The Alchemy of a Glance

Poetic RenderingWhen the eyes fall upon a Sharanawith the purity of true reverence,and the heart recognizes himas the servant of Shivathen the stains of seven birthsdissolve like frost in morning…

Maheshwara - Bhakta BHAKTA

The Fragrance of Humility

Poetic RenderingOne who bows to the feet of devotees is the true bhakta.Gentle speech is the highest of mantras,gentle speech is the greatest of penances.And a humble heart is the…

Maheshwara - Bhakta BHAKTA

The Cry of the Trapped Soul

Poetic RenderingLike a frog stunned beneath the serpent’s shadow,so has my mind fallen stillcaught in fear,entangled in the illusions that coil around me.O Lord…before this helpless life of mine is…

Bhakta - Maheswara MAHESHWARA

Poetic RenderingThey say the honeycomb rests upon the sugarcaneyet neither ever tastesthe sweetness of the other.So it is, when between Bhakta and Jangama,between seeker and the inner Self,grow the tangled…

Bhakta - Maheswara MAHESHWARA

The Iron Heart

Poetic RenderingWhat use is the alchemythat turns an iron monkey into shining gold,when its inner nature remains dull and hard?So too, what worth is any title,or a holy name worn…

BHAKTA Prasadi - Bhakta

The Unshakeable Heart

Poetic RenderingAn elephant of great strengthheld steady by a tiny ankushado we call it weak?A vast mountainsplit open by a single diamonddo we call it small?Darkness that has lingered for…

Maheshwara - Bhakta BHAKTA

The Name That Conquers All

Poetic RenderingThe elephant fears the ankusha's sharp point.The mountain fears the thunderbolt's shattering strike.The darkness fears the sun's conquering light.The forest fears the wildfire's raging might.And the five great sins,…

Bhakta - Sharana SHARANA

The Living and the Lifeless

Poetic RenderingTo the stone serpent they pour out milk,but when a living serpent comes,they strike it with a stick.To the lifeless idol they offer grand feasts,yet the living Jangama they…

BHAKTA Prasadi - Bhakta

The Cry of the Child-Soul

Poetic RenderingAs a child longs for its mother,so I ache in longing for You.O Lord, shine with grace upon my mind.Dwell in my heart as its only home.Grant mercy, mercy…

Bhakta - Maheswara MAHESHWARA

The Constitution of a Pure Life

Poetic RenderingDo not steal. Do not kill. Speak no harsh word.Harbor no wrath. Bring no shame upon another.Do not boast of yourself. Slander no one in secret.This is the eternal…