The Test of True Courage

Poetic RenderingEveryone claims to be brave,everyone claims to be wiseheroes, thinkers, the famed and the fearless.But when measured against the vast face of Time,their greatness thins, their courage fades.They scratch…

The True Kinship

Poetic RenderingWhat worth are brothers, kin, or family ties?If they are not joined with the Linga,they are strangers to me.Clinging devotion to blood and lineageleads only to hell,O Koodalasangamadeva. The…

The Guest is God

Poetic Rendering“Welcome, come in”if you greet a guest with joy,does your wealth diminish?If you say, “Please sit,”does the earth crack beneath the weight?If you speak kindly the moment they arrive,will…

The Liar’s Palace

Poetic RenderingSome speak one lie in nine clever wayseyes blazing,chests thundering with self-praise,their noise rising like a storm.Let them shout;let them think I have stepped back.For those who do not…

The Unbroken Drum

Poetic RenderingEven if they flay my fleshand stretch it tight like a drumskinto beat upon in the marketplacestill, I will not forget Your sacred feet.Even if they mock my devotion,sneer…

The Only Good

Poetic RenderingI do not want them,I do not want themthose who are not Your Sharanas.I do not want them,I do not want themeven if they are learned in every scriptureand…