"Sur Khahori"

Introduction
Khahori means wandering ascetics or those who search. This sur contains the verses n the wandering life of
ascetics who symbolize search of reality by following spiritual path to have glimpses of the reality.

Introduction to the Poet

Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (1689-1752) was born at a village near Halla Haveli of present district Matiari,
Sindh. His father Syed Habib was one of the prominent figures in the area. Shah Abdul Latif was a pious
person and had nothing to do with worldly luxuries. He spent his whole life in worship and austerities. His
poetry’s collection ‘Shah Jo Risalo’ is the poetry of love, kindness, brotherhood, peace and love of
motherland. Shah Jo Risalo consists of 30 chapters and each chapter is called “Sur”. The poetry of Shah
Latif portrays nature and its signs in a generally clear and enthusiastic way. The impact of his great work on
Sindhi literature is so incredible which intoxicated all the writers after his time.

Introduction to the Translator

Amina Khamisani (1919-2007) was a renowned educationist and writer. She did her M.A English from
University of Sindh and Diploma in English Literature from Oxford University, UK. She served as a faculty
member of English Department, University of Sindh. Her remarkable work is the translation of Shah Jo
Risalo in English.

Central Idea:
The central idea of the poem is the arduous but ultimately rewarding journey of spiritual seekers. It
emphasizes the importance of associating with those who have experienced divine connection, the need for
self-discipline and detachment from worldly comforts, and the existence of true seekers who can guide
others on the path to spiritual liberation. The poem contrasts the difficulty of the path with the profound
rewards of achieving spiritual insight.

Explanation of Verses
Mother! I saw those, who have Beloved seen,
One must stay a night with those who with God have been,
Their recognition becomes a raft in this ocean of the world.

Khajoris prepared early to depart,

Searching in the rocks, reduced to bones they are,
Giving much trouble to their bodies, they sought their goal.

Their faces are dry, on their feet are slippers old and torn,
They traversed that land, where even the knowing ones are lost,
Their secretive ones, talk secrets of that far off land.

Where not a trace of birds is seen, fire is lit,

Who save a group of ascetics, can kindle it?

Those who went to jungle were not misled,

Those on high way were way-laid,
Those who gave up both the worlds, were from ignorance saved.

True seekers still exist,

Known only to those who are for spiritual realms,
Having found them, they have built their nests close to them.

Stanza 1:
 "Mother! I saw those, who have Beloved seen," This sets the tone of awe and reverence.
"Beloved" refers to God or the divine. The speaker has witnessed people who have experienced a
profound connection with the divine.
  "One must stay a night with those who with God have been," This emphasizes the importance
of associating with those who have a spiritual connection. Spending time with them is seen as a
valuable experience. "A night" can be literal or symbolic, representing even a short but meaningful
time.
 "Their recognition becomes a raft in this ocean of the world." This line uses a powerful
metaphor. The world is compared to a vast and dangerous ocean. The wisdom and guidance gained
from those who have experienced the divine act as a "raft," helping one navigate the challenges of
life.
Stanza 2:
 "Khajoris prepared early to depart," "Khajoris" likely refers to a specific group of seekers or
ascetics. Their early departure signifies their dedication and promptness in pursuing their spiritual
goal.
 "Searching in the rocks, reduced to bones they are," This depicts the extreme hardship and
rigorous discipline these seekers endure. "Searching in the rocks" suggests difficult and desolate
places. "Reduced to bones" emphasizes their physical sacrifice and asceticism.
 "Giving much trouble to their bodies, they sought their goal." This reinforces the idea of self-
denial and physical hardship as a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Stanza 3:
 "Their faces are dry, on their feet are slippers old and torn," This paints a vivid picture of the
seekers' austere lifestyle. Their physical appearance reflects their detachment from worldly
comforts.
 "They traversed that land, where even the knowing ones are lost," This suggests that the path
to spiritual realization is incredibly challenging, even for those considered knowledgeable. The
"land" could be literal or metaphorical, representing the spiritual journey.
 "Their secretive ones, talk secrets of that far off land." This hints at the existence of esoteric
knowledge and experiences shared among those who have progressed on the spiritual path. "Far off
land" refers to the realm of spiritual understanding.
Stanza 4:
 "Where not a trace of birds is seen, fire is lit," This creates a sense of isolation and
otherworldliness. The absence of birds suggests a remote or desolate place. The fire, in contrast,
represents the inner fire of spiritual practice and devotion.
 "Who save a group of ascetics, can kindle it?" This implies that only those deeply committed to
spiritual practice can ignite and maintain this inner fire.
Stanza 5:
 "Those who went to jungle were not misled," This suggests that those who embraced a life of
solitude and contemplation (going to the jungle) were on the right path.
 "Those on high way were way-laid," This contrasts with the previous line, implying that those
who followed a more conventional or public path (the highway) were more likely to be distracted
or misled.
 "Those who gave up both the worlds, were from ignorance saved." This emphasizes the
importance of detachment from both worldly and perceived spiritual attachments for true
liberation. "Both worlds" refers to the material world and the world of conventional religious
practice.
Stanza 6:
 "True seekers still exist," This affirms that the path is still open to those who are genuinely
seeking spiritual truth.
 "Known only to those who are for spiritual realms," This suggests that true seekers are often
hidden from the world and recognized only by those who are also on the spiritual path.
 "Having found them, they have built their nests close to them." This expresses the desire to be
near and learn from these true seekers, emphasizing the importance of a spiritual community or
mentorship. "Built their nests" signifies a sense of belonging and connection.

Words Meanings
  Beloved: In this context, "Beloved" refers to God or the Divine. It's a term of endearment and deep
love used to describe the object of spiritual devotion.
 Khajoris: This likely refers to a specific group of ascetics or spiritual seekers, possibly associated
with a particular tradition or teacher. Without more context, it's difficult to be more specific.
 Traversed: Means to travel across or through. It implies a journey, often a difficult one.
 Knowing ones: This phrase refers to people who are considered knowledgeable or wise, perhaps
scholars or religious leaders. The poem suggests even they can be lost on the spiritual path.
 Way-laid: To be stopped or hindered on one's journey, often by some obstacle or danger. In a
spiritual context, this could refer to distractions or temptations.
 Ascetics: People who practice severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, typically
for religious reasons. They often live a simple and austere life.
 Esoteric: Refers to knowledge or practices that are understood by or meant for only the select few
who have special knowledge or skills. In this poem, it suggests secret or hidden spiritual truths.
 Liberation: Freedom from constraints or suffering. In a spiritual context, it often refers to release
from the cycle of birth and death or from ignorance and attachment.
 Spiritual realms: Refers to the realm of spiritual experience and understanding, distinct from the
material world.
 Mentorship: Guidance and support provided by an experienced and trusted advisor. In this context,
it refers to the relationship between a spiritual teacher and a student.
 Ridge: A long, narrow, elevated crest of land; a chain of hills. In the poem, it could symbolize a
difficult or challenging part of the spiritual journey, or a place of isolation and contemplation.
 Desolation: A state of complete emptiness or ruin; bleakness. This could refer to the inner emptiness
or detachment from worldly things that ascetics seek, or the feeling of being lost before finding
spiritual enlightenment. It can also describe the physical landscape where these seekers might reside,
emphasizing its remoteness.
 Grieving: Feeling or expressing deep sorrow. This could relate to the seeker's sorrow for the state of
the world, or the pain of self-sacrifice and the letting go of worldly attachments. It could also
represent the struggle and hardship of the path.
 Highland: An elevated or mountainous area. Similar to "ridge," it can symbolize a challenging path
or a place of spiritual seeking, often removed from the everyday world. It can suggest a place of
solitude and contemplation.
 Rambling: Walking for pleasure, typically without a definite route. In the context of the poem, it
could suggest the seeker's wandering or searching for truth, or the seemingly aimless nature of the
spiritual quest before finding direction. It can also imply a wandering of the mind.
 Flicker: Burn or shine unsteadily or fitfully. This word can be related to the "fire" mentioned in the
poem. A flickering flame can represent the initial stages of spiritual awakening, or the difficulty of
maintaining spiritual fervor. It can also symbolize the uncertainty or challenges faced on the path.

Exercise 2
Read the poem again and encircle the correct option.
1. Khahoris trouble their bodies to attain their ____.
a. goal. b. class. c. earnings d. destination
2. Khahoris face severe ____ while achieving their goals.
a. criticism. b. conditions. c. hardships. d. all of them
3. Khahoris never take their ____ when they have goals.
a. property. b. care. c. followers d. none.
4. "Khahoris' faces are dry, on their feet are slippers old and torn" shows the _____.
a. struggle
b. emotion
e. hardships
d. pleasure
5. Khahoris recognition is like _____.
a. caravan in desert
b. raft in ocean
c. guide in mountains
d. safety in jingle
6. Khahoris can be found even where there is no trace of:
a. human beings
b. animals
c. birds
d. cattle
7. In fourth stanza, the word 'save' is used in sense of ______.
a. safety
b. preservation
c. together
d. except
8. True seekers can only be known to those who are for _______.
a. jungle dwelling
b. deserted abodes
c. mountain peaks
d. spiritual realm

Exercise 4
Read the selection again and answer the following questions:
1. How is Khahori's character depicted by the poet?
Khahori and their followers are depicted as dedicated, disciplined, and austere seekers of spiritual truth.
They endure hardship, prioritize their spiritual goal above physical comfort, and are willing to detach from
worldly life in their pursuit of enlightenment.

2. How do the Khahoris experience sleep?

According to the provided text, the Khahoris' sleep is not restful. Instead of physical rest, they experience
visions and a deeper understanding of their spiritual path. In their sleep, they "saw those people who had
seen their beloved (truth)" and learned the importance of associating with those close to God. Essentially,
their sleep becomes another avenue for spiritual experience and reinforcement, not physical rejuvenation.

3. Where and why do Khahori's spend their days and nights?

Ans. Khahoris spend their days and nights in "rocks, jungles and other unknown places where native people
are hesitant to go." They do this to "search for truth" and to "make their God pleased with them."
Essentially, they seek solitude and challenging environments to further their spiritual quest and devotion.

4. What does the poet want to say when he says "Where not a trace of birds is seen, fire is lit"?
Ans. When the poet says, "Where not a trace of birds is seen, fire is lit," he's likely conveying a few ideas:
 Isolation and remoteness: The absence of birds suggests a desolate, isolated, and perhaps even
dangerous place, far from civilization and comfort. It emphasizes the hardship and solitude of the
spiritual path.
 Inner fire of devotion: The "fire" represents the inner zeal, passion, and spiritual striving of the
ascetics. It's a fire of devotion that burns even in the most desolate of external circumstances. It
highlights that true spiritual fervor comes from within.
 Spiritual transformation in unlikely places: The contrast between the absence of life (birds) and
the presence of fire suggests that spiritual awakening and transformation can occur even in the most
unlikely and barren environments. It's a testament to the power of the human spirit.
 The unique nature of the ascetics: The fact that they can light a fire where even birds are absent
implies that these ascetics possess a special ability or inner strength. It distinguishes them from
ordinary people.
In short, this line emphasizes the ascetics' isolation, their inner spiritual fire, and the idea that true spiritual
seeking takes place beyond the ordinary and comfortable.

5. What reward does a Khahori get after his hard work?

Ans the rewards a Khahori receives for their hard work are primarily spiritual:
  Vision of the Beloved (Truth): Through their dedicated seeking, they gain a direct experience of the
divine or ultimate truth. This is suggested by the line "Mother! I saw those, who have Beloved seen."
 Guidance and Wisdom: Their journey leads them to spiritual guides and mentors who have already
attained a high level of realization. These guides provide wisdom and support, helping the Khahori
navigate the challenges of the spiritual path.
 Inner Peace and Liberation: By detaching from worldly concerns and enduring hardship, the
Khahori achieves a state of inner peace and liberation from ignorance and suffering.
 Spiritual Community: The Khahori finds a community of like-minded seekers, offering
companionship and support on the journey.
It's important to note that these rewards are not material or worldly. The Khahori's focus is on spiritual
growth and transcendence, not on worldly gain or recognition.

6. Sur Khahori is the narration of Khahori's struggle. Elaborate.

Ans. Sur Khahori is one of 30 Surs of Shah Latif's poetry. In this Sur, Latif defines a Khahori and narrates
the arduous spiritual journey of the Khahoris, who endure harsh conditions and self-discipline in remote
locations to seek divine truth and achieve spiritual liberation. Their struggle involves physical hardship,
detachment from worldly life, and unwavering devotion to their quest.

7. Which poetic devices have been used in this poetry? Write with the examples.
 Metaphor: The entire poem is built upon the extended metaphor of the spiritual journey as a
challenging path. "Their recognition becomes a raft in this ocean of the world" is a direct metaphor,
comparing the wisdom of spiritual guides to a raft that helps navigate the difficulties of life. The
"ocean of the world" itself is a metaphor for the complexities and challenges of existence.
 Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to create a picture of the seekers' austere lifestyle and the
challenging environment they inhabit. "Their faces are dry, on their feet are slippers old and torn"
paints a clear image of their hardship. "Searching in the rocks, reduced to bones they are" provides a
powerful image of their physical sacrifice.
 Symbolism: Several elements in the poem carry symbolic weight. The "fire" lit in the desolate place
symbolizes the inner fire of spiritual devotion. "Birds" are often symbolic of freedom and spiritual
insight; their absence suggests a remote and challenging environment. The "jungle" and "high way"
symbolize different paths in life, one of solitude and contemplation, the other of conventional life
and potential distractions.
 Contrast: The poem uses contrast to highlight the different paths and their outcomes. "Those who
went to jungle were not misled, Those on high way were way-laid" directly contrasts the success of
those who embraced solitude with the struggles of those who followed a more conventional path.
 Repetition (Implied): While not direct repetition of words, there's a repeated emphasis on the
themes of hardship, devotion, and the search for spiritual truth, reinforcing the central message.
 Allusion (Possible): "Khajoris" might be an allusion to a specific group of ascetics, though without
more context, it's difficult to be certain. If it does refer to a specific group, it adds depth to the poem
by connecting it to a particular tradition.
 Apostrophe: The poem begins with "Mother!", which could be interpreted as an apostrophe, a direct
address to an absent person or entity (in this case, perhaps a divine mother figure).

8. How do you express your emotions on the struggle of your friend or a family member?
When a friend or family member is struggling, I try to express my support and empathy in a way that's
meaningful to them. Here are some approaches I might take:
 Active Listening: First and foremost, I listen without judgment. I give them space to share their
feelings and experiences, asking clarifying questions to show I'm engaged, and avoiding the urge to
interrupt or offer unsolicited advice unless they specifically ask for it. I try to understand their
perspective, even if I haven't gone through the same thing.
 Empathy and Validation: I acknowledge their pain and validate their emotions. Phrases like "That
sounds incredibly difficult," or "It's completely understandable that you're feeling this way," can help
them feel heard and understood. I avoid minimizing their experience or trying to "fix" it prematurely.
 Offering Practical Help (If Appropriate): Depending on the situation, I might offer practical
assistance. This could be anything from helping with errands or childcare to researching resources or
 connecting them with support groups. I only offer help if it seems welcome and won't add to their
burden.
 Expressing Care and Support: Sometimes, simply saying "I'm here for you," or "I'm thinking of
you," can be incredibly powerful. I make sure they know that I care and that they're not alone. A
phone call, text message, or even a handwritten note can make a difference.
 Respecting Boundaries: It's crucial to respect their boundaries. If they're not ready to talk about it, I
don't push. I let them know that I'm available when and if they need me. I also respect their decisions
about how they choose to cope.
 Encouraging Professional Help (If Needed): If the struggle is severe or ongoing, I might gently
suggest seeking professional help, like therapy or counseling. I emphasize that this is a sign of
strength, not weakness, and offer to help them find resources if they're open to it.
 Following Up: I don't just offer support once and then disappear. I check in regularly to see how
they're doing and let them know I'm still there for them.
Ultimately, the best way to express support is to be genuine, compassionate, and respectful of the other
person's needs. It's about letting them know they're valued and that they have someone to lean on during a
difficult time.

Exercise 7.
Work in pairs and give a critical appreciation of the poem based on the following aspects. Compare your
work with your partner.
1. Poetic Diction:
The diction in "Sur Khahori" is simple yet evocative. It uses everyday words to describe profound spiritual
experiences. There's a sense of directness and sincerity in the language, avoiding ornate or overly
embellished vocabulary. This simplicity contributes to the poem's authenticity and makes the message
accessible. However, the use of specific terms like "Khajoris" and "Beloved" suggests a particular spiritual
context, hinting at a tradition or belief system that might be unfamiliar to some readers. The diction also
carries a sense of reverence and awe, particularly in the opening lines.
2. Theme:
The central theme is the arduous but rewarding journey of spiritual seeking. It explores themes of devotion,
self-discipline, detachment, and the pursuit of truth. The poem contrasts the challenges of the path with the
ultimate reward of spiritual realization. It also touches upon the importance of mentorship and community in
the spiritual quest. The theme of sacrifice and the idea that true spiritual growth requires giving up worldly
comforts is also prominent.
3. Structure:
The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with varying line lengths. This irregularity gives the poem a sense
of organic flow, mirroring the unpredictable nature of the spiritual journey. There's no strict rhyme scheme
or meter, which contributes to the poem's conversational and intimate tone. The structure feels more like a
flowing narrative than a rigidly constructed argument, allowing the imagery and ideas to unfold naturally.
4. Language:
The language is rich in imagery and metaphors. The "ocean of the world," the "fire" in the desolate place,
and the "slippers old and torn" are all powerful images that evoke the hardships and dedication of the
seekers. The language is also infused with a sense of mystery and wonder, particularly when describing the
"secrets of that far off land." The use of direct address ("Mother!") adds a personal and emotional dimension
to the poem.
5. Message:
The poem's message is one of hope and encouragement for those on the spiritual path. It suggests that
despite the challenges and sacrifices, the pursuit of truth is ultimately worthwhile. It emphasizes the
importance of perseverance, detachment, and seeking guidance from those who have already walked the
path. The poem also carries a message of humility, acknowledging that even the "knowing ones" can be lost
without true devotion and guidance. It suggests that true spiritual progress requires surrendering to the
journey and embracing the unknown.

Exercise 8
Work individually and identify the poetic devices in the poem. Make a list of them and use them in your
sentences. Share your work with your class fellows after you have completed.
 Imagery: The passage uses vivid descriptions to create mental pictures. "Rocks," "jungles," and
"unknown places" evoke a sense of remote and challenging environments. "Native people are hesitant to go"
adds to the imagery of isolation and difficulty.
 Sentence: The jagged rocks loomed over the dense jungle, creating an unknown place where even
the most seasoned travelers hesitated to venture.
 Symbolism (Possible): While not explicitly stated, the "rocks, jungles, and other unknown places" could
symbolize the challenges and hardships of the spiritual path. They represent more than just physical
locations.
 Sentence: For the seeker, the rocky terrain of life symbolized the obstacles to enlightenment.
 Personification (Possible - depends on interpretation): If we interpret "native people are hesitant to
go" as giving human-like feelings (hesitation) to a general group, it could be seen as a form of
personification. However, it's more likely a general observation of human behavior.
 Sentence (if personification is intended): The uncharted territory itself seemed to hesitate, holding
back those who lacked courage. (This is a more poetic and arguably personified interpretation)
 Allusion (Possible - depends on context): If "Khahoris" refers to a specific group known to the reader,
it would be an allusion. However, without that knowledge, it functions as a proper noun.
 Sentence (if Khahoris is allusive): Like the Khahoris of old, the modern-day ascetics sought
wisdom in secluded retreats.
 Purposeful Word Choice (Diction): The words "hesitant," "unknown," and "search for truth" are
carefully chosen to emphasize the difficulty and spiritual nature of the Khahoris' journey.
 Sentence: The purposeful silence of the monastery emphasized the monks' dedication to inner peace.