
Translation 7:
“They who have learned the lesson of sorrow well,
In silent thought their sacred vigils tell.
They turn no page but that which shows—
A glimpse of Love, where the heart glows.”
We may attempt to elaborate and explain
the given bait of Shah Bhittai.
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, the great Sindhi Sufi poet, often spoke in metaphors and allegories to convey deep spiritual truths. This particular bait captures the essence of seeking, suffering, contemplation, and ultimate enlightenment. At its heart, the verse emphasizes that true seekers—those on a path of love, wisdom, and self-discovery—must endure pain, engage in deep reflection, and focus only on what leads them to their ultimate goal: the Beloved (whether Divine or metaphorical love).
Breaking Down the Meaning
1. “Jinhi ke dor dard jo, sabaq soor paṛhan”
(“Those who truly seek, immerse themselves in the lesson of longing—repeating, absorbing, and living the pain.”)
• Here, Bhittai presents suffering as a teacher. The path to enlightenment, whether spiritual, intellectual, or emotional, is not easy. Those who genuinely desire love, wisdom, or success must embrace the hardships that come with it.
• This idea resonates with Rumi’s philosophy, where longing and separation from the Beloved (God) fuel the soul’s journey back to its source.
• A modern example: An entrepreneur building a startup goes through failures, financial struggles, and sleepless nights. Only those who truly dedicate themselves to their vision—embracing the struggle—succeed in the end.
2. “Fikar faṛhi hath mein, maaṭh muṭalio kan”
(“They hold the tablet of deep thought and study in silence.”)
• The imagery of a tablet of meditation suggests that true seekers are always reflecting, contemplating, and absorbing knowledge in solitude.
• Bhittai emphasizes the importance of silent study and self-reflection—a theme also found in Sufi thought, where silence is seen as the gateway to divine wisdom.
• Example: Think of great scientists and artists—Einstein, Steve Jobs, or even poets like Bhittai himself—who spent years in deep thought, shaping ideas that changed the world. Their success was not in instant gratification but in years of quiet perseverance.
3. “Pano so paṛhan, jinhan mein pasan parin khe.”
(“They turn only to that page where the vision of the Beloved is revealed.”)
• This is the climax of the verse—a call to focus only on what truly matters.
• In life, people often get distracted by trivial concerns—wealth, fame, temporary pleasures. Bhittai reminds us that real seekers do not waste time on unnecessary things; they only read the page that leads them to their ultimate love.
• Example: In today’s world of social media and endless distractions, those who truly achieve greatness—be it in business, art, or spirituality—are those who filter out the noise and focus on their purpose.
Universal Message: Endurance, Focus, and Ultimate Truth
This bait is not just about spiritual seekers or Sufi mystics. Its message applies to anyone who pursues something meaningful—be it love, success, wisdom, or a life purpose.
• A lover must endure longing and separation to experience true union.
• A student must go through years of study to master a subject.
• A businessperson must endure struggles before building a lasting empire.
• A spiritual seeker must experience pain and reflection before attaining enlightenment.
Bhittai’s words remind us that suffering is not the end—it is the beginning of transformation. Those who embrace the pain, reflect in silence, and focus only on their ultimate goal will eventually reach the truth they seek.
This timeless wisdom is what makes Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai not just a poet but a guide for all generations.
