When the young men at the inn had left on their respective businesses after the Fazr Namaz, Qazi Ibn Kalam and I conversed sometimes as we strolled in the garden. He told me about the devotion needed for a Sufi life, and the different routes that devotees take, but Maulana was woven into every single thing he said. One day, I asked him, What did Maulana look like? - I have never seen him, Sheikh. But I have heard stories. - Who told you? - Many who have seen him. Maulana was tall, thin, pale. His beard was grey, his eyebrows were bushy and his eyes were reddish brown. It seems he was very embarrassed one day to see his own reflection while bathing at the hamam. Later he said, I have caused so much suffering to this body given by Allah. Apparently his weight was below normal, caused by long periods of fasting. Im told he used to eat once in three days, sometimes even once a week. Its a mystery how he survived. - On my travels I have heard of many holy men in Hindustan, Qazi Sahib. Apparently they meditate in the Himalayan mountains without food for years on end. - How is that possible, Sheikh? - How much do we know of what is possible and what isnt, Qazi Sahib? - I believe Maulana would say, I have no appearance, no colour. When I cannot see myself, how can you expect to see me? I am nothing but a solitary mirror. Let me tell you a story, Sheikh. Its from Maulanas own life. Parwana Moinuddin Suleimans wife Gurcu Khatun was Maulanas disciple. It was Moinuddin Suleiman who actually ruled Konya on behalf of Sultan Ruknuddin. One day Gurcu Khatun felt a desire to have a portrait of Maulana painted. The artist arrived. Come, smiled Maulana. Paint me if you can. Completing his portrait, the artist glanced at Maulana to discover a face completely different from the one he had just painted. He started afresh. After he was done, he looked at Maulana to discover yet another face. When this had happened several times, the artist put down his palette. That was when Maulana said, I have no appearance, no colour. Considering I cannot even see myself, how can you expect to see me? ~ From Mirror Life by Rabi Shankar Bal #translation #workinprogress
Posted on: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 04:30:12 +0000