Poetic RenderingThough my hands are clean,why is my mind still impure?Touching the Linga with these handsdoes not make the hands holy.Touching with the mind alonedoes not make the mind pure.Only…

Poetic RenderingThe bull trudges on, carrying its load,yet the street-dogs bark and nip at its heels.Neither do they believe,nor let believers walk in peace.Neither do they practice,nor let others practice…

Poetic RenderingOf what use is the moon,even if it drips with nectar,when its old dark scar still shadows its face?Of what use is the sun’s blazing splendorif the mind broods…

Poetic RenderingWhatever is meant for tomorrowlet it come today.If it is to come todaylet it arrive this very moment.Why fear it?Who is there to weep before the appointed hour?For our…

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…

Poetic RenderingMust one hurl a grinding stoneupon one already fallen in the mud?Must one fasten a heavy anchorto a being already shackled and lame?Must one drive a swordinto a wound…

Poetic RenderingNo gold shall I hold within,Nor worldly riches, not even a thread thin,Today, tomorrow, my vow I begin,Seeking only your grace, O divine kin. This Vachana expresses the devotee's…

Poetic RenderingYou think life is yours forever,speaking of permanence as if death were a myth.But when death comes and life slips away,will your proud words go with you?When a body…