Musician ÖZGÜR BABA playing the cura & singing the words of poet Yunus Emre and practical ways to connect to presence

Life on Earth outwardly may appear different since the 13th Century but it appears sorrow and suffering are timeless. Listen, get inspired and do your own thing to get present, here's how.

Dear Reader - There are so many ways we can connect and learn about the things that are beyond the mundane world. The ordinary becomes extraordinary when we incorporate practical spirituality into our lives. Practical spirituality includes listening to music from all cultures, all faiths, and all people. To me, this is one of the most important things we can take time to do. And time, although a concept, is a human beings most precious resource when we are in a body on the Earth.

Today I’m sharing the latest from my solo newsletter Spiritual Maintenance Club. Honestly, I couldn’t figure out how to share it the ‘normal’ way, so here it is direct to you. If you like what you’re reading, please subscribe, like and share.

Waterwheel why do you moan? as performance and inspiration to connect with your higher self

I hope this video filled with music, the devotion and love of the artist playing and the accompanying words to the poem will soothe your soul.

Dertli Dolap | Waterwheel, why do you moan?

In this video, musician ÖZGÜR BABA plays his original musical composition on the cura whilst singing the words of 13th-century poet Yunus Emre

Please support Özgür Baba by subscribing to his YouTube channel and sharing his music.

I’ve also included a spoken version and a written version of this poem in English below. Please read the note about the English translation of the poem that you will find on this page below.

By Yunus Emre

To the Creator, I have given my soul,
Yet, for my troubles, I moan.
Deemed worthy of a waterwheel's fate;
weeping in sorrow, my heart's weight.

Torn from the mountain by arm and wing; 
my order disrupted.
An unwearying troubadour, my soul uncorrupted;
Still languishes in sorrow.

My name is the sorrowful waterwheel;
my water flows, drip by drip,
Even though it must be so,
my tears concealed, repining because I have sorrow.

I am a tree on a mountain, neither sweet nor bitter.
A supplicant to God, my heart's beat;
My bellows seemingly unheard
for this I have sorrow.

In this world, no one laughs at what's come;
no one attains their desires.
No one remains in this transient world;
This is my lament.

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Note about the English Translation: Originally, I found three English translations from various sources and read them after hearing the song. I then searched for the original Turkish text and found two different versions of the Turkish poem. The poem is from the 13th century so that isn’t surprising. The Turkish versions had some differences but primarily the order of the stanzas. I don’t write or speak Turkish but I used translation software to generate translations from the Turkish versions.

Considering all five translations, then sitting with it, meditating on the message and asking for guidance, I then took the best parts of all of it and created a new version. The meaning remains the same and I attempted to create and keep the rhythm and metre. If you want to know more about that feel free to ask about it in the comments.

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Need a practical way to connect with your higher self?

IDEA: Use this poem and copy it by hand on paper and journal about its meaning.

IDEA: Find another poem you like, cut and paste it into chat gpt and ask it to interpret it and then challenge its interpretation with your ideas.

IDEA: Use the Waterwheel poem or another poem that you like as a point of departure to:

1. Write your own poem.

2. Write a short story. Challenge yourself by limiting the number of pages or words.

3. Create a collage.

4. Doodle.

IDEA: Find a poem in a foreign language and translate it into your mother tongue. Or try using translation software and other translated versions and experiment to create your own translation or simply think deeply about the meaning of it.

CONSIDER THIS: If you don’t want to get out paper, scissors and glue to create a collage, use Canva or other software to create a digital collage. Although you may want to get a little messy, it’s better for your brain. In recent years a variety of studies have reported that the hand is mightier than the digital sword! More parts of your brain are activated, memory retention increases, critical thinking sharpens and other stuff. Search neuroscience + handwriting vs. digital etc.

Feel free to share your insights, your poem or whatever you were inspired to do by way of this newsletter in the comments or as a note and tag

Spiritual Maintenance Club

I am a tree on a mountain…

Other interesting tidbits

Yunus Emre (lyrics/poem)

Yunus Emre (1238-1328) was a famous Turkish poet and mystic who lived during the 13th century in Anatolia, which is now modern-day Turkey. He is considered one of the most significant figures in Turkish literature and Sufism. Yunus Emre's poetry primarily focuses on themes of love, mysticism, and the search for truth. His works are known for their simplicity, sincerity, and deep spirituality.

Yunus Emre's poetry has had a profound influence on Turkish culture and spirituality, and his verses are still widely read and admired in Turkey and among Turkish-speaking communities. He is often regarded as a representative of the Anatolian mystic tradition and is celebrated for his contributions to the Turkish language and literature.

Özgür Baba (music)

Özgür Baba is a Turkish folk musician and singer. He plays the cura baglama, a traditional Turkish string instrument. His music is an enchanting, minimalist interpretation of old, traditional Turkish folk songs and his own music. He also uses a small karnatic percussion called Kanjira.

Cura (instrument)

Cura (Musical Instrument): In Turkish music, a cura is a small stringed musical instrument that belongs to the lute family. It is often used in traditional and folk music. The cura has a pear-shaped body and typically has six strings, although there are variations with different numbers of strings. Musicians play the cura by plucking its strings with their fingers or a pick. It produces a unique, melodic sound and is commonly used to accompany vocal performances or in small ensembles.

13th Century Anatolia

The Seljuk Sultanate of Rum was a Turkish state that existed from the late 11th century until the early 14th century in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). It was established after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 when the Seljuk Turks defeated the Byzantine Empire. This event marked the beginning of Turkish migration and settlement in Anatolia.

Thank you for reading Mindful Soul Center magazine’s special share of the Spiritual Maintenance Club’s monthly newsletter. This newsletter is public so feel free to share it.