The Secrets of the Self (Asrar-i Khudi) — A Philosophical Poem
The Secrets of the Self, published in Persian at Lahore in 1915 as Asrar-i Khudi, is the philosophical poem that made Muhammad Iqbal known across the Muslim world. Against teachings that praised the extinction of the individual, Iqbal argues that the self, khudi, is the foundation of life and must be strengthened through desire, action, love and obedience to divine law until it reaches its full development. The argument moves through short sections and parables, among them a debate between a diamond and a piece of coal and a fable of sheep who preach meekness to the tigers. Reynold A. Nicholson of Cambridge published this English translation in 1920 with an introduction drawn partly from Iqbal's own explanations. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first sections are free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Secrets of the Self (Asrar-i Khudi) — A Philosophical Poem
The Secrets of the Self (Asrar-i Khudi) — A Philosophical Poem by Sir Muhammad Iqbal can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Secrets of the Self (Asrar-i Khudi) — A Philosophical Poem online?
Yes. The Secrets of the Self (Asrar-i Khudi) — A Philosophical Poem opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Secrets of the Self (Asrar-i Khudi) — A Philosophical Poem free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Secrets of the Self (Asrar-i Khudi) — A Philosophical Poem is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Secrets of the Self (Asrar-i Khudi) — A Philosophical Poem in the public domain?
Yes. The Secrets of the Self (Asrar-i Khudi) — A Philosophical Poem by Sir Muhammad Iqbal is a public-domain work, here in the translation by Reynold Alleyne Nicholson. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Secrets of the Self (Asrar-i Khudi) — A Philosophical Poem?
About 1 h 23 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Secrets of the Self (Asrar-i Khudi) — A Philosophical Poem?
The Secrets of the Self (Asrar-i Khudi) — A Philosophical Poem by Sir Muhammad Iqbal is filed under "Poetry" in the Vinteuil library.
