Ji Chahe' (translation'If You so Wish'), a Sufi poem written in Urdu by Hazrat Zaheen Shah Taaji and vocalised by Abida Parveen is one of my all-time favourite songs. It has played an important symbolic and inspirational role in my life although this took a while to sink in :). I am presenting a transliteration of the lyrics along with a bargified translation of them. This 'translation' is based on my own knowledge of the language, discussions I have had about the meanings of certain words/phrases, and the translations I consulted (linked below). It is also based on my innerstanding of the poem/song as a unit.
In ways that resonate with me, the song is highly spiritual and outlines stages of awareness along the path to self-discovery. Abida's voice lifts and exalts. I have often experience it as a guided meditation.
Ji Chahe (If You so Wish) from the Album Raqs-e-Bismil (Dance of the Wounded)
Intro with untransl(iter)ated lyrics lasts 2mins 30secs. Lyrics start thereafter.
If You so wish you can become like the mirror which reflects others; or you could become the standard by which others measure themselves...... Why merely become a mirror or measuring cup? Become the wine; become the tavern even, the seat of consumption!
Ji chahe to sheesha ban ja, ji chahe paimana ban ja......
Sheesha paimana kya banna, mai ban ja maikhana ban ja.
Having become the wine and the tavern, become the craving for intoxication...... Become this craving and immerse yourself in ecstatic oblivion.
Mai ban kar, maikhana ban kar, masti ka afsana ban ja...... Masti ka afsana bankar, hasti se begaana ban ja.
Immersing in oblivion, becoming a craving for intoxication...... better than this 'being' and better than this 'becoming', is to become a hopeless-crazy romantic.
Hasti se bagaana hona, masti ka afsana banna...... Is hone se, is banne se, achha hai deewana ban ja.
Rather than becoming a hopeless-crazy romantic, it is better to be a hopeless-crazy romantic...... however, even better than being a hopeless-crazy romantic is to become like the dust which lines the doorstep of the beloved!
Deewana ban jane se, deewana hona achha hai...... Deewana hone se achha, khak-e-dar e janaana ban ja.
What is the dust at the doorstep of the Beloved but decorative kohl in the eye of the noble of heart!...... Become the quality of freshness that can cool the candle burning in each breast; become like the moth that inspires and lights up the heart space.
Khak-e-dar-e-janaana kya hai, ahle dil ki annkh ka surma...... Shama ke dil ki thandak ban ja, noor e dil e parwana ban ja.
Listen up O'Wise Ones and take heed...this burning from the heart - wherefore do you burn yourself out on each candle you encounter?..... Become engulfed and consumed in the Flames of your own Fire, become just such a moth! Become just such a Moth.
Seekh Zaheen ke dil se jalna, kaahe ko har shamma par jalna...... Apni aag mein khud jal jaye, tu aisa parwana ban ja.
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