WHO WAS KHALIL GIBRAN?

 

WHO WAS KHALIL GIBRAN?

Khalil Gibran was a Lebanese American writer. He was born on 6^th January 1883 at Bsharri in Lebanon and died in a hospital on 10^th April 1931 at the age of 48. In 1932, he was buried in Khalil Gibran Museum, Lebanon.

Gibran wrote quite a few famous books including ‘The Prophet’ which has  been translated into more than 100 languages.

He is a philosopher and spiritualist. That is why there is novelty in his sayings which run into hundreds and are quoted universally.

Here are some of them:

1.     I discovered the secret of the sea in meditation upon the dewdrop. 2.Of life’s two chief prizes , beauty and truth, I found the first in a loving heart and the second in a labourer’s hand. 3. To be closer to God is to be closer to people. 4. He brings disaster upon his nation who never sows a seed, or lays a brick, or weaves a garment, but makes politics his occupation. 5. The spiritual man is he who has experienced all earthly things and is in revolt against them

Finally, the following quote in a poetic form;

When I wrote on my door:

“Leave your traditions outside,

Before you come in,”

Not a soul dared

To visit me or open my door.

            ********

Note:Translations from Arabic are by

Anthony Rizcallah Ferris             

G.R.Kanwal

29 March 2024