Bulleh! to me, I am not known
6 September 2009
My dear friend Nabila has sent this poem that was posted on the Poetry Chaikhana website –It is well known but I loved this translation. At the end there are some comments that elucidate Bulleh’s life and message. Please also see this piece of mine based on a longer paper that I authored last year.
Bulleh! to me, I am not known - By Bulleh Shah (1680 – 1758)
Not a believer inside the mosque, am I
Nor a pagan disciple of false rites
Not the pure amongst the impure
Neither Moses, nor the Pharaoh
Bulleh! to me, I am not known
Not in the holy Vedas, am I
Nor in opium, neither in wine
Not in the drunkard`s intoxicated craze
Niether awake, nor in a sleeping daze
Bulleh! to me, I am not known
In happiness nor in sorrow, am I
Neither clean, nor a filthy mire
Not from water, nor from earth
Neither fire, nor from air, is my birth
Bulleh! to me, I am not known
Not an Arab, nor Lahori
Neither Hindi, nor Nagauri
Hindu, Turk, nor Peshawari
Nor do I live in Nadaun
Bulleh! to me, I am not known
Secrets of religion, I have not known
From Adam and Eve, I am not born
I am not the name I assume (more…)
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