Word Meaning
ख़ुद-बीं
khud-beeñ
Meaning
Self-regarding, proud, self-respecting, conceited, or self-admiring.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Persian and Urdu poetry, 'khud-beeñ' denotes someone who looks only at themselves—either out of vanity or fierce self-respect. In this couplet, Ghalib employs the word to capture an uncompromising pride and dignity that refuses to plead or wait, even at the threshold of the Kaaba. It transforms what is normally seen as the flaw of egoism into a poetic virtue of spiritual independence.
Etymology
Persian: compound of 'khud' (self) and 'beeñ' (seeing, from the root 'deedan', to see).
Usage
In the ghazal, it typically denotes arrogance or narcissism, but masters like Ghalib paradoxically elevate it to describe sovereign self-respect and disdain for servility.
Examples
His self-regarding nature kept him from ever seeking favor.
Caught between divine devotion and a self-regarding heart.