The Divine Embracing Itself

Poetic RenderingThe milk belongs to the calfits mouth has already claimed it.The river belongs to the fishendlessly it drinks what it lives within.The fragrance of a blossom belongs to the…

Sharana - Aikya AIKYA

Poetic RenderingThe serpent, coiled like a curving script,always slips back into its waiting hole.The winding river restless, shimmeringfinds its way at last to the ocean’s boundless heart.So too, O Kudalasangamadeva,no…

Maheshwara - Sharana SHARANA

The Only True Wealth

Poetic RenderingDo not call me poor, Lord,for I have no elephants, no treasure halls,no horses stamping in their pride.What poverty is that?Once, I chased after a worldly bride,wandering in desirebut…

Sharana - Bhakta BHAKTA

The Altar of the Present Moment

Poetic RenderingWake at dawn;offer fresh leaves that fade even as you touch themyour own body fades the same.Before death spreads its shadowand no one remembers your name,do your worship now,Kudalasangamadeva.…

Sharana - Bhakta BHAKTA

The Fourfold Path to Purpose

Poetic RenderingAt dawn I risenot for You, but to serve body, wealth, wife, and child;my own mind knows this truth.One tied only to household caresis but a paid servant in…

Prasadi - Sharana SHARANA

The Alchemy of Desire

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…

Sharana - Aikya AIKYA

The Alchemy of True Nobility

Poetic RenderingWithout the seed, no womb conceives;the life-force moves the same in all.Desire, anger, greed these currentsflow alike in every being.Then what is learned? What is heard?What makes one high…

Sharana - Bhakta BHAKTA

The Peril of Hypocritical Devotion

Poetic RenderingTo bow at the doorstepand then trample over itis this what you call devotion?To take from the Sharanaswhat nourishes your life,and then cast them asideis this what you call…

Sharana - Bhakta BHAKTA

The Path of Humble Steps

Poetic RenderingIf an elephant walks a forest path,can the small goat claim it can follow?So too how can I,a mere speck of dust,pretend to stand equal to the holy sharanas?Yet…

Maheshwara - Sharana SHARANA

The Only Fear That Matters

Poetic RenderingDeath comes only when life’s thread is cut;poverty comes only when truth in speech is lost.If these alone shape a person’s fate,why should I fear the world’s empty judgments?Why…