Word Meaning
ख़ुद-बेनी
khud-beeni
Meaning
Self-admiration, conceit, vanity, or excessive regard for one's own reflection.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Persian and Urdu poetry, 'khud-beeni' signifies self-admiration, narcissism, or being consumed by one's own ego. In Ghalib's verse, it points to the shameful realization of self-obsession, where gazing continuously into the mirror of vanity obscures true perception. It is traditionally portrayed as a major obstacle to spiritual devotion and humility.
Etymology
Persian compound formed from 'khud' (self) and 'beeni' (seeing, sight, from the verb 'deedan/been').
Usage
Commonly contrasted with mystical self-effacement ('fana') as a censure against spiritual vanity and egoism.
Examples
The vanity of khud-beeni blinds the heart to higher truths.
True love requires shedding all traces of khud-beeni.