Stop, And See More – Aga Khan Museum

In our frantic, complex world today, we rarely stop and ‘see’ deeply - not only with our eyes but with our minds and hearts. Who, for one, would bother standing in front of a closed door for any longer than absolutely necessary?! And yet, that door may have so many stories to tell, so many wise messages to convey. Take this beautiful example here from the Aga Khan Museum collection, carefully constructed and carved completely by hand. 
Along the top, its inscription tells us: “Abandoning the world is more righteous than any worship.” This beautiful quote suggests that this door may once have invited those weary of the world into a religious space for restorative prayer or peaceful contemplation of God’s universe – its unity and infinity are beautifully referenced by the intricate geometric patterns below. 

For Master Rustam, making this door was not simply work; he was worshiping God through his artistry. 

At the same time, who knows, working on his door may also have made him contemplate the ups and downs of life, with fate always knocking on doors, closing doors, opening doors.

In that respect, he might have appreciated the wisdom of Bengali poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore, writing some 450 years later: ‘If I can’t make it through one door, I’ll go through another door – or I’ll make a door. Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present.’ 

May this door inspire you to stop and ‘see’ more often.