Very little is known about Binavi Badakshani. He perhaps lived in the 13th c., and was probably from Afghanistan. An early account says that he was a Sufi initiated by his own father, but we have no other clues. In spite of our lack of knowledge, this poem gives a glimpse of a clear spirit.

I became water
     and saw myself
     a mirage
became an ocean
     saw myself a speck
     of foam
gained Awareness
     saw that all is but
     forgetfulness
woke up
     and found myself
     asleep.

Translation Peter Lamborn Wilson and Nasrollah Pourjavady