The Still Flame

Poetic RenderingI have seen them, O Lordthe worshippers of Vishnu,casting themselves into ritual fire.I have seen them,the followers of Jina,starving their bodies into silence.I have seen them,the devotees of Mailara,howling…

MAHESHWARA Prasadi - Maheshwara

The Three Mirrors of Integrity

Poetic RenderingThey call him bravebut let his enemies say so.They call him vowedlet his kin find peace in his promise.They call him devoutlet the Jangama rejoice in his presence.When words…

BHAKTA Prasadi - Bhakta

The Heart’s Measure

Poetic RenderingWhat worth in chanting the Vedas?What gain in hearing the Shastras?What fruit in endless penance and chants?All fade into dustif they do not touchthe heart of Kudalasangama. Basavanna’s timeless…

BHAKTA Prasadi - Bhakta

The Two Feasts: Hare and King

Poetic RenderingWhen a hunter returns with a hare,the whole village rushes forthhands outstretched, coins clinking,each eager for a share of the tiny feast.But when a king lies dead,no one steps…

Aikya - Prasadi PRASADI

The Unshakable Faith

Poetic RenderingHow can you call faith small, O seeker?It is the very seed of devotion!How can you call the sun smallthe sun that bathes the whole world in light?How can…

Bhakta - Prasadi PRASADI

The True Caste of the Heart

Poetic RenderingWhat if one is born in the lowest of castes,shunned by the world as untouchable?If he wears the Linga with steadfast devotion,he is the true noble onethe radiant Bhakta…

Aikya - Prasadi PRASADI

The Antidote in the Bite

Poetic RenderingWhen I grasped the serpent of this worldly life,the fivefold senses bit me, injecting their venom.I was struck down, I stumbled and fell into a pit,though I kept chanting…

Aikya - Prasadi PRASADI

The Ocean and the Cry

Poetic RenderingThe waves of this ocean of worldly liferise and crash, dashing against my very face.Tell me where is its shore?Tell me where is its depth?When its furious waves have…

Aikya - Prasadi PRASADI

The Pearl-Maker’s Yearning

Poetic RenderingLike an oyster lying open in the vast, restless sea,I watching, exposed, helpless in my longing.For without You, I cannot form this pearl within;Only You can enter as that…

BHAKTA Prasadi - Bhakta

The Parrot and the Cage

Poetic RenderingLike a parrot in a cage,uttering borrowed words without knowingso your mind repeats its chants,trapped within the barsof the very habits it has forged.You have raised a fortress of…