Poetic RenderingThe snake-charmer’s own noseless wifeholds the serpent daily in her handsyet when seeking a bride for her son,she runs to another charmer to read their fate!Even as she stares…

Poetic RenderingLike the frog caught in the serpent’s jaws,yet still stretching toward a passing flysuch is our folly.Like the man condemned to the gallows,dreaming of savoring milk and gheehow long…

Poetic RenderingDoes the elephant fear the mahout’s goad?No though mighty, it bears him lightlyand obeys without trembling.But before the lion, it quakes.So too, O Kudalasangamadeva:I do not fear the king,nor…

Poetic RenderingLike one who scratches his cheekwith the poisoned fang of a serpent,like one who tries to loosen tangled hairusing a glowing ember,like the fool who reaches for the living…

Poetic RenderingIf a man, seeing the snake-pit,slithers as though he were truly a serpentwhat is such acting worth?If another, watching water,mimics the glide of a water-snakecan such borrowed movement please…

Poetic RenderingCan a serpent be killedby beating the ground around its hole?What use are fierce austeritieswhen the mind still wanders impure?When inner faith breaks,every effort falls to dust.Kudalasangamadevawithout purity in…