Editorial introduction The author has a friend in Calcutta whose son is about to get married. The author sends his good wishes to the son.
Motto: Klaus Bung:
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Eigentlich aber konnte man bei dieser Gelegenheit die Bemerkung recht wahr finden, daß man keinen Zustand, der länger dauern, ja der eigentlich ein Beruf, eine Lebensweise werden soll, mit einer Feierlichkeit anfangen dürfe. Man feire nur, was glücklich vollendet ist; alle Zeremonien zum Anfange erschöpfen Lust and Kräfte, die das Streben hervorbringen and uns bei einer fortgesetzten Mühe beistehen sollen. Unter allen Festen ist das Hochzeitsfest das unschicklichste; keines sollte mehr in Stille, Demut and Hoffnung begangen werden als dieses. Goethe, Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre, Book 5, Ch 13, Hbg Ausg., Vol 7, p 329 |
On this occasion one could note the truth of the observation that one should not begin with a celebration any state which is intended to last, and which is meant to become a profession, a way of life. One should celebrate only what has been successfully concluded; all ceremonies at the beginning exhaust the desire and the strenght which produce the striving which we need to assist us during continued efforts. Of all feasts the traditional wedding feast is the most inappropriate. No occasion demands more than a wedding day that it be spent in quietness, humility and hope. Goethe, Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre, Book 5, Ch 13, Hbg Ausg., Vol 7 p 329 |
To Goethe's "quietness, humility, hope" one might add "and prayer".
As Hindu doctrine says, no action is purely good, or purely bad, or purely beneficial to all people (in brief: every silver lining has a cloud). Whatever we do for the benefit of one person will cause at least some sadness or disappointment in another.
I am aware of this. But if we insisted on avoiding absolutely any negative effects in our actions, we could never act at all. So all we can hope for and pray for, even at the beginning of a marriage (as a commentator on the Gita says) is that the good we do may outweigh the bad, the happiness that results for us and for others may be more than the unhappiness and sadness we inevitably cause.
In this spirit Salma and I are sending our good wishes and prayers to you and your wife and to both your families. Insha Allah, one day we will get to know you personally.