FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY
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It is not fair to take me to task replied the paper, "I have done nothing". "Ask the ink why she has sallied forth from the inkstand where she was quite at ease, and forcibly blackened my face". "You are right" said the devotee. Then he turned to the ink and enquired of her. "Why do you ask me", she said, "I was sitting still in the inkstand and had no mind to come out but this truculent pen rushed at me, drew me out and scattered me over the page. There you see me lying helpless, go to the
When ye have taken to heart His hints,Ye will shape your life in reliance on their direction;Wherefore these hints disclose His intent,Take the burden from you, and appoint your work,He that hears it make it hearable by you,He too is able to make it within your ability.Accept his command and you will be able to execute itSeek union with Him, and you will find yourselves united.Exertion is giving thanks for God’s blessings;Think ye that your fatalism gives such thanks;Giving thanks for blessings increases blessingsBut fatalism snatches those blessings from your handsYour fatalism is to sleep on the road; sleep notTill ye behold the gates of the King's palace.Ah! sleep not, unreflecting fatalists,Till ye have reached that fruit-laden Tree of Life.E. Whinfeld. trs, Masnavi.
