The Hounds of Desire

Poetic RenderingLike nine hounds let loose upon a single trembling hare,the body cries, “Spare me,”the mind cries, “Spare me,”as the senses claw and pull from every side.Before these ravenous dogs…

Maheshwara - Bhakta BHAKTA

Devotion Is Not on Sale

Poetic RenderingCan a pot once shatteredbe made whole for sacred use?Can a vow once brokenturn its keeper into a devotee?The banana plant yields fruit but once;the scorpion brings forth its…

Bhakta - Maheswara MAHESHWARA

The Ornament of Restraint

Poetic RenderingWhen the Divine calls you inwardinto the secret chamber of the heart,and you behold that radiant vision with lovedo not let lust sneak in and stain it.Do not, O…

Maheshwara - Bhakta BHAKTA

Poetic RenderingA worship offered without loveis mere performancea ritual painted on the surface.Look closely: it is only an act,like a picture of sugarcane.Hold it closeno fragrance.Taste itno sweetness rises.Such is…

Bhakta - Maheswara MAHESHWARA

The Ashes of Affection

Poetic RenderingThe ashes from the hearththeir worth is fixed by their nature;each act, too, returns its own true fruit.What value has affectionwhen no goodness dwells within the heart?You may stretch…

BHAKTA Prasadi - Bhakta

The Consecrated Body

Poetic RenderingDetachment alone is the highest good.The moment one says, “I will attain,”the body whispers its pride.What then is the right use of this self?Whatever life bringsreceive it as coming…

Maheshwara - Bhakta BHAKTA

The Warrior of Straw

Poetic RenderingLike the Mailara warrior’s figureglittering in armor,yet stuffed within with nothing but strawso too is the state of this body.And like a dog stretched out in sleep,mimicking meditation without…

Bhakta - Maheswara MAHESHWARA

The Swan and the Crow

Poetic RenderingCan a frying pan ever knowthe subtle fragrance of parched rice?Can a monkey understandthe joy of swinging with grace?Though a crow may restin the gardens of paradise,will it ever…

Maheshwara - Bhakta BHAKTA

The Lizard’s Hue and the Primordial Light

Poetic RenderingLike a lizard upon a garden wall,my mind keeps changing its colorsshifting and turning without rest.Like a blind bat wandering through the night,it stirs with ceaseless thoughtsin darkness and…

Bhakta - Prasadi PRASADI

The Cobbler and the Sage

Poetic RenderingWhat use is reading?What use is listening,if the feet do not walk the path of Shiva?Shuka, the great sage,read and recited endlesslyyet without the inner essence,what did all that…