The captivating names

Farsi is an eclectic language and so unbelievably stunning and evocative. This post lead to this blog and then this story which got me thinking about two of our most enchanting, arresting names today-- Arash and Mojtaba.

Mojtaba means preferred, esteemed or the Chosen. Rooted in Arabic, Mojtaba is one of the epithets used for Hassan-ibn-Ali, the second Shi'ia Imam. At least in one famous poem, Mojtaba is employed in association with Christ. (Adami Mojtaba o Eisa Yar)

Blameless is really what it might connote.

Arash, on the other hand, reflects our Indo-European heritage. It means brilliant and shining. One of the most renowned heroes of our ancient legends is named Arash the Archer.

As rendered by our epic poet Ferodwsi, our legendary foes the Turanian, having defeated the Iranian armies in battle--in order to further humiliate Iranians into submission--offer to establish the new boundaries by the limit of an archer's arrow.

In times of our greatest need, Arash steps in to climb the mount Damavand. Arash then puts all his strength in the bow and his soul in the arrow which consequently flies for two days and nights.

Arash, through his sacrifice, establishes the boundaries of our Homeland and separates friend from foe. In the next post, I'll tell you about the magnificent ancient wisdom that is hidden in the Farsi terms for "homeland" and "enemy."

All I want to do on this Tuesday, February 22 of 2005 is to think about those names, Mojtaba and Arash.

You should do the same.


And what is there to say again about the dead, bruised and the orphaned?

Yes, I am fully aware that unlike dissent and the possibilities of speech free of fear, quakes can never be outlawed. But, would we ever see a day when quakes shake this country without destroying houses and villages?

Would we ever grow to react to quakes much in the same concerned, though, relaxed sort of way we respond to a burned light bulb?

How difficult could it be, really? Must our citizens die each and every time? Shouldn't we all be sick and tired –disgusted really, with all the needless mayhem and tears?

How many more?