O rational one, you do not understand
the mysteries of creation,
and even if you do know a little,
you certainly lack complete understanding.
O mullah, you do not go to the mosque
of your own volition,
but you are unaware of the hand
that leads you there.
O scholar, your studies of external matters have no end;
not only do you fail
to understand the outer,
but you are ignorant of the inner as well.
O lover, you will find
whatever you wish from your beloved.
You will become united with your love
but not be conscious of your union.
O traveler, you search in every direction
for a promising road.
Why do you ask about our state
when you don’t know the heart’s language?
O mystic, you see nothing
but the ocean and the ship.
You have sunk into a whirlpool
and no longer seek the shore.
O Nurbakhsh, in peace you have been liberated
from all this turmoil;
no longer do you know the state of those
with darkened days and feet stuck in the mud.