Poetic RenderingIf, seeing the king, one forgets her own husband,it is like climbing a tree only to let go and fall.Lost to this world, lost to the next!But my Koodalasangamadevais…

Poetic RenderingWhat use is it if the parrot recites scriptures?It cannot save itself when the cat draws near.The world peers sharply at others,seeing everything outwardyet remains blind to the death…

Poetic RenderingIn waking, in dream, in deep sleep  if I think of another, strike me down!In laughter, in joy  if I forget you, strike me down!If ever I turn from…

Poetic RenderingIgnorance devours the poor like a dark eclipse.Delusion ruins the wealthy like a shadow swallowing their light.Lust blinds the lustful in the darkness of craving.Afraid of these terrors haunting…

Poetic RenderingCan you place your joy of love in another's hands?Can you let another taste your meal?Then how can you delegate the worship of your Linga  the sacred vow that…

Poetic RenderingBathe all you wish in the river like a fishO brothers, O elders, O learned onesstill I say: renounce! renounce!Renounce the touch that belongs to another,renounce the wealth that…

Poetic RenderingThey call with garlands,they sing with lips,they flatter with tongue and gesture  but the heart stands empty, untouched.Can Shiva come to such a call,where faith is hollow and love…

Poetic RenderingBefore hair turns white and mocks your vanity,before the mirror laughsat your forgotten youth,before your teeth fall like dry leaves from a dying tree,before your knees tremble and your…

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…

Poetic RenderingClay must exist before the pot can be shaped;gold must shine before ornaments can be made.So too, before one walks the path of Shiva,the Guru must arise within one’s…