Omar Khayyam
An 11th century Sufi mystic, scientist, and mathematician. His great contributions to science were eclipsed only by his deep insight and Awakening.
Drink wine that is life everlasting,
The source of youthful delight;
It burns like fire, but puts an end to grief,
It’s like the water of life, drink it.
It burns like fire, but puts an end to grief,
It’s like the water of life, drink it.
I drink no wine, but not because I’m poor,
Nor get drunk, though not through fear of scandal;
I drank to lighten my heart
But now that You have settled in my heart, I drink no more.
Note: ‘Wine’ was commonly used by the sufis to mean ‘Life’ or ‘God’ or ‘Self’.
(from translations by Peter Avery and John Heath-Stubbs, 1979.)