Poetic RenderingTo the Guru, I surrender this bodylet every act learn its rightful way.To the Linga, I surrender my mindlet every thought fall into sacred stillness.To the Jangama, I surrender…

Poetic RenderingTo withdraw from the worldand build a private chamber for lingārcaneto claim that devotion needs distanceis to pour water into a potwith a hole at its base:the fire dies,the…

Poetic RenderingSome will mock,some will praiseyet both brush only the outer skin.Some deeds bring merit,others bring blamepassing over the heartlike day following night.But the one who standsin Koodalasangamadeva,steady and awake,is…

Poetic RenderingFor the river, beauty is the lotus opening its soft hands.For the ocean, beauty is the rising wave, silver-crested.For woman, beauty lives in her quiet virtue and grace.For the…

Poetic RenderingThe wealthy gather around kings,the devout gather around the jangama.Those trapped in lust dine at the courtesan’s table,those steeped in meat gather with the monkeys.But those who share with…

Poetic RenderingLet my speech be a garlandstrung with pearls of truth.Let it shine like the rubywarm, radiant, filled with integrity.Let it gleam like flawless crystaltransparent, un shadowed, without hidden stain.Let…

Poetic RenderingHe who speaks harshly, even if wise, knows not the warmth of compassion.He who quarrels with the world, no matter his piety, has not tasted the sweetness of surrender.The…

Poetic RenderingWhen the Linga is tied upon one’s body does anyone still ask of birth or clan?When the flame of worship is lit within who speaks of high or low,…

Poetic RenderingWhy question the worth of onewho has turned from worldly tiesand offered his heart to Koodalasangama?Even if he was born in a house the world calls “low,”what weight does…

Poetic RenderingBali, who gave the three worlds in alms,Karna, who tore off his golden armor,Kacha, who offered himself to the gods,Shibi, who carved his flesh for a pleading birdtheir gifts…