Posted inSharana - Bhakta BHAKTA
Unmasking: Ego’s Disguise
Poetic RenderingWho can be called a bhaktaif he still clings to the companythat pulls him from the path?Who is a Maheshwaraif desire and greed still stirfor another’s wealth?Who is a…
Posted inSharana - Bhakta BHAKTA
The Anubhava Mantapa as a Model for Sacred Community
Poetic RenderingWhen a bhakta steps into the home of another bhakta,let service rise from the heartas naturally as breath.For if we think, even for a moment,that we are doing him…
Posted inBHAKTA Prasadi - Bhakta
The Truth Cannot Be Forced by Words
Poetic Rendering “Am I a Bhakta, a Maheshwara, a Prasadi, a Pranalingi, a Sharana,an Aikya”slowly, slowly, why do they speak so?Am I some flawless diamondthat I should never crack?Have I drunk…
Posted inAikya - Bhakta BHAKTA
The Blind Who Seek with Open Eyes
Poetic RenderingA Bhakta appears before you“Ah, a simple one,” you say.A Jain monk walks past“Lo, the unclad ascetic,” you remark.A Brahmin appearsand at once you murmur, “Hari, Hari,”as custom has…
Posted inAikya - Bhakta BHAKTA
Overflowing Bowl of Grace
Poetic Rendering “I am but a beggarbereft of devotion, O LordSo I went seeking, bowl in hand:to the house of Kakkayya,to the house of Chennayya,to the house of Dasayyabegging for even…
Posted inAikya - Bhakta BHAKTA
The Seed, the Tree, and the Infinite Gardener
Poetic RenderingOn the soil of devotion,the seed of the Guru was sown.From it, the tender leaf of the Linga unfolded,bathed in the light of reflection.The flower of awareness opened its…
Posted inSharana - Bhakta BHAKTA
The Unbroken Vessel
Poetic RenderingA body unaware of the Linga withinIs but lifeless flesh, an empty shell.Without awareness of the inner Lord,How can one be a true bhakta?Without awareness of the sacred Self,How…
Posted inBHAKTA Prasadi - Bhakta
The Unchanging Sustainer
Poetic RenderingDoes the pot wear out without being used?Does the cloth fray without being worn?Does the staff weaken without being struck?So too the Linga does not tire,only the ignorant devotee…
Posted inMaheshwara - Bhakta BHAKTA
Double-Edged Blade
Poetic RenderingDevotion is not a taskyou can pick up and put downit is a blade that cuts both ways.Like a saw that biteswhether it moves forward or back,like a cobra…
Posted inBhakta - Aikya AIKYA
Soul’s Sacred Wedding
Poetic RenderingFor the sacred wedding of Bhaktithe final, fragrant culminationlet the nerium blossom serve as the ring,let jasmine braid the threshold into a garlanded door,let chrysanthemums arch above as the…