Abu-Said Abil-Kheir - Beg for Love

Ivan M. Granger March 26th, 2008

[324] Beg for Love.
by Abu-Said Abil-Kheir

English version by Vraje Abramian

Beg for Love.
Consider this burning, and those who
burn, as gifts from the Friend.
Nothing to learn.
Too much has already been said.
When you read a single page from
the silent book of your heart,
you will laugh at all this chattering,
all this pretentious learning.

— from Nobody, Son of Nobody: Poems of Shaikh Abu-Saeed Abil-Kheir, Translated by Vraje Abramian


/ Photo by Dominic’s pics /

I think I’ll take a cue today from the shaikh, and not say much…

Too much has already been said.
When you read a single page from
the silent book of your heart,
you will laugh at all this chattering,
all this pretentious learning.

Have a beautiful day today!

Abu-Said Abil-Kheir

Turkmenistan (967 - 1049) Timeline
Muslim / Sufi

Shaikh Abu-Said Abil-Kheir was one of the earlier Sufi poets. He lived more than two centuries before Rumi yet, like Rumi, much of his mysticism follows a similar path of annihilation in divine Love.

Abu Said’s poetry ranges from the ecstatic and celestial, to struggles with abandonment. His poetry has an immediacy and even a sort of devoutly wry petulance that can draw comparisons with the great Bengali poet, Ramprasad.

Abu Said referred to himself as “Nobody, Son of Nobody,” to convey the mystic’s sense of having completely merged or disappeared into the Divine, leaving no trace of the ego behind.

He was born and later died in Mayhana in what is modern day Turkmenistan, just north of Iran and Afghanistan in Central Asia.

More poetry by Abu-Said Abil-Kheir

13 Responses to “Abu-Said Abil-Kheir - Beg for Love”

  1. # dougon 26 Mar 2008 at 9:09 am

    I like the photo. And I like the idea of including them more often. I also like today’s poem. In fact, I’m pretty happy today. Thank you for all you do, Ivan.

  2. # Mauraon 26 Mar 2008 at 9:58 am

    What Doug has written so well, so simply, is exactly what I’m thinking today.

    I usually don’t have time to check the blog or the music, and other links, but it’s nice to know they’re here, that you put them together for us, and that some people are checking in.

  3. # ben poleyon 26 Mar 2008 at 10:10 am

    I really appreciate the photo and think it adds a lot to the poem of the day. It is a nice touch to a beautiful poem.

  4. # maryann moonon 26 Mar 2008 at 11:18 am

    Well, perhaps pictures DO say more than a thousand

    words! OH, i LOVE THIS POEM, especially ” to read a

    single page from the silent book which is your heart,

    you’l stop and begin to laugh laugh at all this chattering!” WOW!

  5. # Karen Hastingson 26 Mar 2008 at 11:33 am

    Hi Evan,

    Really love the added picture.Soooo look forward to your daily poems!You have a wonderful selection!

    Peace and blessings,
    Karen

  6. # Catherineon 26 Mar 2008 at 12:22 pm

    Ivan ~

    I have been enjoying the poems for a couple of weeks now and today is the first day that I have scrolled down to notice any commentary that may be included. I loved reading your commentary ~ a welcome addition to the beauty of the poetry selected. I feel a tremendous gratitude for your efforts.

    Catherine

    p.s. i also enjoy the pictures…lovely.

  7. # Jenniferon 26 Mar 2008 at 1:51 pm

    I love the picture and would be very interested to see more…. Today’s poem is amazing! Love.

  8. # Joanneon 26 Mar 2008 at 2:19 pm

    Ivan,

    The photos add another opportunity for reflection on the poem and they are also works of art in their own right-I think they work really well in the email.

    thanks,

    Joanne

  9. # karren calvin(patrick taylor)on 26 Mar 2008 at 2:35 pm

    Ivan, your work on the web is such a gift to us all, that adding pics is like icing on the already delightful cake.
    A great idea!Thank you.

  10. # marionon 26 Mar 2008 at 2:59 pm

    Ivan, I think the photos add a lovely touch; I haven’t looked at the blog before, but did so today…the videos, comments and some of your personal sharing really broaden the sense of being part of a wide community, what an experience and privilege. You have brought this into being, and each new idea you introduce is so intuitive and creative..thank you so much, I look forward to reading my e mail in the evenings..now I’ll be looking for the blog with equal anticipation.

    Best wishes, Marion

  11. # Allisonon 26 Mar 2008 at 5:49 pm

    Ivan, today I was talking with a friend at lunch about not only accepting the inner burning and bearing it but actually asking for it… diving into that fire. Then I came home and found this poem waiting for me. How did you know?
    The photo was a nice surprise as well. Thanks for letting your Self find expression in this healing way.
    I am grateful,
    Allison

  12. # Ivan M. Grangeron 26 Mar 2008 at 7:33 pm

    Wow, I’m really touched by so many enthusiastic comments. Thank you, everyone!

    And I guess we’ll keep on with the photos. I like being able to bring a visual element to the poems. I wanted to make sure, though, that people didn’t feel the photos overpowered the poetry, since some of these poems are so subtle and delicate. I’ll try to find that right balance…

    - Ivan

  13. # Passengeron 27 Mar 2008 at 10:47 am

    Hi !
    Thank’s a lot for your work Ivan !
    Well; I’d like to answer to your question, but I don’t know if actually you’ll really understand what I mean ;)
    Including pictures is really a good idea, but to my point of view, not any photo can be puttin’ in.
    I’ll try to come back in order to tell you more.

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