The Road Not Taken

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 23January 2024 “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.” ― Robert Frost The most oft-quoted lines of Robert Frost never seem to lose their relevance because life's biggest thrill lies in exploring the world, hitherto unexplored. Wahi Kaamyaab Hua Hayaat Mein/ Raah Jis Ne Koi Nai Akhtiyaar Ki (One who has chosen a different path has succeeded in his/her life). A well-travelled road may lead you to your destination but it'll be devoid of challenges. Life is all about facing challenges manfully. Life ensconced in a comfort zone soon becomes dull, boring and unexciting. Rough seas produce efficient and more competent sailors. The great mystic poet Fariduddin Attar of Nishapur chose to write mystical poetry though in his whole clan, there was not a single poet! As his name 'Attar' suggests, his family was into making Itra / Attar (perfumes/scent) and they were very wealthy. But Attar had different plans: Nee Azkeen Muattar Mee Zai Qalam (I'll spread the scent through my quill). He said this in Tazaki (Attar's mother spoke Tazaki) and chose a path of poetry which none of his family members ever thought of. Needless to say, young Attar became one of the greatest mystics in the annals of mysticism and is believed to have guided Maulana Rumi in his initial years. Life is all about accepting the responsibility of every decision that you take. If your decision clicks, give wholesome credit to yourself and even if you fail, you've the satisfaction that it was your decision and was not imposed upon you by others. If you watch or read the end of a suspense thriller, you'll never read or watch the whole movie or book because you've killed the suspense. So, suspense is a must for retaining the excitement in life. Sabhi Toh Chalte Hain Pite-Pitaye Raston Par/ Kabhi Toh Chal Ke Dekh Apni Raah Par (All walk upon beaten tracks/ Find a road for yourself to traverse upon). Remember Steve Jobs' sagacious advice: You've every right to do things your own way regardless of what your dad and grand-dad did in their lives. Yours truly chose to study religions, languages and civilizations despite having a series of medicos in the family for more than a century. And at this age and stage of his life, he's very much happy with his decision. You must do what pleases your heart and carve a niche for yourself. Often the roads less taken lead you to an exciting heaven. It's always admirable to be different from run-of-the-mill. It doesn't mean that you should be scornful of others. But you must be mindful of your inclinations and proclivities. So, never choose a tried out road. Instead, choose a road you've to try out. ---- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/road-not-taken/d/131569 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism