The Path of Amazement
(Seyyid Seyfullah Nizamoglu was a leader of the Helveti Sufi order. His devotional poems range from folk to classical styles. The title Seyyid indicates he was a descendant of Ali.)
I cannot say who it is I am
I am amazed, I am amazed!
I cannot call this self ‘myself’
I am amazed, I am amazed!
Who is in my eyes seeing?
Who is in my heart enduring?
Who is inhaling and exhaling?
I am amazed, I am amazed!
Who is speaking with my tongue?
Who is listening with my ears?
Who is understanding with my mind?
I am amazed, I am amazed!
Who is stepping with these feet?
Who is tasting with my mouth?
Who is chewing and who swallowing?
I am amazed, I am amazed!
Who holds these riches in his hand?
Who is the one throwing them away?
Who is buying and who selling?
I am amazed, I am amazed!
Why is there life coursing below my skin?
Why are my eyes bloodshot from crying?
Why this religion, why this faith?
I am amazed, I am amazed!
O Seyyid Nizamoglu, hear this:
Everything comes from the One.
Abandon yourself to this mighty beauty
I am amazed, I am amazed!
English version by Jennifer Ferraro and Latif Bolat
