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Dear Sohail;
I think you have identified the essence of the problem
with the mystic/buddhist tradition (which are
historically related and influenced each other) i.e. the dwelling on the
'inner' as a form of escape or avoidance of the 'outer'. However, as with
all things in life, it is not an either/or proposition. Yes, absolutely,
abdicating one's social responsibilities can be self-defeating but at the
same time ignoring one's 'inner voice' while focussing
all of one's energies on changing outside circumstances can be just as
futile. In my 'second adolescence' i.e. life after 40 (which I just started
a few months ago), I want to attempt a new balance between the 'inner' and
the 'outer' and at this stage of my life, under the social conditions that
I find myself in, mindfulness and focussing on
the present moment seems to be most fruitful. As a believer in
socialism/social justice, I could never take 'ban-waas'
like Siddhartha Gautama, to me that would be
abandoning my duty but also like the Buddha and many others, I recognize,
accept and respect that I, with my limited time on this planet and my
inherent human weaknesses and failings have little chance of changing
things for the better all on my own. Thus I need to find a balance between
'engagement' for change and 'disengagement' to reflect and recharge.
As a Psychiatrist, I would be just as interested in an
exploration of Faiz' romantic life. I think it is
possible to do it in a way that is respectful and heartfelt. Those loves
had, I'm sure, a significant bearing on Faiz'
poetry and personality and so would be fertile ground for exploration.
Also, I don't think that aspect of Faiz' life has
been written about before so it would add something new. We shall
collaborate closely and make sure it does not hurt anyone's feelings.
Wassallaam,
Ali
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