The Gulistan of Sadi

The Rose Garden


Shaikh Muslihu'd Din Sa'di of Shiraz




If every night was a night of power( Qadr)
Many of such nights would be disregarded.
If every stone was a Budukshan ruby
The ruby and the pebble would be of equal value

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A friend whom you have been gaining during your whole life
You ought not to be displeased with in a moment.
A stone is many years becoming a ruby
take care that you do not destroy it
In an instant against another stone.

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A student without inclination is a lover without money
A traveller without observation is a bird without wings
A learned man without works is a tree without fruit and
A devotee without knowledge is a house without a door

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He that has acquired learning and not practised what he has learn
Is like a man who ploughs but sows no seed.

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Not everyone whose outward form is graceful
Possesses the graces of the mind
For action depends on the heart, not on the exterior.

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It is not right to estrange in a moment a friend
whom it takes a lifetime to secure.



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It is impossible to lay hands on that which is not predestined for us
And that which is predestined will reach us wherever we are.

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Hast thou not heard with what excess of pain
Sikandar sought the shades? Nor yet could gain
Life's water, which he strove thus to attain


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A fisherman cannot catch fish in the Tigris without the aid of destiny
Nor can a fish perish on dry land unless fated to do so.

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The dark night of the friends of Heaven
Shines with the brilliant light of day
Not to man's might is this rich blessing given
It comes from God - no other way

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Happy in truth the world through him - may he
Be happy! And may Heaven -sent victory,
Like a proud banner, him o'ercanopy!
He is the root, then may the tree be blest!
Fairest are aye the plants whose seed is best.

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All perfect he, and therefore won
His lofty place, and like a sun
His beauty lighted up the night
Fair are his virtues all, and bright
Let peace and benediction be
On him and his posterity!

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Silence is mannerly, so deem the wise
But in the fitting time use language free
Blindness of judgement just in two things lies
To speak unwished, not speak unseasonably

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Rags are the external sign of holiness
Sufficient - for men judge by outward dress
Strive to do well, and what though pleases, wear
Thy head a crown, thine arm a flag may bear.
Be purely pious, and in satin clad

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All perfect he, and therefore won
His lofty place, and (like a sun)
His beauty lighted up the night
Fair are his virtues all, and bright
Let peace and benediction be
On him and his posterity