In this iconic Abyat, Hazrat Sultan Bahoo emphasizes that spiritual success depends on the transformation of the heart, not mechanical rituals. Using the famous metaphor of milk and the “starter” (Jaag), he explains that without the “awakening” provided by a Master, no amount of outward effort can produce spiritual results.
تسبیح پھیری تے دل نہیں پھریا
کیہ لینا تسبیح پھڑ کے ہُو
علم پڑھیا تے ادب نہ سکھیا
کیہ لینا علم نوں پڑھ کے ہُو
Tasbeeh Phiri Tey Dil Naeen Phiryaa
Kee Lena Tasbeeh Phar Ke Hoo
Ilam Parhya Tey Adab Na Sikhya
Ki Lena Ilam Noon Parh Ke Hoo
The rosary has spun, but the heart has not turned
What use is holding the prayer beads, O Divine?
Knowledge was acquired, but respect was not learned
What use is reading all that knowledge, O Divine?
چلے کٹے تے کجھ نہ کھٹیا
کیہ لینا چلیاں وڑ کے ہُو
جاگ بناں ددھ جمدے ناہیں باہو
بھانویں لال ہوون کڑھ کڑھ کے ہُو
Chillay Kattay Tey Kuj Na Khattya
Kee Lena Chillyaan War Ke Hoo
Jaag Bina Dood Jamday Nahin Bahoo
Bhanwain Laal Howan Karh Karh Ke Hoo
Retreats were completed, yet nothing was gained
What use is entering seclusion, O Divine?
Without a starter, milk cannot set into yogurt, O Bahoo
Even if you boil it until it turns red with heat.
Vocabulary: Tasbeeh Phree
- Phirya: Turned or transformed (spiritually).
- Adab: Spiritual etiquette and respect.
- Chillyaan: Forty-day periods of spiritual seclusion.
- Jaag: A starter/leaven used to turn milk to yogurt (symbolizing spiritual awakening).
- Karh Karh: Intense boiling or reducing of milk.
MashaAllah