THREE THIEVES DECEIVE

Three thieves break into ones spiritual heart;
Anger, greed and desire are their infamous names,
They burgle soul's strength that we need to impart,
The peace of Self Knowledge and end all our shames.

There's evil devil anger, who flies into rage,
When matters upset him and oppose his will,
He loses his calm in tempestuous wrath, he'll wage,
Rows and scenes which makes all friends feel ill.

Then avaricious greed, who always needs more
Money, power and sex, these are favoured friends.
He lusts after vices which lie close to his core,
For secretly these are his fond chosen ends.

Then there's treacherous carnal damsel desire,
She titillates base ego and continuously pleads,
Tempting him to acquire needs he doesn't require,
He gets entangled and trapped in disastrous deeds.

Take a scorch earth policy to these noxious three!
Blast them all from our mischievous mental frame,
They must be destroyed if we wish to be free,
Wild dogs must be tethered, muzzled, made tame.

The rogues will dress up as cops and pretend to try,
To catch themselves, and fool the ardent devotee;
So beware of monkey tricks these three will ply,
To keep us captive, imprisoned, and never be free!

So ask 'who has this anger desire and greed'?
Or give up these thieves to our Guru in the heart;
For these villains there's never any real need,
So dive into Self, and these crooks will depart.

IMPATIENCE

EGOTISM is a stale bundle of thought,
Breathe fresh air, or by stagnation get caught.
Impish impatience makes the tummy squirm,
Inside there burrows some hard wired worm.

Instead of welcoming whate'er God wills,
One fills the belly with discordant ills.
It would be wiser just to abide in peace,
And bask in the Self of blissful ease.

A man wished to cross the road in a rush,
Keen to greet his oncoming sweet wife,
He nearly got killed by a motor bus,
Be late now, not early in the next life.

Impatience is a waste of strength and time,
Much better, 'be still' in the heart sublime.

PINK LOTUS

Pink lotus, emblem of Hindu wisdom sage,
Greatest aid to spiritual growth for man.
If one learns their teachings and carefully scan
The practise needed in this Kali Yuga age,
An inner struggle the aspirant must wage.
Pink lotus is rooted in muddy mire, but can
Still open as a bloom of beauty better than
Known by those who're blind to God's Almighty plan.

A soul lived a life of gross indulgence,
But tired of pleasure she turned to learn
Truth necessary for her repentance,
Self Realisation to surely earn.
Her ignorance and sin were fertile ground
To turn within. True wisdom she quickly found.

IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

Life’s not some glamourous gambling game,
A throw of mindless roulette on the wheel
Of bright scarlet time and jet black space,
A play of chance numbered by some numb brain,
It is much more than that my dearest friend.

We slipped from our natural State the Self,
Through a hungry craving for experience,
And fell into a dream of gross materiality.
Our angel wings were badly bruised and broken.

After suffering pain we prayed to come home,
And in Her Grace, Love sent us a Great Sage,
To wake us from this dark nightmarish plight,
Repeating birth and death through many lives,
Drowning in a whirlpool of ordained fate,
Because of vile habits picked up on the path.

Surrender and Self Enquiry are the way.
The Self which sent us on this ego trip
Of losing and needing to find oneself again,
Will help us back if real earnestness is there!

FOR UK DEVOTEES OF SRI BHAGAVAN RAMANA

Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK
15 a Victoria Road, London, NW6 6SX
Tel.0207 328 3314

Registered Charity No. 1040280
In the inmost core, the Heart
Shines as Brahman alone,
As 'I - I', the Self aware.
Enter deep into the Heart
By search for Self, or diving deep
Or with breath under check.
Thus abide ever in Atman.
(Ramana Gita, ch.ii, v 2)

The Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK is a registered charity. An elected committee guides the Foundation. Members endeavour to live by Bhagavan's teaching faithfully, without the Intrusion of personalities, and to practise Self-enquiry and surrender in all circumstances of our everyday lives. You are most welcome to ring us and visit, to look at books or talk of sadhana.

MEETINGS
Monthly Satsangs are held on the second Saturday of each month at Friends Meeting House, 120 Heath Street, Hampstead, Northwest London from 1.30 - 5.30pm, consisting of bhajans, talks on Ramana's teaching, silent meditation together, readings, tea and discussion. An Additional Satsang is held on the final Saturday of each month. These will be permanently housed in the Library at Friends Meeting House commencing at 2:00 pm on a devotional theme, with readings, a talk, discussion, chanting and tea, presided over by different members. Please ring Sarah Farrand or Alasdair Black for address etc. (+44 (0)020 8398 0193)

Silent Meditation Satsang Invitation

There will be a Silent Meditation Satsang for Ramana Devotees to be held every Thursday evening from 7:00pm ( please arrive at 6:45) at Studio E, ground floor flat,49 the Avenue, Brondesbury Park, London NW6. The satsang will consist of two 45 minutes of silent meditation with one short reading from Sri Bhagavan's Teachings. Tea will be served. All are welcome. Further enquiries to Alasdair Black.

PUBLICATIONS
The Journal, "SELF ENQUIRY", which was published two - four times each year by the Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK between 1993 and March 2004, has now ceased publication. Contributors included Robert Adams, Ramesh Balsekar, Douglas Harding, Catherine Ingram, Francis Lucille and David Frawley, along with others among our own members. A large stock of back numbers is available. These may be purchased at £5 each, including postage.

The Newsletter provides a diary of teachers who are visiting the UK, as well as items of topical interest and a notice board. This continues to be published three times per year.

Subscription, including Newsletter: UK £10 per annum; Overseas £12 per annum (US $20). (Please add £5 if payment not in sterling.) Remittance should be made payable to 'Sri Ramana Foundation' and sent to Ken Maskey, 77 Leybourne Road, London E11 3BS giving your full name and address, together with phone number and email address (if any).

RELATED INFORMATION
There are a number of E-Groups that discuss the teaching of Ramana Maharshi. In particular, the RamanaMaharshi group can be recommended. For those seriously wishing to pursue the technique of Self Enquiry, there is also a specialist group at Harsha Satsangh.

There are many websites that contain information about the teaching. The principal of these is Sri Ramanasramam.

Satsangs are also held by Nandini Bishop each Sunday night in Bradford-on- Avon, near Bath in the UK. For further information, see www.advaitaspirit. org.

Contacts
Initial enquiries regarding the work of the
Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK
should be made to Sarah Farrand
Tel.+44 (0)020 8398 0193

The chairman, Alasdair Black, or deputy chair, Sarah Farrand, may be contacted via the above telephone number or, for any questions relating to the organisation, via email. Alan Jacobs is the elected President.

WAY OF THE HERO

Ramana's Path is the brave hero's way!
His 'diving into the heart' is axe honed sharp,
To cut the knot which binds us to body's sway;
So play 'Surrender's Song' on heart's gold harp,
Setting ourselves free one glorious day.

We hear the bugle call 'wake up from sleep,
This is the hour of awakening's time',
Behind the veil, the Self does shyly peep,
Waiting for us to touch her hem sublime,
She summons us to strongly dive down deep!.

Whatever may be one's inward weather,
One must take shelter from sense bound storms,
Or mind will reach the end of it's tether,
And break out of all acceptable norms.
We gather powers of attention together!

Persistence is needed each night and morn,
To practice vichara with all might and main,
Then we gladly glimpse red radiant dawn,
Of soul's arising from its pall of pain,
To start a true new life once more reborn!

Constant Surrender and Atma Vichara,
This direct way is his great gift of Grace,
To free us from pale prison of samsara,
And let Self fly free in a fairer space.
We climb the mountain path of Sri Ramana!

TULIPMANIA

Multicoloured marvel for man's leisure,
Oriental, brought by the Dutch Nation,
Who favoured this flowery fascination,
For speculation and spring time pleasure,
Finding exotic blooms as boons of treasure.
Soon they formed a Netherlandish sensation,
Gracing the homes of that Dutch generation,
Tulip bulbs vased abundant, in ample measure.

Man is hypnotised by novelties and toys,
He values bawdy hubble-bubble baubles,
Which when pursued are cause of troubles.
Just like lighting fireworks by impish boys
Only results in a cacophonous noise,
Their refuse ends up as worthless rubble.

Pursuit of Truth is the only real joy,
Which lasts forever, and shall never cloy.

GOLDEN BUTTERCUP

Wild golden amber yellow flowering cup,
From which buzzing bees sweet nectar sip.
The bee's an emblem of one's spiritual trip,
The brave effort pilgrim needs to wake up
From sleep, and cease to be a suffering pup,
Sniffing at vain pleasure with his greedy lip,
Licking at each juicy bit. We lose our grip
If ego indulges in such poisoned sup.

Child Krishna loved golden butter's subtle taste,
Churned from fresh milk for healthy nourishment.
If we wish to be free from soul's detriment,
Then we must churn the mind with all due haste,
Using Self Enquiry's rod; God's instrument,
To save us from life's painful punishment!

BEAUTY AND THE ROSE

I wish to write a poem of beauty and love,
A sonnet of homage for our mighty Lord above.
Beauty is the doorway to feel the Divine,
A red rose at sunset is perfect and sublime;
It's perfume fills the air and freshens Being,
To see the rose in bloom is a great gift of seeing.
It reminds us God is Love, that's unconditional,
We praise Him with all our worship reverential.

A worried man walked along a busy street,
Lost in dreamlike thought, he saw nothing but his feet,
Until he passed a florist and glimpsed a blushing rose,
He felt, God bears my fears, he knows, he surely knows.
His burden became much lighter and he strolled along,
Whistling quietly to himself a sweet devotional song

BLUEBELL WOOD

I took a walk in nearby Bluebell wood,
A wild flower garden arched by aspen trees,
When sunshine casts its searchlight beam on these,
We’re raised to God, the blessed and the Good.
This is the home of Beauty if it’s understood;
Art without Her will always cease to please
Nor take Soul back to worship on her knees,
As poetry, music, painting truly should.

A painter came to Bluebell Wood to catch
Its wonder on his canvas in due course;
Try as he might his skill could never match
The magic marvel of Mother Nature’s force.
He realised there was a limit to his power
To capture the God-like beauty of that sacred hour.

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Let’s surrender our minds before His Name,
To those roseate softest lotus feet,
Of Lord Ramana of Arunachala fame.

Buried deep in the Heart he dwells there sedate,
Immortal formless Consciousness bliss.
Then we're granted the blessed princely kiss
That wakens soul’s sleeping beauty from her fate.

EGOECHTEMY

The laser beam of finely honed attention
Dives inward, with breath and thought retention,
Searching for the source of ‘phantom me’.
It cuts through the sheaths and veils we see
Of habits, thought forms and selfish will,
Formed over many life time’s dreams, so ill.
The Pear Fisher finds nothing on the floor
Of his deep interior ocean bed, no more.

Then one splendid day, mind drops into heart,
He touches ego, and it falls apart.
Crash, crash, it topples, shakes, and then drops down.
Identification’s been severed at its crown.
Open heart surgery has been performed,
The errant soul no longer quakes, deformed.

MAGIC RING

Let's don a ring of blazing beauty,
Red firestone ruby set in antique gold,
Worn by heroes who knew their sacred duty,
Diligent, persistent, loyal and bold!

They performed the primal Holy Task,
To ponder on the cause and reason why
We're imprisoned on planet Earth, and ask
The liberating question' Who Am I?'

If one cleans and polishes this ring,
In time the Great God-like Sage appears,
Then if we love devotional chants and sing,
He'll throw away our host of anxious fears,
To take us on the path to Liberation,
His way which leads to Self Realisation.

SOLIPSISM

THE SOLE DREAMER

SOME FOOD FOR DREAM FIGURES IN MY DREAM TO PONDER

1. AM I THE SOLE DREAMER WITHIN THE DREAM?
‘I believe that I am Pure Infinite Absolute Consciousness- Awareness-Bliss, that is my True Nature, Brahman the Self’. Unfortunately this Truth has been obscured by my many latent tendencies accumulated in this and previous lives. However, I know that I exist, and this causes the Light of Pure Consciousness- Awareness to arise and to be reflected by the mirror, formed by my latent tendencies and egotism, so that the world, body, and mind that appear are unreal, like a dream projected on my screen of Pure Consciousness. Am I therefore the sole dreamer of that dream, the so called ‘others’ being merely dream figures in my preordained dream of life?
Of course after Self Realisation the Jnani sees the world as Real because he perceives the substrate as Brahman. Therefore as Shankara points out, the world is both Real and Unreal seen from different standpoints.
As a provisional doctrine, the world must be perceived by the Ajnani as Unreal, and myself as the sole dreamer within the dream, to lessen my identification with the apparent World, and save energy for Self Enquiry, so as to remove the vasanas which prevent Enlightenment, when the world will appear to be Real again.
Thus this is not exactly Philosophic Solipsism such as Berkeley and others propound, which does not admit the world to be Real in any circumstance.

2. A WARNING
While still holding onto the ‘I AM THE SOLE DREAMER’ notion keeping it in mind, one must always live and behave as if the apparent dream and its dream figures are Real. This is because the dream figures are conditioned in one’s preordained dream world to react aggressively if one’s behaviour does not conform with what is regarded as ‘normality’ by them, i.e. not acting as if their dream world was Real. The dream world imposes consequences on the ‘sole dreamer’ who does not conform to its preordained character, of behaving as if it was real. Such is the nature of Maya.
3. MAYA
Maya is one of the powers inherent in Brahman to create an illusion in the human being, so that the so called world is a dream like appearance. This is because, inbuilt in the organ of cognition (brain) are the a priori conditioned reflexes of Time, Space and Causality. Every sentient being creates his or her own universe, e.g. from the mosquito to the chimpanzee etc. according to the structure of its organ of cognition. In the human being, the inbuilt mechanism of Space creates the theatre or screen of consciousness on which the pre-programmed dream unfolds. This unfolding of 32 frames a second in perception, gives an impression of events happening in temporal sequence, and it is compounded by the observation of changes apparently taking place, in the so called Natural Forces which are seen in my life dream. The Causal Faculty deduces a reason for so called ‘happenings’, which may be accurate or inaccurate, and the ‘me’ acts accordingly in response.

4.NOTES ON THE DREAM OF SUFFERING IN AN UNREAL WORD

Everyone complains about the immense amount of suffering which appears to happen in their individual dream of the world. But the world cannot be viewed horizontally and judged, just as it seems to appear on the screen of consciousness. It is better understood vertically as a dense thickly populated field of Karma, where the hand of preordained destiny is constantly directing the dream figures to action, designed ultimately for their spiritual development.
These dream figures interact all the time unknowingly, and a world of suffering appears as a consequence, but internally they are being taught a severe lesson forcing them to pray to turn within, and end their dreadful repetitive cycle of dream births. Then aid arrives, and Grace descends in the form of the Enlightened Master who gives certain Non-Dual Religious and Spiritual Wisdom Teachings which show the way to escape from the prison house of the dream. But it needs persistent work on oneself, through Self Enquiry and Devotion, to remove all the old latent tendencies which cause the dream. Then the Self shines through, and the suffering soul wakes up and the dream ends forever.

5. MORE ON THE DREAM FIGURES
To imagine that there are ‘ some others who are real’ in the dream of life, is like imagining that all the dream figures in one’s private night dream are dreaming the same dream as you are at exactly the same time.
6. FIRST PERSON EVENTS
Only one’s own first person events have any validity. We have no experience whatsoever of other persons’ first person events, and only interpret them by inference which is widely open to misinterpretation by us, and cannot be relied upon with any exactitude. The ‘other’ can only be interpreted as a ‘dream figure’ because we have no reliable experiential evidence of his or her actual existence or consciousness, except as dreamed by us, and then superimposed by us upon him or her. We are left with being the Sole Dreamer until Realisation of the Self unveils the substrate of the world which then may be perceived as Real and is no longer a subjective dream.
7. OBJECTION
Many important Philosophers state that the case for solipsism is formidable but the chief objection comes from Schopenhauer who says that ‘the object necessarily implies a subject’. But as the subject supplies the object, as has already been stated this fails. Most Philosophers and Scientists while failing to refute solipsism logically, tend to dismiss it as absurd because psychologically it would spoil their egotistic game of life- searching for meaning, making discoveries etc.
8. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
Wittgenstein believes that Solipsism is at the core of the Metaphysical. Even the Subject’s relationship to Philosophy and other Philosophers is a Solipsistic experience. It is impossible to get beyond the boundaries of the egotistic self until one Realises The True Self of Pure Consciousness. What evidence is there of a World beyond our mental states other than the deceptive senses which are all untrustworthy? To infer there is a world from other dream figures statements is nonsensical, as it begs the question of ‘who makes the inference?’ ‘The subject, and the reply from the object, the dream figure, is supplied by the sole dreamer, oneself.
Perhaps the last word is expressed by the greatest Sage of the millennia since Shankara, Sri Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi, who said “The world mocks you for thinking it to be Real”.

9. AN EXERCISE
An Exercise in Self Remembering is to feel firmly ‘I exist, I am here, now, awake in the dream of life’, and watch one’s Self Awareness arise. Then one can feel that the body, mind and world are merely reflections from the light of pure consciousness mirrored by the latent tendencies, one becomes aware of one’s awareness, which is an approximation of the Self.
10. ULTIMATE PERSPECTIVE
From an Advaita, absolutist perspective, all is One. The dream is a dream dreamed by Brahman or the Godhead, and as ‘I Am That’ it is my sole dream as only ‘I’ have the first hand experience of ‘That’. This concept can only be experienced when the latent tendencies (vasanas) are all expelled through Self Enquiry and the mind is surrendered to the Sat Guru in the Heart, and one has Realised the Self.
Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi, the Great Sage, said “Multiplicity of individuals is a moot point with most persons. A jiva (soul) is only the light reflected on the ego. The person identifies himself with the ego and argues that there must be more like him. He is not easily convinced of the absurdity of his position. Does a man who sees many individuals in his dream persist in believing them to be real and enquire after them when he wakes up”?
11. HelpfulQuotations
“All that we see is a dream or a dream within a dream” Edgar Allen Poe.
“I am the one Being’s sole immeasurable Bliss: No one I am, I who am, is all that is.” Sri Aurobindo
“When knowledge of the Self arises in the form ‘I alone exist…. it puts an end to nescience’“. Shankara.
“Row, row , row the boat gently down the stream, merrily merrily, life is but a dream” Folk Song
Alan Jacobs

SELF ENQUIRY

“Those who leave the path of Self Enquiry, the way of
liberation, and wander off along the myriad forest tracks,
will encounter only confusion”. Bhagavan

Self Enquiry is the Direct Path and Bhagavan’s great contribution for the modern age for all.

Self Enquiry is the back bone the main weapon in Bhagavan’s teaching for eliminating the vasanas,
tendencies and vrittis, the thought forms which act as a veil and occlude your Real Self.

Total Surrender will also achieve the goal, but this way is slower as in the beginning we are only capable of partial Surrender. But continue to surrender the Egotistic/Mind at the lotus feet of the Inner Guru, Bhagavan in the Heart partially, and that will lead to total Surrender in due course.

To start Self Enquiry is not easy! We must have a great yearning and wish to commence. Pray for grace in this respect.

It starts with the mind , turning inwards at 180 degrees and with all one’s powers of concentration probing inward, beneath the skin, to find the source of the I Thought or ego.

Many find the right side of the chest is an effective doorway to enter the interior and eventually the spiritual heart, where the source of the ego dwells.

The first aid is therefore to increase our power of concentration, without thought interfering. Most concentration spans are about 4 minutes. One can increase its power by practice. Gaze at a portrait of Bhagavan, or a candle or a spot on the wall. For as long as you can until you increase the time markedly.

The next aid is study. One must read about Self Enquiry as Bhagavan taught it. His two essays WHO AM I and SELF ENQUIRY are essential. They can be downloaded from the Ashram site or read from Collected Works. Read them over and over again until they have sunk in . They are not very long. Then one can read from the index on Self Enquiry in Talks With Ramana Maharshi – which can also be downloaded as can David Godman’s Be As You Are which has three chapters in his book on SELF .ENQUIRY,

THEN.FIND THE WAY THAT’S EASIEST FOR YOU!.

1.It could be holding the breath , to stop thought and diving into the heart to find the source of the I thought, or just diving without holding the breath.

2.It could be questioning when thoughts or emotions arise, and asking “to whom does this thought come- to me?” Then ask “who am I?”, with attention again seeking for the source of the I thought.

3. It could be paying attention to The Self- Self attention- or paying attention to awareness, being aware of one’s awareness.

4. It could be holding onto the I thought or the feeling of the ego or me, with attention, whenever it arises looking for it’s source.

5.It could be tracing the source of your favourite Mantra.

6. It could be posing the question Who Am I then holding the breath, searching for the egos source. On exhalation feel I am Not the Body'.

7.If all are too difficult, then just repeat I-I-I-I as a mantra. I is the Real name of God said Bhagavan. It will eventually lead to the Self on which attention may then be placed with practice.

Eventually with any of these methods one may notice a pulsation commencing on the right side of the chest which indicates progress.

Perseverance, continued practice and great faith are needed.

Each time , you enquire it will gradually loosen identification with the mind and body and start the loosening of the Granthi Knot which holds and maintains identification with the ‘I am the body, notion.

Self Enquiry is linked to devotion, it must become emotional not only a practice from head attention, then it is easier to get to the source of the I thought.

Read the beginning quote once again please.


Additional Notes

1) One should have the urge to find the truth about his own existence. This happens if one some how does not feel that one is the body. Self Enquiry comes to one naturally if one has the intuitive feel that he is not the body or mind, but some thing far beyond and great.

Sri Bhagavan was asked if intellectual understanding truth is necessary(Talk 596).

D.: Is an intellectual understanding of the Truth necessary?

M.: Yes. Otherwise why does not the person realise God or the Self at once, i.e., as soon as he is told that God is all or the Self is all? That shows some wavering on his part. He must argue with himself and gradually convince himself of the Truth before his faith becomes firm.

For the practice of who Am ‘I’ to take firm root, I felt that it is worth putting forth the effort to understand our nature clearly, beyond doubt. Sri Bhagavan’s talks offer the best guidance for that. The following talks are absolutely fascinating.

Talk 487: The ‘I’ is neither the body nor the mind.
Talk 286: The ‘I’ is not one with the body.
Talk 304: The consciousness in waking is same as in sleep.
Talk 314, 609: The ‘I’ is pure in the transition state between sleep and waking

2)Sri Bhagavan in talk 502 says that the intellect is one of the main obstacles. It is co extensive with the individuality and has to disappear for results to follow. This recognition leads to surrender, and paves the way for smoother enquiry.

3) Sri Bhagavan in talk 80 says that thoughts arise from the conscious self. Apprehending it even vaguely helps the extinction of the ego.

4) Thoughts are spontaneous, superficial or analytical. The individuality of the person is operative as the perceiver of the existence of thoughts and of their sequence. This individuality is the ego, or as people say ‘I’. (Talk 25). The ego( intellect) latches on to the analytical thoughts and is lost in them.

5) In the process of enquiry the intellect has to be merged in the ego and the source of ego is sought. (Talk 618.) The urge of the intellect to latch on to the thought stream (comprising of thoughts objects) is to be recognized. That recognition develops into dispassion and detachment. One should develop an understanding of the behavior of one’s intellect. Then it is easier to pose the enquiry, for whom is this thought? If the answer for ‘me’ comes out of attention, the feeling of ‘I’ in the next question who am ‘I’ is more intense. There are no subject and object in this feeling of ‘I’. No one is feeling his ‘I’. He and ‘I’ are not separate. He is ‘I’, always ‘I’ and remains as ‘I’ after the question who am ‘I’. One has to recognize that after the question who am ‘I’, in the feeling of ‘I’ there is no duality. It is indeed very important to note this. One should not localize the feeling of
‘I’. Also there is no inside or outside for ‘I’. Only when one thinks that he is the body, he thinks ‘I’ is inside.

6) Thus in the enquiry who am ‘I’, the attention is continuously withdrawn from mind and its thought forms and redirected to ‘I’. Attention is itself ‘I’.

7) The ‘I’, purged of thoughts (pure ego) cannot remain in that state. Either it has to associate itself with some form (thought) or sink into its source. But intellect tries to feel if there is indeed happiness etc. Any urge of intellect to move is the back door entry of ego. Noticing this urge and some times holding the breath momentarily helps to quieten it. The intellect has to recognize that any of its attempts will wean it away from its source. It is hard to express precisely. Some times words sound strange and lead to interpretation.

8) Fixing the mind on one thing whether it is a spot in the body or any thing else helps the mind to remain calm. It helps mind to get one pointed. But there is the subject fixing attention on an object. If there is one to feel some thing there is duality. This may take longer for the results. Mind’s urge to hold on to something is worth noticing. The purpose of enquiry is to lose duality, whether thought based or object based (all objects are thoughts).

9) Sri Bhagavan in Talk 244 says that the consciousness within, purged of the mind, is felt as God.

TRUTH

Multiformed, multibrained, pilgrim man,
Intent on a mission daring and brave,
'Twas his wholehearted devoted plan
To discover God's Truth and himself save..

Somewhat bemused, puzzled and vexed,
He laboured with books to search and to scan,
To learn pure wisdom and help perplexed
Tormented soul,in the best way he can.

After much reading and seeking for truth,
He came upon the teaching of one great Sage,
Overjoyed in this high moment forsooth,
He came to Ramana, blessing for our Age.

The Jnani focused his forceful gaze
On pilgrim, making contact eye to eye,
His power of consciousness like a blaze,
Evoked the Self, a Truth he could not deny.

He told him "Surrender and enquire my son,
That's my direct path to Realisation,
Strive with brave persistence until you've won
Moksha- the goal for man, soul's consummation!"

Pilgrim struggled with grave might and main,
But became discouraged unable to trace
The source of his ego; was all in vain?
'Til there descended the great power of Grace.

'Twas if he'd been given Love's kindest kiss,
He felt sheer existence and awareness pure,
The full Realised Self was infinite bliss,
For his prisoned soul, the absolute cure!

CHECKMATE

Bad King Ego stands with his haughty band,
Ready to wage the chequered game of fate,
Queen Truth waits with army straight at hand,
Battle's to be staged before it gets too late.

Black King wore a blindfold as dark as night,
His mob is ready to fight and mate the Queen,
White Queen shone brightly like morning light,
She gathers in her might and surveys the battle scene.

She makes first move and sends a centre pawn
To reign o'er the board and commence attack,
The Black King blocked it with regal scorn,
White Queen sent a Knight to lead her pack.

The game progressed 'til locked in fight,
Queen gained the upper hand and he resigned,
It was the triumph over wrong by right
Defeating the wandering perverted mind.

If there's a moral to this chequered tale,
Win or lose just enjoy the royal game,
Persistence and study will never fail,
For no thought force ever goes in vain.

PHOENIX SESTINA

Enrobed in scarlet, a brilliant blazing bird,
With eagle’s strength, the child of sacred fire,
She sounds a cry, that’s forever heard
When consumed in Self-lit flames, she does aspire
From the funeral pyre, to show the world
Herself, reborn from death! Mankind she shall inspire.

In ancient time this wonder did inspire
Heliopolis, where flew this fabled bird,
To reach the Sun, lamp light of our shadow world,
And immolating in his mystic fire,
Her Being rose from ashes to aspire
To know New Life, such tales we've heard.

When this Egyptian legend was first heard,
The daring thought was one that did inspire
Each soul, that now had right to so aspire,
And follow the lead set by this courageous bird.
If self dares to die upon the sacrificial fire,
Pure Self will emerge as victor of this world.

This paragon is an emblem for our world,
Proclaiming news, that everywhere is heard,
Setting the wooden minds of men on fire,
The deathless spirit mocks at death to inspire!
Thanks to the valour of this wondrous bird,
The Soul of man, can to an after-life aspire.

So people of all lands can after all aspire
To reach the peak of hope in a worried world,
And pursue the flight of virtue like this bird.
So sound the golden bugle and be heard,
Men should know such transformation can inspire
To be born again in sacred sacramental fire.


The petty self is scorched in conscious fire,
And from ashes, the Self does once again aspire,
To such new birth, and the hearts of men inspire,
And transform their dismal dreary world.
Joy again, can everywhere be heard,
All thanks to thee, oh most excelling bird!

By wondrous art she does inspire our world,
It’s vital we aspire to what’s been heard,
Arise from sacred fire, dear Phoenix bird!

EUTOPIA by ALAN JACOBS

Eastern Wisdom and Prester John.

Vedanta, Teenage sex, Hospice, Realization, Arts, Paintings, History, Poetry, Religions, Adventures, Wisdom,

Philosophy and Enlightenment are few of the subjects that are well covered by this well known author.

Captivating from beginning to the end, the reader cannot afford to miss any paragraph.

Your visiualization will be on gear from the very beginning. Actually, during the first few chapaters,

I had to put the book down and laugh out loud more than a couple of times.

Justin Hart is the name assumed by the adventurer but what is in the name?

The Name really offers the prelude to his ultimatum of profound learning.

I congratulate this very knowledgible author, Alan Jacobs, for well blending of eastern wisdom with Prester John's teachings.

A must read for anyone who is seeking for the answers!

Atul

PHOENIX PONDERS ON SMOULDERING ASHES

MY SOUL mourns like the wounded Phoenix bird,
Trapped and wrapped in a python's coil of pain,
Gripped by bodily tension, sad brain's in strain.
Can angst be adequately described in words?
Yet insight knows, harsh pain, my Soul's disturbed.
As God's windmill turns, He churns the wheel of bane,
To winnow worthless chaff from golden grain;
Truth from dark ignorance, is strained and stirred.

Phoenix rises from her funeral pyre
Immolated in the blaze of sacred flame.
Vain egotism has fled with wild desire;
In awe, she kneels before the Holy Name.
So I learn through grimmest pain and sorrow,
Hope glimmers, for Selfhood's dawn tomorrow.

Alan Jacobs

MYSTIC FIRE

“To the Great One, the strong in His Force, the Waker in the Dawn,
To Fire, as to one who has vision, let our hymn arise.”*

My hymn I sing to Him in mystic fire,
Blazing fierce with golden scarlet flame:
Flickering tongues to heavenly heights aspire
To glorify His formless sacred Name.
All hearts turn to mystic fire, which inspires
Our souls like glowing souls, to be the same.

Our souls like glowing coals, the same,
Leap like lightning jets of orange fire.
Thunderous claps help humble hearts inspire
To surrender dark ego in florid flame;
Be purified in the lustrous Sun of His Name;
To consummation, our quickened souls aspire.

To consummation, our quickened soul aspires
To find that One of fame, ever the same;
To worship and bow down to His most hallowed name,
And sacrifice prim pride in His white-hot fire,
Transforming our burning dross by inner flame:
To an inward turn, our pilgrim soul’s inspired.

Inward turning, does our pilgrim soul inspire
To God-heart, making harrowed soul aspire
To wax hot, worshiping by candle flame
To reach that Oneness, evermore the same.
All change is wrought about by mystic fire,
Renouncing arrogance, for Thy holy Name.

Renouncing arrogance for Thy holy Name,
With hymns to mystic fire, our souls aspire.
The spark within fans fierce as fearless fire
To God. The blazing brand abounds to inspire,
And burns to learn His Oneness is the same,
As naked soul immolates in flickering flame.

As naked soul immolates in flickering flame,
We chant and sing loud praises to His holy Name,
‘Til crimson dawn awakes, and we become the same.
So pilgrims, let hymns of mystic fire inspire
Us Godward: may our joyful souls aspire
To be chastened, in His crucible of mystic fire!

Our souls inspire, and to Almighty God aspire:
To become One, and be the same as that formless Name,
Born in the sacred flame of His holy mystic fire.

*Hymn to Agni, Rig Veda , Mandala 1, Sukta 127, Vs 10.

HEART OF FIRE

Let’s stoke a blazing fire deep in the heart,
Throw tendencies on that funeral pyre:
To invoke, purified from mundane mire.
That’s indeed the true pilgrim’s need and art,
Although in life, he must play his destined part,
An actor on the screen of life, set to enquire
Who Am I? and to Self abidance then retire.
Thus a fulfilled new life begins to start.

If fate forces you to play a certain role,
Pray do so without anxious attachment,
That’s so essential to make one whole.
Live a tranquil life in calm detachment,
This must be the earnest pilgrim’s goal,
And fill with conscious bliss, heart’s crystal bowl.

FAITH

Take the deep leap into firm certainty of Faith,
With determined unshakeable fearlessness!
Let mighty mount Arunachala be our shield
Against sense storms of restless monkey mind.

Enjoy wholly untoubled carefree satvic calm,
By handing over our whole fictional burden
Of worry, concern, stress, and fancied anxiety
About our ordained duties and many affairs,
To our Lord of Love and infinite compassion,
Bhagavan Sri Ramana, Self of our own Being,
To whom we've unconditionally surrendered,
Taking sole refuge with worshipful devotion.

Even tribulation is welcomed as for the best!
We practice mind control through Japa of His Name,
And dive into the Heart, questing for the source of 'I',
Full of gratitude for his boundless love and grace.

DEVOTION

THE SELF is dear to all. From fondest love,
devotion, flowing like a stream of purest oil,
Our Sage knows Self within as God above.

His child, after hard and persistent toil,
still sees the Sage apart from Self, yet melts
weak reason to find faith in Sage alone.

The golden flowing stream of love smelts
dark dross, his heart's desire, becomes his own.

The one who attaches form to Holy Name
in time transcends the image, just the same.

With devotion ripe, hearing Truth complete,
the blossom on the bough, flowers Self replete.

The fool who prays for selfish end desired,
fulfilment never finds, then he begins
to love for sake of happiness, God inspired.

This feeling, being granted, yet remains
In love with that One, the true, unceasing,
and sprouts the lotus of white devotion,
on azure lake, its root in depth increasing.

Within earth's vessel to guide us o’er the ocean
of strife, allow soul to unfold, as Self of sky,
the One all wise, unlidded, all seeing Eye

ARCH-PRETENDER

All objects are emanations of the mind;
Each Being's driven by One Almighty God,
He makes the clouds to weep and mountains nod,
While Seeker strives by quest, his SELF to find.

God magicks this dream fit to trick the blind,
He rules by Love but sometimes with a rod.
'I Am', He frees from shell of earthly clod,
He acts with great compassion, firm yet kind .

Deluded we thought our Will was ever free,
Not puppet-like, masquerading on a string.
In fact we've reacted, we've never done anything,
Our deeds are but reflexes of that Arch-Deceiver 'Me'.

'Me'is the Tyrant who's usurped God's throne,
Now we know HE truly reigns, majestic, and alone .

MUSIC OF THE SPHERES

Creation, from galaxy to gene dear friend,
Is a musical dream, an harmonic blend
On pianolas programed by A Maestro Supreme,
The ground base is struck, His enigmatic theme .

The tune, a uniquely melodic one,
For each instrument is uniquely done .
Through assonant chords and dissonant notes,
The whole concerto grosso spatially floats

Creating ethereal music of the spheres,
For the sole enjoyment of celestial ears.
Yet we are more than piano rolls of sound,
We flow 'continuo', as monochords profound,

By improvisation from A Cosmic Force
From Supreme Silence of An Infinite Source .

DIVINE PLAY

Our bodies are nothingness,just emptiness swirling,
Choreographed energy patterns ever dancing,
Just syncopated rhythmic spasms all enhancing
A myriad of manifestations, unfolding, unfurling.

Nebulae to nuclei are dervishly turning,
All known miracles and mysteries surpassing,
Fantastic forces form light displays enchanting,
In Time's Theatre, Great Lord Shiva is whirling.

It's a mad idea to maintain the notion
That we're in control of our life situation
And can direct this Ballet as an automation.
That's like imagining Neptune runs the ocean.

When we awaken from hypnotic sleep we'll see
God wills mind to act and not the 'phantom me'.

SONNETS INSPIRED BY RAMANA MAHARSHI'S FORTY VERSES

THE INVOCATION

1. EXISTENCE

Without some objective ‘thing’ that really exists,
Can there be worthwhile reflections on existence?
Thought free, the inward Being, the Heart persists;
How can we know its fundamental subsistence?
To conceive it, one must truly BE THAT, at Heart.
Conceive a wise Self Realised Soul in one’s mind,
All notions, about his Sage-like, essential part,
Are futile, unless we’re like he IS, we will find.

Regard a beautiful root-hanging Banyan tree,
Can we know the life of its hidden roots below?
It can’t possibly be conceived by you or me;
Only the tree knows its own state as it grows.
Without oneself, actually, consciously Being,
Can there be knowledge about ‘who is seeing’?


2.SURRENDER

Our greatest ever fear, is the dread, fear of death,
End of the much cherished, experience of life;
At the point of dying, the rattling of the breath,
Prompts us to seek refuge in the Lord! Fear’s rife
And only divine protection can calm the mind.
Heartfelt prayer helps us loose our selves at once,
It’s not the Pure Conscious Self, that dies we find,
But ego-self, struck with fear, that we renounce!

In egocide, our Absolute Self is now regained.
From our True Nature, we’re Immortal and thus free!
Like some larvae, struggling in earth, to be maintained,
May become butterflies, and fly to liberty;
So are we transformed, if at time of death,
We surrender, before we take our final breath.

From The Forty

1

WORLD PAINTING

Knowing, from within, through subtle senses five;
There’s an apparent coloured, sonic, solid world;
No doubt the cause of that, is One Great God, alive!
The canvas, the light, fine work of art unfurled,
The seer and the seen; all are He, the wondrous One.
The supreme artist wields a magic brush of light,
A fiery comet is its hair; ‘neath Moon and Sun

He draws, on the primed canvas, of day and night,
Many fantastic, fabulous, magical forms;
From electrons to galaxies, so lustrously bright,
Excelling in excess, all accepted human norms.
But this myriad macrocosm, second to none,
By His microcosm in our Hearts, we know is One!


2

GOD-WORLD-SOUL

God, world and soul, perennial triple truths,
From which traditional religions, all proceed;
While ego’s false sense of me rules: forsooth,
The three are separate from each other, indeed.
But in the poise of pure Self’s, transcendent state,
This threefold division is maturely outgrown.
So this tiresome, dogmatic, religious debate,
Is no longer helpful for the truth to be known.

“My faith’s infallible absolute truth” says one,
Why all this fuss and interminable bother?”
“No, my creed’s the way to God!” claims another.
So proceed endless arguments beneath the Sun;
It’s ego which carves from the One some trinity,
Real Self, ends this quarrel, extending to infinity.

EXPRESS TRAIN

We're born on a crazy train racing to death,
That day when we breathe our very last breath,

The path to our goal is played on iron rails,
Make sure through some weakness that one never fails.

The rails are only one's predestined fate
Make great effort before it's too late!

So stack one's heavy baggage on the rack,
0nly a fool packs it on head or on back.

So while there's life in our bodily frame,
Never let us forget the Lord's Divine Name.

So when the curtain finally falls,
The heart must chant devotional calls.

In next life we're blest by a better womb,
As we progress from each birth to our tomb.

One fine day if we're truly sincere,
We'll Realise the Self and all becomes clear.

WEDDING CONFETTI

THE SONNET'S a solemn meditation of poetic art,
Learned from Petrarch, Dante, Shakespeare and Rossetti,
For Soul's bridal marriage feast it's wedding confetti,
To throw by rhyme much needed truth, fine fuel to impart,
Which will fire inner fibres warming one's weary heart.
It must be well rooted in nature, poeticly pretty,
Like the ruby red rose which inspires lovers' ditty.
The much needed truth is how should Self Enquiry start?

The way Bhagavan Ramana does suggest to you,,
Is as thoughts and familiar feelings arise,
Ask the vital question 'to whom do these thoughts come'?
Then the restless monkey mind will soon surmise,
'It comes to me', then thought returns to Heart to succumb,
Precipitating egotism's much needed death, ever asking who?

END OF SEEKING

It's over now the end of seeking
Now's the time to surrender to 'All';
Behind the veil the Self is peeking,
Obey the Heart, answer His urgent call,

"Dive within the Heart dear earnest friend
And samsara's bad dream you now will end!"
The buds shall soon open on the almond tree,
Some come first as they burst to be free,

Blooms need Self's warm sunshine, that's Guru's Grace,
There's nowhere God is not, He's there in place.

LIFE'S SEASONS

In the blossoming springtime of my youth
I set out in search for ultimate Truth.
In the warm summer of middle age I found
Ramana Maharshi's Teaching, so profound.

In golden Autumn of ageing, hard I tried
To take his great Sadhana in my stride.
Now in wintry old age my snowy head,
Will surrender and enquire until I'm dead.

May be through his love and boundless grace,
Before I die, I'll know my own original face.

THE FLOOD OF SHIVA BLISS

> 1

> May this, my most humble submission be,
> To that one great auspicious Deity;
> Great Lord Shiva of everlasting fame,
> Quintessence of all Jnana is His Name!
> He sports on His crown, a silver crescent moon,
> Ornament for Uma, such a beauteous boon,
> The ripe fruit of harsh severe penitence,
> Bestowing His bounteous beneficence.
> He wills all devotees to be ever blessed,
> And enjoy full noble lives of happiness.
> He always appears in the surrendered heart,
> Once glimpsed His presence will ne'er depart.
> He showers all three worlds with perfect love,
> A merciful blessing, mighty Grace from above.

> 2

> Victory to the powers of Great Lord Shiva!
> Which flow from the blessings of His kind
> Removal of sorrow from my mundane mind;
> He frees me from great grief of samsara
> To know soul’s lagoon flooded by Nirvana.
> Such awakening from hypnotic sleep we find
> Are streams that cleanse the soul, they wind
> Through dense mud and mire of false ajnana.
> They cause destruction of pain and sorrow,
> We live in the present, no fear for tomorrow.
> We thank God Shiva with all might and main,
> Chanting His praises for sacred is His Name.
> We read the miracles of His great life story,
> And bathe in the light of His effulgent glory.
>
3

> I worship Lord Shiva with all of my heart,
> Unknowable through the Vedas! For a start,
> He destroyed those tyrannical cities three,
> Made of iron, silver and gold; to set free
> Causal and subtle bodies. Veda was His bow,
> Agni His barb, Vishnu His honed arrow;
> His feather, the dread Lord Yama,
> His faithful charioteer, Great God Brahma.
> He’s primordial, sighted by three eyes,
> He’s majestic and profoundly wise.
> His hair’s a profusion of matted locks;
> He wears a necklace of snakes, carved from the rocks.
> Gracious to every ardent devotee,
> He’s the God of souls, Lord of Divinity,
> Self of Absolute Consciousness so pure.
> With fair Parvati He shall always endure,
> To control His three worlds, wisely and sure.
>
> 4

> Myriads of Gods hold sway over the world,
> And grant the prayers of the immature:
> Even in dreams at night, I pray to be pure:
> To my poor soul, high wisdom He’s unfurled.
> What I yearn for, is that He will insure
> The worship of His lotus feet, to lure
> My mind from grave sin, by senses hurled.
> This steady worship of His lotus feet
> Isn't easy, even for those who sit near
> Him, with hearts full of love complete,
> Having firm faith and freedom from fear,
> Yet fickle mind feels feeble and effete.
> It was difficult for Vishnu and Lord Brahma,
> Even, Sita, Hanuman, and Great Prince Rama.
>
> 5
> I’m not well versed in legalistic codes,
> Nor in learned philosophic tomes,
> From sciences, my mind always roams.
> Neither in art of music and poetic odes,
> Nor reading texts, burdened by heavy loads,
> Do I ever feel comfortably at home.
> I please Kings no more than an impish gnome,
> I’m as little use as a sweeper of roads.
> Save this wretched soul through Thy mighty grace!
> Omniscient, greatly famed, Oh Holy One,
> I pray to see my own original face,
> Resplendent as Thy bright effulgent Sun.
> Only Thee Lord Shiva can save my errant soul,
> To know my own Real Self and make me whole!
>
> 6
> Whether it be a pot or heavy lump of clay,
> Or the microcosmic atom in my breath,
> Whether it be smoke, fire or mountain way,
> Will any serve as a cure for painful death?
> I‘m only blocking love by logic chopping,
> I must bow to praise great Lord Shiva’s feet,
> But monkey mind keeps dropping off, hopping,
> Instead of abiding in His bliss replete.
> The heavy means of reason and causation,
> Will never take me to Self Realisation,
> Instead they lead to endless frustration,
> A kind of morbid mental perturbation.
> I must take refuge in Lord Shiva’s grace
> Inside my heart, True Saviour of the race.
>
> 7
>
> Let me rest at your feet, my Lord Supreme,
> Soft as the beautiful blue lotus flower.
> Let my speech, with all its might and power,
> Be prayer to awaken, from life’s sad dream,
> And constantly illuminate my inner scene.
> Then uttering your praise, I’ll never cower
> With fear, or lose the faith, by which Thou endower
> My soul by light from Thine effulgent gleam.
> Let my palms be clasped, in worship of Thee,
> My hearing tuned to the words of Thy story,
> My mind in meditation and ever free,
> My eyes resting on Thy formless glory.
> So through which other senses, will I learn
> To become worthy, and Thy grace to earn?
>
> 8
>
> Oh Great Almighty God, Lord of All Souls,
> As one thinks nacre, seems like silver in a shell,
> Or water mixed with flour, looks like milk as well,
> A glass bead bauble appears as a crystal bowl,
> A mirage we think is just a watering hole;
> So the fool, destined for yet another hell,
> Worships other than what is Thee; the spell
> Of Maya that deceives, Great Lord of the Whole!
> The rope we perceive is a venomous snake,
> And the stone dog we believe to be real.
> We mistake a man for a scarecrow’s stake,
> And what we touch seems solid as we feel.
> The mind is under a constant delusion,
> Save us Lord Shiva from such illusion!
>
> 9
>
> Lord of Uma! One swims in a deep tank,
> Walks in a fearful, empty jungle wood,
> Climbs a mountain peak where fresh air is good,
> Pick pretty posies by a river bank,
> That fool doesn’t know how to give Thee thanks!
> All one needs to do as one truly should,
> Is give one’s heart lotus and so be understood.
> God does not need to be decked with flowers,
> He’s already the beautifully sublime,
> These outer forms waste many precious hours;
> The true sacrifice which is really prime,
> Is to offer one’s mind to the Self in the heart,
> That’s all Lord Shiva asks, from the very start!
>
> 10
>
> Let there be birth as a human being,
> Or a God in some ethereal sphere,
> A high mountain where the clouds float near,
> Or forest fox from huntsmen ever fleeing,
> Or mosquito blood juice always stealing.
> Cow, whose lush green grass is ever dear,
> Worm, who through mud does craftily steer,
> Or bird who through azure sky flies wheeling.
> What is this compared to sporting in bliss
> From great Lord Shiva’s benefaction?
> Receiving the grace of sweet Parvati’s kiss,
> All for poor jiva’s endless satisfaction.
> If we offer our mind, each night and morn,
> Does it matter into which body we’re reborn?
>
> 11
>
> Let me be a student, humble as can be,
> Or the proud house holder of a home,
> An ascetic, plastic as a garden gnome,
> Or any other form, as it pleases Thee.
> What use is this on the path to liberty?
> Oh Sambhu, when the Heart- lotus is Thine
> I become yours, no longer ‘me’ or ‘mine’;
> One’s burden of life is Thy responsibility.
> Whether I dwell in town or mountain cave,
> My mind will always wander with me;
> The solution Lord Shiva gives to save
> And rest at peace, to be eternally free,
> Is to surrender ego mind to my own dear Self,
> And slay that demonic self-centred elf.
>
> 12
>
> Let one live in damp jungle or in fire,
> Or on Himalayan mountain peak,
> Or whatever place a man may seek.
> In a palace, to which great Kings aspire,
> Or fabled lands of which the pilgrims speak
> Of Vedic Indian, or Platonic Greek;
> Of endless speculation we soon tire.
> Of what use is such wasteful living?
> Instead prostrate at mighty Shiva’s feet,
> Endlessly renouncing, and freely giving
> Back our minds in full surrender complete.
> That’s the only way to make us content,
> Ego’s false ignorance we need to relent.
>
> 13
>
> Oh Saviour of wretched afflicted souls,
> It is Thy duty to protect and guard me,
> Thou whom art all compassion and mercy:
> I’m blind, roasted over life’s blazing coals,
> I boast, foolishly hosting madcap goals,
> Who’s the weakest in mental strength Thou sees?
> Pray grant me safe refuge and set me free!
> Like a poor dove trapped in a gilded cage,
> My soul pines to fly and roost at Thy feet;
> Remove all my sins of anger and rage,
> Help me renounce foul mind and rest complete.
> Who’s a better expert in the saving grace?
> Lead me to the vision of my original face.
>
> 14
>
> Oh Lord of Souls! art Thou not also Lord
> And firm friend of the impoverished poor?
> In earnest we pray, open wide Thy door
> To the music of that merciful chord,
> Which Thou can graciously well afford,
> To heal our wounded hearts, so sore.
> Aid us in practise to move closer toward
> Thy Lotus feet and then walk on forward,
> To Realisation of the Self for ever more.
> All my sins should be forgiven by Thee,
> This is the true duty of a loving father,
> Willing to help his child, strive for liberty!
> Or grant me protection, and play Thy part
> Against those thieves, breaking into my Heart.
>
> 15
>
> Lord, as Thou are not indifferent to my lot,
> Why not destroy that grave decree of fate,
> Before death comes, and alas it is too late;
> That which makes me wilt. Hast Thou forgot
> That unless you save me, there’s a vile plot
> Of desires to invade me? then don’t forsake,
> Your child before I reach Lord Yama’s gate,
> And you’ve failed to sever my ganglion knot.
> If you’re powerless, how was Brahma’s head,
> Which cannot be plucked by a finger nail,
> Be cut by Thee with your nail tip instead?
> I pray, Great Lord Shiva, please don’t fail
> Your child who tries so hard in this barren place,
> And lies powerless without thy boundless grace!
>
> 16
> Oh Shiva, purest one, may Brahma live long!
> Protect and guard his remaining four heads,
> He’s ordained the poverty to which I’m led
> In this false dream world of right and wrong.
> What fear is left for me when I sing this song
> And Thy gaze of love, to me has said,
> “Have faith, in me , my child, you do belong?
> A son is lost and from home does stray,
> His father looks for him every where,
> Then on one marvellous miraculous day
> He’s found and delivered safely there,
> Back to his land at blissful peace at last,
> Clasped in Lord Shiva’s arms, tight and fast.
>
> 17
>
> Oh Master, whom art all pervading,
> Either because of my merited deeds,
> Or through compassion for my earthly needs;
> Thou art immanently present, invading
> Each fibre of my soul, not evading
> But helping me, when my sad heart bleeds;
> For you’ve truly sown salvation’s seeds
> The fruits of which are now parading.
> How am I to reach Thy sweet lotus feet?
> The whole galaxy of Gods press forward
> In their eagerness to respect and greet
> Thy gracious Self, paying obeisance toward
> Thee, with the splendour of Thy golden crown,
> Preventing poor me alas, from bending down.
>
> 18
>
> Oh Shiva! Thou art the boon giver supreme,
> Vishnu and the lesser Gods call upon Thee,
> They hold their place through Thy generosity;
> How great is Thy grace, and yet we scheme
> With increased desires in this crazy dream.
> When will you destroy pernicious petty ‘me’,
> Through thy gaze of peaceful clemency?
> From your dazzling light cast me a single beam.
> The Gods pray for you to uphold their gains,
> Blessed benefactor of all sentient Beings,
> Strengthen and fasten my slack mental reins,
> Unite see-er, and seen with all my seeings.
> I depend on Thee Lord Shiva for Thy grace,
> Accept me, and my false ego pray efface.
>
> 19
>
> Is it to benefit great Great Lord Brahma
> That you won’t remove my anguish and pain?
> Full of despicable desires and shame,
> This endless suffering in dark samsara
> Even leads to the doors of some crooked Rajah,
> An endless storm of troubles, all in vain,
> Without virtue, for my poor soul to gain.
> Oh what a wretched wicked palaver!
> Inform me, oh great Lord Shiva, I pray
> If all this grief is only for Thy pleasure,
> We shall be gracefully blessed, I say.
> I beg for justice as you shall measure,
> None of the dark decrees of fate for ill,
> Have any true validity before Thy will.
>
> 20
>
> Oh Shiva, with bare skull as begging bowl,
> Thou art an all pervading, mendicant!
> My mind roams the desert of discontent,
> Dances on the breast hills of female souls,
> Leaps wildly on many mad strange goals,
> Branch to branch, where desire will soon torment.
> Inconstant is this monkey mind Thou sent
> To fight against, and learn firm sense control.
> Taking this mind as an offering of alms,
> Bind it tightly with Thy cord of devotion,
> And tie it well, beneath your loving arms,
> As I sail across life’s stormy ocean.
> Lord Shiva save me from the terror of my mind!
> Thou art the Truest Guru I could ever find!
>
> 21
>
> Oh, Slayer of Demons, like Manmatha,
> Thou art worshipped by divine devotees.
> All pervading One, please enter with these,
> And Thy Goddess consort, beauteous Uma,
> Into the bright tent of my mental Maya,
> That boasts free will; a central pole to seize
> The ropes of heroic virtues that please,
> And can be eased through this dread samsara.
> That shining tent is multi toned and hued,
> Painted with lotuses, pink, blue and white,
> They glow like beacons in the black of night,
> Moved daily through highways, and imbued
> With prayer for Thy great victory, Jai!
> That enlivens me throughout my day.
>
> 22
> Oh Shankara! Oh skillful master thief!,
> Magnificent ever pervading One!
> This arch villain of my mind speeds along,
> Having fallen prey, beyond all belief,
> To amassing great wealth without relief
> From greedy desire , committing much wrong,
> Rifling homes, to which the rich belong.
> All this crime causes me remorse and grief.
> How can I bear this unscrupulous knave?
> Having brought him under Thy firm control,
> Grant me thy Grace, my impure soul pray save,
> Oh blessed Lord, please make me Thine, and Whole!
> Accept that I my pure Self is innocent,
> Oh merciful Lord Shiva, I repent, repent!
>
> 23
> Ever all-pervading One, oh Shankara!
> I perform Thy worship, pray grant poor me,
> Realisation now, immediately!
> Should Thou grant me the throne of Lord Brahma,
> Or God Vishnu as fruit of my Puja,
> I would bear more pain of taking the body
> Of bird or beast, for sake of being free
> And bathing in bliss of blest Nirvana.
> How can I bear this agony and pain,
> My auspicious beloved Guru Lord?
> I beg you over and over again,
> With all the strength and might I can afford,
> Save me, immortal Shiva, I pray, I pray!
> I love you like my own dear Self, every way.
>
> 24
>
> When will I dwell in Kailasa, Thy home?
> In Thy hall of emeralds, rubies and gold,
> Where precious pearls and jewels unfold,
> In the company of Thy votaries who roam
> With Thee dear Sambhu, beneath Thy sapphire dome,
> Who art auspicious wisdom born of old.
> My hands I fold, raised on my head, so bold
> I salute Thee noble one with this poem.
> Oh protect me Lord Shiva, God Supreme,
> Let me spend happiness in aeon's of time
> As if they were seconds, then it would seem
> All would be bliss beneath your protection,
> So cleanse me, grant me Thy rod of correction.
>
> 25
>
> Oh Great Shiva, when shall I behold Thee,
> Who boasts a throat of precious peacock blue,
> A body that’s embraced by Uma too.
> You hold in your hand a cutting axe, so free
> To chop down demon ego’s creeping tree.
> You own a deer, seated on the mighty thew
> Of a powerful Bull so very loyal to You,
> And Thy faithful sadhus cry out, hail, hail!
> And the wicked demons all fail and wail.
> Thy divine attendants dance all around,
> Stamping on cosmic time, never to fail
> To sanctify Mount Kailasa’s sacred ground.
> Oh great Lord Shiva, what more can one say,
> I love you more and more every day!
>
> 26
>
> Oh dweller on a sacred mountain high,
> Beholding Thee and falling at Thy feet,
> Pressing them against my head, I am replete
> With love for Thee; I wish my ego so to die
> Fully surrendered in obeisance to Thy
> Holy will, which I once again entreat.
> My perverted mind, pray now defeat.
> Free me from wilful weeping and mournful cry!
> I wish to enjoy that heavenly bliss
> Which does not even come to Brahma;
> Seal my lips with Parvati’s fragrant kiss,
> So I can breath the perfume and aroma
> From her blue full blown lotus flowers,
> And bathe in blessed grace throughout all hours.
>
> 27
>
> Lord Shiva, Mountain Dweller is Thy name,
> When gold Mount Meru is in Thy hands as bow,
> When Lord of wealth Kubera, of great fame
> Stays near Thee as they slave, it is the same
> As when the heavenly trees bow down low
> And cow Nandini kneels in obeisance, so
> I wish granting gems on Thy head to glow,
> Rubies, pearls, sapphires, diamonds so bright,
> Topaz, garnet, all reflecting Thy light,
> When at Thy feet in worship, all devotees came,
> Full of devotion their sacred souls complete.
> What tribute can I hand Thee, mighty Lord?
> May my mind be surrendered at thy feet,
> I give you all the love I can afford.
> May my heart and mind be always sworn to Thee,
> Oh mighty Lord who swears to set me free!
>
> 28
>
> Shiva! beautiful Parvati’s faithful consor,
> Adores Thee, yet same and equal is Her form,
> Near Thee, as chanting praises, is Her norm,
> She shares Thy mountain home, takes careful thought,
> In sat sang with devotees who’ve bravely fought
> The hard war with ego-mind and have worn
> Thy breast plate of Sadhana, no longer forlorn,
> Filled with love and devotion as they ought.
> They meditate on Thy auspicious Name,
> Comprising all sentient, conscious Beings,
> Moving and still, while disdainful of fame,
> Uniting all seers, scenes and their seeings.
> Here, indeed my Master I’ve reached my end,
> With thanks, I bow before Thee, prostrate and bend.
>
> 29
> All pervading One, I worship at Thy feet,
> Sacred and holy as the lotus blue,
> I meditate on Thee by day all through;
> I take refuge in Thee, that art my Lord complete.
> Oh holy Sambhu! blessed Paraclete,
> With power of words I pray to Thee, so true,
> Cast Thy mighty glance of grace on me too.
> That gaze which even Gods pray they shall meet.
> Instruct my mind and make it ever cling to Thee,
> Make me worthy of Thy beneficial Grace,
> I prostrate myself, and fall to bend my knee,
> Grant me the glory of the vision of Thy face!
> Instruct in happy peace my wayward mind,
> Thou art the greatest God one could ever find!
>
> 30
>
> Oh Shiva, the One, who sports the new Moon
> As Thy crest jewel! Oh Lord of all souls,
> O Master Guru of three worldly wholes;
> If there be in my Self, light of the Sun,
> soon
> By its thousand beams I will dress you in tunes
> Of song, decked by flowers in golden bowls,
> That I may render Thee worship as my goal.
> Like Visnu, Vayu, Agni, Indra, with their boons.
> I shall offer to you as tasty fitting food
> My ego, well cooked in the blazing fire
> Of Thy Jnana, well spiced by my gratitude;
> To this consummation, I ardently aspire.
> Thou art infinity, I can only praise Thee
> Rising to the height of Gods in liberty.
>
> 31
>
> Oh Shiva! Is not this single supreme deed
> Of aid enough to praise Thy compassion?
> Residing inside Thy mountain mansion,
> With a view to protecting Thy Beings’ seed
> Moving and unmoving, yet conscious indeed.
> In Thy throat Thou swallows in Thy fashion,
> That fearful poison of unbridled passion,
> And save us from our sins of lust and greed.
> Thus Thy throat is tinted bright peacock blue,
> As a sign to all Thy children young and old,
> That thy mercy extends to all that Thou do.
> This is Thy sworn promise, so we are told,
> To save earnest devotees when ripe, in time.
> Oh mighty Shiva, Thy compassion is sublime!
>
> 32
>
> Sambhu! how did vile poison catch alight,
> Causing fear to all the Gods known by Thee?
> How was it borne in thy palm so craftily?
> Like a ripe, red rose apple; a wondrous sight
> Which thrills, blushing like dawn, after darkest night?
> Or like a strong medicine used skilfully
> By Siddhas? was it held mightily tight
> In Thy throat? Was it a gem, blue and bright
> As the sapphire sky, our dome of beauty?
> Tell me my Loved One! The ways of your duty
> Surpasses my mortal understanding.
> So my Lord, I am humbly demanding,
> Please tell me Sambhu if it’s really true,
> World poison stained your throat, a vibrant peacock blue?
>
> 33
>
> Oh my Master! Is it not sufficient
> For folk to serve Thee without frustration,
> By chanting praise and making prostration,
> Worship, meditation, are all most efficient,
> Self Enquiry, surrender, are they not sufficient?
> Hearing your story with horripilation,
> Having sight of Thee in my imagination;
> How is release possible for one so nescient?
> What’s the use of following gods who are all
> Impermanent? and to whom should we pray?
> With all my heart, Oh Shiva, hear my call,
> I yearn for Thy blessed Grace every day!
> “The answer my friend”, Great Lord Shiva said,
> “Is in thine own Self, I am That , and thou art led!”
>
> 34
>
> Shiva? What more can we say about Thy story?
> Who else possesses such courage and power?
> How can we find the strength to endower
> Ourselves with such splendid might and glory?
> World destruction, which is always so gory
> When even Gods fall, might come at any hour,
> Ascetics are seized with fear, and glower
> At such an end to their lives and history.
> Yet, Thou does revel fearless, all alone,
> In felicity blissfully dance and stamp,
> All we can do for our grave sins is to atone,
> Seeking the bright light of Thy Jnana lamp.
> Pray don’t leave us in our time of great need,
> We yearn for grace, mercy and help indeed!
>
> 35
>
> Shiva! Thou takes care of all Thy Beings,
> For their welfare and spiritual advance,
> Intent on good giving; that is Thy stance!
> Thou teaches the way of divine seeing,
> All pervading, determined on freeing
> Devotees from sad samsara’s wild prance,
> Stamping, whirling; such is Thy dance ,
> All pervading inside and out; ever revealing
> Thou art my inmost pure conscious Self,
> That I always keep in my sacred heart.
> Thou will conquer my vile demonic elf
> Before I die, and from life must depart.
> Oh Lord Shiva! Majestic King of Kings,
> Of your great glory my soul ever sings
>
> 36
>
> Entwine me with the cord of devotion,
> Fill me with the sacred waters of joy,
> The shining vessel of monkey mind’s toy.
> I whom am a devotee still in motion,
> Place two tender leaves as a notion
> Of obeisance at Thy feet, never to cloy.
> The ripe cocoanut of wisdom will alloy
> Me with Thy holy words of fervent emotion.
> Purify the house of my bodily frame,
> Thus do I perform this most sacred rite,
> Occasioning the bounty of Thy Name!
> This is the purification of that place,
> Preparing me to receive Thy boundless grace!
>
> 37
>
> Intelligence is our churning rod,
> Firmly attached to ardent devotion.
> Those of good heart churn the green-blue ocean
> Of scripture, searching for the hidden pod
> Of subtle meaning leading them to God;
> Gaining from the Moon in ceaseless motion
> The wish fulfilling tree, a happy notion
> Leading to the cow of plenty, however odd.
> The wish yielding magical ruby gem,
> The sweet ambrosia of eternal bliss,
> Goddess Parvati’s blessed garment hem.
> All pertain to Her perennial wisdom kiss,
> Churning is the essence of Self investigation
> Into our True Nature, by hard interrogation.
>
> 38
>
> When the clear auspicious silver Moon,
> Bearing the figure of the white form deer,
> Seen through eastern mountains very near
> To twinkling light of stars, so bright in June;
> Yet never, ever glimpsed at mid-day noon,
> Releasing worlds from darkness and grave fear
> Casting her reflection in blue lake so clear.
> The churned ocean swells up and very soon,
> Living becomes possible for the very good
> Diligent in sadhana, intelligent at heart.
> We offer ‘ego’ to Lord Shiva as tasty food,
> In love and surrender ‘till death do us part.
> Then pure Brahman-bliss becomes manifest,
> All sins are forgiven, being well confessed.
>
> 39
>
> When the merciful Lord of protection,
> Who wears a full Moon jewel as his crest,
> Is crowned in the celestial city, to be blest
> As King of my mind-lotus, choice election
> To show Dharma is supreme perfection.
> Sin is slain! Passions to which I’ve confessed;
> Lust, anger, pride, are successfully suppressed.
> Happiness rules as my prime predilection!
> The golden apples of wisdom and Jnana,
> Grow richly ripe, prolifically abundant.
> All is due to the profound power of Shiva,
> Evil veiling Self, is now made redundant!
>
> 40
>
> Almighty King of the whole universe,
> With Thy wondrous legends I take my fill.
> Subtle intellect is Thy water mill,
> Speech is Thy vessel, poetry Thy verse,
> Always a blessing and never a curse
> That flows through Thy channels up to the sill,
> Always auspicious and never for ill;
> Feeding crops of devotion like a kind nurse.
> How can there be fear of spiritual thirst
> When you feed us with the cup of Thy grace?
> Thou, all compassionate are truly the first;
> Grant me a glimpse of my original face!
>
> 41
>
> Shiva! Almighty conqueror of death,
> I am entreated by my wagging tongue,
> Monkey mind, head, feet, hands, eyes, ears, and breath,
> Which all participate in action, beneath
> Thy rule of Selfhood, of which I’ve sung
> As Shiva in my heart. Beneath my lung
> On the right side of the chest, in the sheath
> Of bliss, compassion and perfect peace.
> We climb heaven’s ladder by another rung,
> Those instruments of flesh all worship Thee,
> Full of praise, imploring their full release
> From bitter bondage and onto liberty!
> I pray, show me the way again and again
> To find my Self, in Her grace always to remain.
>
> 42
>
> Lord Shiva! Thou art fond of sturdy forts,
> Pray remain in the fortress of my mind,
> Whose moats are most magnificent. I find
> Its ramparts show the courage of thought
> To conquer my sins with which I am wrought.
> My royal armies are equipped with kind
> Sensory gateways far from being blind.
> My troops have always bravely fought.
> They’re provisioned with the food of Jnana,
> And are fully armed and feel complete.
> Yet I still wilt in this dungeon of samsara,
> Inspite of grace, I their General feel effete.
> I beg Thee dear Lord, teach me devotion,
> I am drowning in life’s tempestuous ocean.
>
> 43
>
> Primeval hunter, dweller in a mountain,
> You wander here and there in search of game,
> I plead, reside and hunt in me the same.
> Within the jungle of my mind’s plantation,
> Dwell wild beasts that cause me aggravation!
> Such as lechery and desire for fame.
> By slaying them, you’ll effectively tame
> These disturbances of mental infatuation.
> So relish the sport of hunting such wild beasts,
> Have the pleasure of a sport well performed,
> These creature’s egos are fit game for your feasts,
> Their brutality is speedily reformed.
> Lord Shiva, great hunter with Thy spear of gold,
> Stalk these monsters as Thou did in days of old!
>
> 44
>
> Deep down in the mountain cave of my heart
> Dwells the Great God with different faces five,
> Wielding a wild deer in His hand alive.
> Thou who has slain the elephant demon! Start
> With the tiger devil, bind him in a cart
> And drag him through the busy city’s streets
> So all may admire Thine astounding feats,
> Let all see how well Thou played the hero’s part.
> Thou art a great hunter, so where is fear for me?
> I have firm faith that you will always slay
> Demons that enter my mind and terrorise
> My better self which strives each hour and day,
> To love, adore and be fit to Self Realise.,
> That Self Awareness for which we toil and pray,
> To serve the Self, which is Shiva, in every way!
>
> 45
>
> Oh proud, preening parrot ego-bird,
> Rest always in the nest of the lotus feet
> Of Shiva, where shrewd scholars all compete
> To hearken to his every sagacious word,
> Which is eternal, and only truly heard
> By those devotees who are fully replete
> In Jnana Knowledge, wise and complete;
> Shiva’s great teaching is by them preferred.
> His soothing words remove all sad sorrow
> And shine with the bright light of felicity.
> So end stupid wandering off tomorrow,
> And enjoy the bliss of His perspicacity.
> I am sick and weary of futile pursuit,
> I love the truth of Shiva’s wisdom’s fruit.
>
> 46
>
> Oh mind, when focused, you’re a regal swan;
> Nest in His magic mountain residence,
> At Parvati’s feet, where Her sacred incense
> Curls up to heaven. Its fragrance falls upon
> All who worship Shiva, mighty as the Sun.
> Rubies and pearls encrust the golden fence
> Which hides the wives of holy saints who sense
> The wonder of Shiva, the glorious One.
> It’s at His feet that the Sages prostrate,
> Surrendering mind in fear and awe,
> Anxious to avert that terrible fate
> Of rebirth in samsara again once more.
> All pray and plead for Lord Shiva’s grace,
> And catch a glimpse of his auspicious face.
>
> 47
>
> In the radiant rose garden of my heart,
> In my sunny summertime of meditation,
> A hymnal chant I sing in adoration.
> The white lilies of devotion impart
> Their scent, welcoming an earnest start
> To prune the growths of grievous dissipation,
> Heralding the task of mental regulation,
> Then worship blooms to form a sacred part.
> The sweet apple of Self Knowledge and bliss,
> Pure Awareness, is a joyful juicy fruit
> Sealed with Divine Parvartis’ blessed kiss.
> She fulfils the magic of my Self pursuit.
> Bold beauty adorns my silent bower of peace
> In the ardent arbour of my Soul’s release.
>
> 48
>
> In the nest of mind, the best of swans,
> Cruise to the calm lake of God recollection,
> A reservoir of infinite satisfaction,
> Blossoming with water lilies, whose Sun
> Kissed blooms, welcome the Enlightened One,
> Set in the hearts of Saints, making prostration
> At Shiva’s feet of supreme domination:
> To seek His safe refuge they always run.
> His sacred waters will cleanse my sin,
> So why pollute myself in muddy pools,
> Slaving to the vile desires of stupid fools;
> A maddening pastime one can never win.
> Better to bathe in Shiva’s Godlike grace
> The effects of such folly he will soon efface.
>
> 49
>
> May the rose flower of firm devotion
> Yield me fruitful hips that I always desire,
> A bud well fed by love to which I aspire;
> An endless flow of heartfelt emotion,
> Deeper and wider than the sea-green ocean.
> The rose climbed from Shiva’s feet, I so admire,
> Rich with shoots that wind round my inward byre
> Of constancy and faithful affirmation.
> The crimson blooms cover my mental porch,
> They are without blemish and full of fire,
> Any sins and failing they quickly scorch,
> Raising my vile mind from its muddy mire.
> Why am I always in such a hurry
> Scurrying in mind’s cow sheds of slurry?
>
> 50
>
> I praise the Arjuna tree, a linga
> At Sri Saila, with white jasmine entwined
> On that beautiful mountain, on which we find
> Parvati embracing her Great Lord Shiva;
> Auspicious, like His teaching of Vedanta.
> Around His neck writhing serpents wind,
> Yet Shiva is all merciful and most kind,
> Are not his sons Ganesha and Skanda?
> Eager humming bees gather around,
> Buzzing with their truly glorious sound
> Of Om, most sacred primordial word,
> That this vast universe has ever heard.
> All join in chanting Great Lord Shiva’s praise,
> He guards and protects us throughout our days.
>
> 51
>
> Bhramarambika, all pervading Lord of ease,
> The Bee whose hive sits on Sri Saila hill,
> Dancing to the tune of Sage Bhrngin’s will,
> Who follows the lead of the Queen of Bees,
> And quelled the pride of a demon, Her to please.
> An Elephant which drank rut up to his fill,
> He wallowed in the time of spring until,
> He willed to stay at rest, at last in peace.
> The very memory of this sacred linga,
> Bestows on devotees special merit,
> For such is the grace of Great Lord Shiva,
> That with certain faith they will inherit
> The auspicious gift of Brahman Nirvana!
> That bee is a friend of the God of love,
> And sips sweet nectar from flowers above.
>
> 52
> Oh Shiva! Lord with peacock blue throat,
> I adore Thee! Thou sports snakes to boast
> And show me Thy greatness; yet divine love
> Is Lord Shiva’s chief virtue! From above
> He reigns supreme to pilot our boat
> Steering us across life’s ocean afloat
> To reach Liberation, free as a dove!
> That cosmic peacock has a crest of sky,
> Parvati is his precious pea hen,
> His teaching’s the pyre on which false me shall die,
> Om is His primordial sound emblem.
>
> 54
>
> I love that peacock blue throated wonder
> Whose scintillating dance of prancing feet
> In summer’s heat, sends rolls of drumming beats,
> Tapped by Vishnu’s rumbling clouds of thunder.
> His forked lightning frightens folk asunder,
> Clouds shed tears of grace as rain complete;
> Uma as Peahen Goddess gets from Her seat,
> Such beauty to share, joys without number.
> I sing in praise of our sage Lord Shiva
> Whom with gracious Uma as his wife,
> Upholds the righteous path of Dharma
> And ordains the Karma of earthly life.
> Such is the power of His divinity
> A guide for humanity for all infinity.
>
> 55
>
> May my humble obeisance be to Thee
> Oh Sambhu, Lord with many matted locks
> Thou art the primal cause; Thou scoffs and mocks
> At sceptics of Thy great Divinity,
> Limitless light that shines to infinity,
> Thou art recognised by red mountain rocks,
> Oh mover of psychic obstacles and blocks.
> With Thee in our hearts, we find affinity,
> Thou art sole subject of our meditation.
> The lesser Gods all praise Thy Holy Name,
> In Jnana Knowledge Thou art the summation,
> In the hearts of Devotees Thou art the flame.
> Thou art the weaver of the veil of Maya,
> Skilled dancer of the cosmos, blessed Shiva!
>
> 56
>
> Matted haired Shiva! Thou art eternal!
> Embodied in the Gunas, qualities three;
> Raw activity, dull passivity,
> And neutral clarity supernal.
> Thou art both paternal and maternal!
> The true nature of pure consciousness; free
> To create three worlds by Maya magically,
> Ending them after each era dies, terminal!
> Thou art directly perceived by Sages,
> Thou inspires each hallowed Advaitic text,
> Thou art the refuge and rock of ages,
> Oh Great Lord Shiva what follows next?
> Thou art engaged in prancing a cosmic dance,
> Freedom for devotees, is their happy chance.
>
> 57
>
> Lord of all souls, perfect pervading One!
> I flatter rich folk in my zest for wealth,
> I stuff my belly, bad for mental health,
> I wander in vain seeking futile fun,
> Avoiding right effort I run and run,
> Evading your grace by devious stealth,
> I fail to benefit the commonwealth.
> All is such vanity under the Sun,
> Yet through Thy compassion in spite of all
> Sins, through merit earned in a former life,
> As my Guru within, you prevent my fall,
> Saving me from tense trouble and strife.
> I am ever thankful for your protection,
> I prostrate to thee in grateful subjection.
>
> 58
>
> Oh Great Lord of Souls, dearest dazzling Light
> To vanquish my jet black darkness and its shades,
> Help me before my ardour fades
> Become visible, blaze with all Thy might!
> Illuminate me from Thy commanding height.
> Aid me before my ardent ardour fades.
> Sense thieves continue brazen burgling raids:
> Oh Great Lord Shiva take pity on my plight!
> Thine effulgence exceeds a crore of Suns,
> Why then cloud Thy brilliant Self from me?
> Destroy base ignorance, make vile demons run
> Away; permit my Soul freedom to dwell in Thee.
> Pray destroy my egotism and make me whole,
> Let Self Realisation be my destined goal!
>
> 59
>
> Oh Lord of Souls! Vast all pervading One,
> Worthy consort of Parvati divine;
> As Cartaka birds always moan and whine
> For heavy clouds of rain, which veil the Sun,
> And lotus tanks are yearned for by the swan,
> And Cakora birds for Moon beams; so I pine
> To touch Thy holy lotus feet sublime.
> Which will be reached by that path on which we run;
> Thy great teaching of the Jnana Marga,
> That yields the bliss of sheer perfection.
> That’s Thy blessed gift for me, Oh Shiva,
> To Thee I surrender humbly in subjection.
> By the fine example of these fabulous birds,
> Accept my sonnet’s feelings, if not their words.
>
> 60
>
> A man dragged by the current seeks the shore,
> The weary walker, the cool shade of a tree,
> The soul afraid of sin finds refuge in Thee.
> The steel magnet attracts metallic ore,
> The faithful wife to her Lord, flies in awe,
> Creepers cling to the tree, that’s strong and free,
> The river races to its source the sea;
> So I yearn for Thee Lord Shiva, more and more!
> Oh mind, reach the Lotus feet of the Lord!
> Ever stay there; that is real devotion.
> Let restless mind be held by Bhakti’s cord,
> To know the bliss of Lord Shiva’s ocean.
> Pray bless me with Thy Grace of Constancy,
>
> 61
>
> Seeds of Ankola trees stick to the tree,
> The one afraid of rain shelters under a roof,
> Guests rest with the householder unaloof.
> The poor receive from generous charity,
> Those fearful of night will light their lamps brightly,
> The cold take warmth from fire; all brings proof
> How Thy protection is beyond reproof,
> As these similes illustrate quite rightly.
> Oh mind, reach the feet of Shiva with ease,
> This will drive away all its needless fear
> And gain Thy blessing of blissful peace,
> Such is Thy boundless Grace, I hold so dear.
> Oh Great Shiva grant me Thy protection,
> And relieve me from direst dereliction.
>
> 62
>
> As a mother’s devotion guards her child,
> The roar of Shiva’s conch, all sin will efface;
> By smearing sacred ash upon one’s face
> And cladding oneself in purity mild,
> Freed from the world, by which soul was defiled.
> I’ll be cleansed of guilt without any trace!
> Such is the power of Lord Shiva’s grace,
> Formidable God so fierce and so wild.
> He gives rest in prayer and contemplation,
> The mantra of his sacred name will keep
> Away thieves which besiege meditation.
> Oh Lord Shiva I plead for just one peep
> Of they magnificent effulgent glory,
> To end the shame of my personal story.
>
> 63
>
> Kannappars sandals worn out on forest ways,
> Became his mark between the eye brows,
> Of the blessed body of the Lord of Hours.
> The libation of water held in place
> In his mouth became a bath of grace
> For the Victor of Cities whose powers
> Showed how Great Lord Shiva towers
> Overall. That huntsman took first place
> Of Shiva’s devotees; Kannappar the saint,
> Who gave Him an eye so he could rest
> In His fair breast, never prone to faint
> From weariness or fade away distressed.
> Kannappar was His servant beyond compare,
> Beloved by Shiva for such Devotion so rare!
>
> 64
>
> Oh Sambhu! Kicking at Lord Yama’s chest,
> Destroyer of ignorant Apasmara,
> Hovering around on Mount Kailasa;
> Ruffling the crowns of Gods, at Thy behest
> Worn on shaven heads for Thee to bless.
> Such is the task of Thy path of Jnana
> But is this proper, I ask Thee, Lord Shiva?
> Please wear the sandals of my mind, confessed.
> Oh dear Lord Shiva, I am now convinced,
> The fruit of ‘moksha’ is easily reaped
> Through Devotion, as Thou has evinced
> By the wealth of grace, which Thou hast heaped
> On Devotees, struggling for liberation:
> Great Shiva frees me from my consternation.
>
> 65
>
> Consort of beloved Uma, Goddess of Love,
> Nothing’s impossible for Thee, whose mind
> Worships Thy illustrious feet. We find
> Seeing Thee, Yama flees, afraid of a shove
> Which will send him flying high up above.
> The lesser Gods all wave their lamps behind
> Thee; while the gentle Mukti Bride, so kind,
> Embraces them wherever they may rove.
> The place of Devotees is above the Gods,
> Because of your loving and gracious care,
> Although that may appear to be most odd,
> It is the experience of all who dare
> To attain deliverance from dread samsara;
> Such is Thy greatness my dear Lord Shiva!
>
>
>
>
>
>
> 66
>
> Oh Sambhu! Thou creates Thy worlds in play,
> Thy inhabitants are Thy sportive game,
> Every gracious deed performed in Thy Name,
> Is for Thy pleasure alone, the Sages say,
> It’s certain, that my deeds everyday,
> Are only to exalt Thy righteous fame;
> Thy protection is all I rightfully claim,
> Oh Lord, for Thy mercy I pray, I pray and pray!
> I enquire, what’s the nature of Thy sport?
> Is it a game of love or shuttlecock?
> My reason tells me in the last resort,
> Your aim is to untie my bondage knot
> With fingers of compassionate grace,
> That one day I may view Thy eternal face.
>
> 67
>
> I seek the placid peaceful contemplation
> Of Great Lord Shiva, in the joyful land
> Of silent auspicious meditation,
> Freed from painful mental consternation,
> Where I can join that glorious band
> Of ardent loving devotees, and
> Rejoice in festive jubilation;
> Praising Thee in endless glorification,
> Knowing Thou holds us in Thy gracious hand.
> We enjoy the tears and precious thrills
> Engendered by many heartfelt delights
> Which protect us from all bodily ills,
> As Thou leads us from darkness into light.
> Reciting Thy Name is a fruitful field
> To force ego’s surrender and to Thee yield!
>
> 68
>
> Oh Lord of Souls; Oh compassionate One!
> Protect this beauteous cow of mine, Devotion.
> From Thy luscious grass, she strays in motion;
> Make her yield the delight, second to none,
> Milk of Jnana, the best beneath the Sun.
> Pardon her ignorant arrogation,
> Loving the ‘I am the body’ notion,
> Lead her to Thy feet when all is said and done,
> Devotion is the precious fruit of deeds
> Well performed in an earlier life;
> On her merit my cow earnestly feeds,
> Free her from all trouble, sorrow and strife.
> Let me churn her good milk of devotion,
> To the cream of Jnana, a potent potion!
>
> 69
>
> I’m not inert like some slovenly sloth,
> Nor impure like some smelling cess pool drain,
> Nor am I crooked like a burglar’s brain,
> Even if I be either, none, all or both,
> Oh Great Lord Shiva I’m indeed loath
> To claim, “am I not fit just the same,
> To always worship Thy sacred name
> And serve Thee as an ornamental broach?
> Oh Lord Shiva Thou sport a crescent moon;
> In spite of all my defects great and small,
> Your everlasting mercy, will surely soon
> Regard my sins as nothing much at all.
> Thou art all compassion, beyond compare,
> In Thy bountiful largesse, I wish to share!
>
> 70
>
> Whether in the open, beneath the sky,
> Or in the cloister of my closeted room,
> Thou art easy to live with: bye and bye
> Thou shall save me from false sense of ‘me’ and
> ‘my’.
> You weave time with space, on Thy cosmic loom,
> And create a world of illusion, soon
> To be destroyed, when only Thou knows why,
> When this insentient body will end and die.
> But Thy merciful grace will avert such doom,
> For your devotees brought to Realisation
> Who practice Self Enquiry and Surrender
> Finally reach enlightened liberation,
> And to Thee their roasted ego’s render.
> Oh dear Lord Shiva, Thou art beyond all praise,
> Thou brings supreme joy, into mournful days!
>
> 71
> Great Lord Shiva’s unfailing sharp arrows,
> Fixed to the bow of deepest meditation,
> Bent with the string of firmest devotion;
> For devotees with purified mind, He throws
> Enemy sinners some powerful blows:
> Gaining the balm of a soothing lotion,
> Death of the ‘I am the body notion’,
> Lord Shiva knows, he knows, he surely knows!
> We are urged to be like skilful archers
> And strike target-ego’s black bull’s eye;
> Then like resolute and doughty marchers,
> We reach the goal of moksha before we die.
> Gain a good bowman’s skilled ability,
> Shiva grants the gift of great stability!
>
> 72
>
> There are many friends who have gained their end
> And reached they beloved holy lotus feet;
> Even for Gods they’re the safest retreat.
> They wear serpents as ornaments and bend
> Their knees in obeisance to Thee, to fend
> Off demonic tendencies they may meet
> On their way to Self Realisation so complete.
> Oh Shiva, to Thee my love I now do send.,
> We find clear vision through Thy ointment
> Of meditation, breaking through the black
> Dark Ignorance,and make an appointment
> With Thee, to remedy all that I lack
> In virtue, grace, knowledge and devotion
> For Thee; who steers my craft across life’s ocean!
>
> 73
>
> Oh good mind! learn to love the lotus feet
> Of Supreme Lord Shiva; field for the growth
> Of that medicinal herb, which is both
> Release and blissful happiness complete;
> Desired by all who aren’t weak or effete.
> Oh Lord Shiva, I have sworn a mighty oath
> To obey Thy gracious rule, and ever clothe
> Thee in praise. These poems attempt this feat!
> How can I ever thank Thee for such Grace,
> Bestowed on one, unmerited and bad;
> But that single glance from Thine effulgent face,
> Has made me ever grateful and so glad!
> I salute Thee, magnificent Lord Shiva,
> Who’s willed to help and save this poor Jiva!
>
> 74
>
> May the lotus feet of the Lord who sent,
> Virtues that are north, south, east and west
> Of space, make my Heart’s sacred casket,
> Perfumed by that powerful God-like scent,
> That overwhelms the bad smell of nescience:
> Desire, greed, delusion, lust and the rest
> Of those sins, which undermine the best
> Virtues of heaven that for Man are meant.
> Pilgrim advancing on the mountain trail
> Passed a wayside flower, a bramble rose,
> He bowed and breathed its fragrance; without fail
> It cleansed his polluted mind of all those
> Vile impurities which besmirched his state;
> He thanked the Lord for such a blessed fate.
>
> 75
> Oh great destroyer of passionate lust,
> Commander of all the different worlds
> Into which the suffering soul is hurled,
> Rider of the Bull kicking up the dust,
> Restrain my mental horse as Thou must!
> Which is auspicious and is well impearled
> Without blemish like a summer rose unfurled.
> A skilled rider mounted the steed of my mind,
> And rode him swiftly to salvation’s goal.
> There, deep silence in the heart did find,
> He saved that poor perverted erring soul.
> All praise great Lord Shiva rider of the bull
> All is perfection in his sight, all is full.
>
> 76
>
> Devotion’s like a cloud sailing in the sky,
> An image of the all powerful Lord,
> Who showers love and bliss with every word,
> Removing from the mind all wail and cry;
> A lake whose mind is filled, bye and bye,
> With a white swan, a celestial bird,
> Whose song of adoration shall be heard
> By the ears of almighty God on high.
> By devotion the whole crop of life is reaped,
> Harvested by toilers in the field of life;
> The rain of grace, into the soil has seeped,
> The overwhelming flood of love is rife,
> On which the raft of liberation floats;
> The hymn of victory issues from our throats.
>
> 77
>
> Like a husband separated from his wife,
> The mind attached to His petalled lotus feet,
> Constantly remembers in to be complete
> In firmness, grasping for his dearest life,
> Walking the razor’s edge, sharp as a knife,
> Charmed by His Mantra which he does repeat,
> Om namah shivaya to a rhythmic beat,
> His heart swells with devotional praise so rife.
> Like a priest chanting sacred hymns of praise,
> He meditates on good and noble thought,
> Fond memories, sights and sounds, all his days,
> And the famous stories he has been taught.
> Lord Shiva is great in every way,
> We think on his glories throughout each day.
>
> 78
> I pray Lord Shiva every night and day,
> Uplift this turgid intellect of mine,
> As one would dress a bride in all that’s fine.
> Endow her with excellence in such a way,
> That brings it to noble service, and a ray
> That makes the light of true humility shine
> Bright, warm, compassionate and sublime,
> Fostering Good as its aim in life’s great play.
> At a wedding the pure chaste minded bride,
> Swears her allegiance to the husband in love;
> So can intellect wed the Self to confide
> In the God of power inside and above.
> This is the mystical marriage of the Sage,
> That maintains world righteousness for this age.
>
> 79
>
> Oh Shiva! Thy rosey feet ever gently tread
> On the pink lotus petals of Thy lover’s minds;
> But Thou kicked at the hard chest-door of dread
> Yama, Lord of Death, who strikes each heart and head,,
> In this dream of the weary deaf and blind.
> My mind ponders on Thy ways, yet to find
> An answer to which my errant soul be led.
> Bring Thy feet within my sight, and unwind
> Thy maze, before alas I too must die,
> And be born once more in wretched ignorance,
> To fight again in this vale of tears to sigh.
> I pray, before I leave, grant another chance
> To take hold of your precious blessed feet,
> When Self Realised, I shall be complete!
>
> These are some 79 from the 100 verses of The
> Shivanandalahari, By Adi Shankara, which I have rendered into Sonnet form with rhyme.
>
>






> THE FLOOD OF SHIVA BLISS

> 1

> May this, my most humble submission be,
> To that one great auspicious Deity;
> Great Lord Shiva of everlasting fame,
> Quintessence of all Jnana is His Name!
> He sports on His crown, a silver crescent moon,
> Ornament for Uma, such a beauteous boon,
> The ripe fruit of harsh severe penitence,
> Bestowing His bounteous beneficence.
> He wills all devotees to be ever blessed,
> And enjoy full noble lives of happiness.
> He always appears in the surrendered heart,
> Once glimpsed His presence will ne'er depart.
> He showers all three worlds with perfect love,
> A merciful blessing, mighty Grace from above.

> 2

> Victory to the powers of Great Lord Shiva!
> Which flow from the blessings of His kind
> Removal of sorrow from my mundane mind;
> He frees me from great grief of samsara
> To know soul’s lagoon flooded by Nirvana.
> Such awakening from hypnotic sleep we find
> Are streams that cleanse the soul, they wind
> Through dense mud and mire of false ajnana.
> They cause destruction of pain and sorrow,
> We live in the present, no fear for tomorrow.
> We thank God Shiva with all might and main,
> Chanting His praises for sacred is His Name.
> We read the miracles of His great life story,
> And bathe in the light of His effulgent glory.
>
3

> I worship Lord Shiva with all of my heart,
> Unknowable through the Vedas! For a start,
> He destroyed those tyrannical cities three,
> Made of iron, silver and gold; to set free
> Causal and subtle bodies. Veda was His bow,
> Agni His barb, Vishnu His honed arrow;
> His feather, the dread Lord Yama,
> His faithful charioteer, Great God Brahma.
> He’s primordial, sighted by three eyes,
> He’s majestic and profoundly wise.
> His hair’s a profusion of matted locks;
> He wears a necklace of snakes, carved from the rocks.
> Gracious to every ardent devotee,
> He’s the God of souls, Lord of Divinity,
> Self of Absolute Consciousness so pure.
> With fair Parvati He shall always endure,
> To control His three worlds, wisely and sure.
>
> 4

> Myriads of Gods hold sway over the world,
> And grant the prayers of the immature:
> Even in dreams at night, I pray to be pure:
> To my poor soul, high wisdom He’s unfurled.
> What I yearn for, is that He will insure
> The worship of His lotus feet, to lure
> My mind from grave sin, by senses hurled.
> This steady worship of His lotus feet
> Isn't easy, even for those who sit near
> Him, with hearts full of love complete,
> Having firm faith and freedom from fear,
> Yet fickle mind feels feeble and effete.
> It was difficult for Vishnu and Lord Brahma,
> Even, Sita, Hanuman, and Great Prince Rama.
>
> 5
> I’m not well versed in legalistic codes,
> Nor in learned philosophic tomes,
> From sciences, my mind always roams.
> Neither in art of music and poetic odes,
> Nor reading texts, burdened by heavy loads,
> Do I ever feel comfortably at home.
> I please Kings no more than an impish gnome,
> I’m as little use as a sweeper of roads.
> Save this wretched soul through Thy mighty grace!
> Omniscient, greatly famed, Oh Holy One,
> I pray to see my own original face,
> Resplendent as Thy bright effulgent Sun.
> Only Thee Lord Shiva can save my errant soul,
> To know my own Real Self and make me whole!
>
> 6
> Whether it be a pot or heavy lump of clay,
> Or the microcosmic atom in my breath,
> Whether it be smoke, fire or mountain way,
> Will any serve as a cure for painful death?
> I‘m only blocking love by logic chopping,
> I must bow to praise great Lord Shiva’s feet,
> But monkey mind keeps dropping off, hopping,
> Instead of abiding in His bliss replete.
> The heavy means of reason and causation,
> Will never take me to Self Realisation,
> Instead they lead to endless frustration,
> A kind of morbid mental perturbation.
> I must take refuge in Lord Shiva’s grace
> Inside my heart, True Saviour of the race.
>
> 7
>
> Let me rest at your feet, my Lord Supreme,
> Soft as the beautiful blue lotus flower.
> Let my speech, with all its might and power,
> Be prayer to awaken, from life’s sad dream,
> And constantly illuminate my inner scene.
> Then uttering your praise, I’ll never cower
> With fear, or lose the faith, by which Thou endower
> My soul by light from Thine effulgent gleam.
> Let my palms be clasped, in worship of Thee,
> My hearing tuned to the words of Thy story,
> My mind in meditation and ever free,
> My eyes resting on Thy formless glory.
> So through which other senses, will I learn
> To become worthy, and Thy grace to earn?
>
> 8
>
> Oh Great Almighty God, Lord of All Souls,
> As one thinks nacre, seems like silver in a shell,
> Or water mixed with flour, looks like milk as well,
> A glass bead bauble appears as a crystal bowl,
> A mirage we think is just a watering hole;
> So the fool, destined for yet another hell,
> Worships other than what is Thee; the spell
> Of Maya that deceives, Great Lord of the Whole!
> The rope we perceive is a venomous snake,
> And the stone dog we believe to be real.
> We mistake a man for a scarecrow’s stake,
> And what we touch seems solid as we feel.
> The mind is under a constant delusion,
> Save us Lord Shiva from such illusion!
>
> 9
>
> Lord of Uma! One swims in a deep tank,
> Walks in a fearful, empty jungle wood,
> Climbs a mountain peak where fresh air is good,
> Pick pretty posies by a river bank,
> That fool doesn’t know how to give Thee thanks!
> All one needs to do as one truly should,
> Is give one’s heart lotus and so be understood.
> God does not need to be decked with flowers,
> He’s already the beautifully sublime,
> These outer forms waste many precious hours;
> The true sacrifice which is really prime,
> Is to offer one’s mind to the Self in the heart,
> That’s all Lord Shiva asks, from the very start!
>
> 10
>
> Let there be birth as a human being,
> Or a God in some ethereal sphere,
> A high mountain where the clouds float near,
> Or forest fox from huntsmen ever fleeing,
> Or mosquito blood juice always stealing.
> Cow, whose lush green grass is ever dear,
> Worm, who through mud does craftily steer,
> Or bird who through azure sky flies wheeling.
> What is this compared to sporting in bliss
> From great Lord Shiva’s benefaction?
> Receiving the grace of sweet Parvati’s kiss,
> All for poor jiva’s endless satisfaction.
> If we offer our mind, each night and morn,
> Does it matter into which body we’re reborn?
>
> 11
>
> Let me be a student, humble as can be,
> Or the proud house holder of a home,
> An ascetic, plastic as a garden gnome,
> Or any other form, as it pleases Thee.
> What use is this on the path to liberty?
> Oh Sambhu, when the Heart- lotus is Thine
> I become yours, no longer ‘me’ or ‘mine’;
> One’s burden of life is Thy responsibility.
> Whether I dwell in town or mountain cave,
> My mind will always wander with me;
> The solution Lord Shiva gives to save
> And rest at peace, to be eternally free,
> Is to surrender ego mind to my own dear Self,
> And slay that demonic self-centred elf.
>
> 12
>
> Let one live in damp jungle or in fire,
> Or on Himalayan mountain peak,
> Or whatever place a man may seek.
> In a palace, to which great Kings aspire,
> Or fabled lands of which the pilgrims speak
> Of Vedic Indian, or Platonic Greek;
> Of endless speculation we soon tire.
> Of what use is such wasteful living?
> Instead prostrate at mighty Shiva’s feet,
> Endlessly renouncing, and freely giving
> Back our minds in full surrender complete.
> That’s the only way to make us content,
> Ego’s false ignorance we need to relent.
>
> 13
>
> Oh Saviour of wretched afflicted souls,
> It is Thy duty to protect and guard me,
> Thou whom art all compassion and mercy:
> I’m blind, roasted over life’s blazing coals,
> I boast, foolishly hosting madcap goals,
> Who’s the weakest in mental strength Thou sees?
> Pray grant me safe refuge and set me free!
> Like a poor dove trapped in a gilded cage,
> My soul pines to fly and roost at Thy feet;
> Remove all my sins of anger and rage,
> Help me renounce foul mind and rest complete.
> Who’s a better expert in the saving grace?
> Lead me to the vision of my original face.
>
> 14
>
> Oh Lord of Souls! art Thou not also Lord
> And firm friend of the impoverished poor?
> In earnest we pray, open wide Thy door
> To the music of that merciful chord,
> Which Thou can graciously well afford,
> To heal our wounded hearts, so sore.
> Aid us in practise to move closer toward
> Thy Lotus feet and then walk on forward,
> To Realisation of the Self for ever more.
> All my sins should be forgiven by Thee,
> This is the true duty of a loving father,
> Willing to help his child, strive for liberty!
> Or grant me protection, and play Thy part
> Against those thieves, breaking into my Heart.
>
> 15
>
> Lord, as Thou are not indifferent to my lot,
> Why not destroy that grave decree of fate,
> Before death comes, and alas it is too late;
> That which makes me wilt. Hast Thou forgot
> That unless you save me, there’s a vile plot
> Of desires to invade me? then don’t forsake,
> Your child before I reach Lord Yama’s gate,
> And you’ve failed to sever my ganglion knot.
> If you’re powerless, how was Brahma’s head,
> Which cannot be plucked by a finger nail,
> Be cut by Thee with your nail tip instead?
> I pray, Great Lord Shiva, please don’t fail
> Your child who tries so hard in this barren place,
> And lies powerless without thy boundless grace!
>
> 16
> Oh Shiva, purest one, may Brahma live long!
> Protect and guard his remaining four heads,
> He’s ordained the poverty to which I’m led
> In this false dream world of right and wrong.
> What fear is left for me when I sing this song
> And Thy gaze of love, to me has said,
> “Have faith, in me , my child, you do belong?
> A son is lost and from home does stray,
> His father looks for him every where,
> Then on one marvellous miraculous day
> He’s found and delivered safely there,
> Back to his land at blissful peace at last,
> Clasped in Lord Shiva’s arms, tight and fast.
>
> 17
>
> Oh Master, whom art all pervading,
> Either because of my merited deeds,
> Or through compassion for my earthly needs;
> Thou art immanently present, invading
> Each fibre of my soul, not evading
> But helping me, when my sad heart bleeds;
> For you’ve truly sown salvation’s seeds
> The fruits of which are now parading.
> How am I to reach Thy sweet lotus feet?
> The whole galaxy of Gods press forward
> In their eagerness to respect and greet
> Thy gracious Self, paying obeisance toward
> Thee, with the splendour of Thy golden crown,
> Preventing poor me alas, from bending down.
>
> 18
>
> Oh Shiva! Thou art the boon giver supreme,
> Vishnu and the lesser Gods call upon Thee,
> They hold their place through Thy generosity;
> How great is Thy grace, and yet we scheme
> With increased desires in this crazy dream.
> When will you destroy pernicious petty ‘me’,
> Through thy gaze of peaceful clemency?
> From your dazzling light cast me a single beam.
> The Gods pray for you to uphold their gains,
> Blessed benefactor of all sentient Beings,
> Strengthen and fasten my slack mental reins,
> Unite see-er, and seen with all my seeings.
> I depend on Thee Lord Shiva for Thy grace,
> Accept me, and my false ego pray efface.
>
> 19
>
> Is it to benefit great Great Lord Brahma
> That you won’t remove my anguish and pain?
> Full of despicable desires and shame,
> This endless suffering in dark samsara
> Even leads to the doors of some crooked Rajah,
> An endless storm of troubles, all in vain,
> Without virtue, for my poor soul to gain.
> Oh what a wretched wicked palaver!
> Inform me, oh great Lord Shiva, I pray
> If all this grief is only for Thy pleasure,
> We shall be gracefully blessed, I say.
> I beg for justice as you shall measure,
> None of the dark decrees of fate for ill,
> Have any true validity before Thy will.
>
> 20
>
> Oh Shiva, with bare skull as begging bowl,
> Thou art an all pervading, mendicant!
> My mind roams the desert of discontent,
> Dances on the breast hills of female souls,
> Leaps wildly on many mad strange goals,
> Branch to branch, where desire will soon torment.
> Inconstant is this monkey mind Thou sent
> To fight against, and learn firm sense control.
> Taking this mind as an offering of alms,
> Bind it tightly with Thy cord of devotion,
> And tie it well, beneath your loving arms,
> As I sail across life’s stormy ocean.
> Lord Shiva save me from the terror of my mind!
> Thou art the Truest Guru I could ever find!
>
> 21
>
> Oh, Slayer of Demons, like Manmatha,
> Thou art worshipped by divine devotees.
> All pervading One, please enter with these,
> And Thy Goddess consort, beauteous Uma,
> Into the bright tent of my mental Maya,
> That boasts free will; a central pole to seize
> The ropes of heroic virtues that please,
> And can be eased through this dread samsara.
> That shining tent is multi toned and hued,
> Painted with lotuses, pink, blue and white,
> They glow like beacons in the black of night,
> Moved daily through highways, and imbued
> With prayer for Thy great victory, Jai!
> That enlivens me throughout my day.
>
> 22
> Oh Shankara! Oh skillful master thief!,
> Magnificent ever pervading One!
> This arch villain of my mind speeds along,
> Having fallen prey, beyond all belief,
> To amassing great wealth without relief
> From greedy desire , committing much wrong,
> Rifling homes, to which the rich belong.
> All this crime causes me remorse and grief.
> How can I bear this unscrupulous knave?
> Having brought him under Thy firm control,
> Grant me thy Grace, my impure soul pray save,
> Oh blessed Lord, please make me Thine, and Whole!
> Accept that I my pure Self is innocent,
> Oh merciful Lord Shiva, I repent, repent!
>
> 23
> Ever all-pervading One, oh Shankara!
> I perform Thy worship, pray grant poor me,
> Realisation now, immediately!
> Should Thou grant me the throne of Lord Brahma,
> Or God Vishnu as fruit of my Puja,
> I would bear more pain of taking the body
> Of bird or beast, for sake of being free
> And bathing in bliss of blest Nirvana.
> How can I bear this agony and pain,
> My auspicious beloved Guru Lord?
> I beg you over and over again,
> With all the strength and might I can afford,
> Save me, immortal Shiva, I pray, I pray!
> I love you like my own dear Self, every way.
>
> 24
>
> When will I dwell in Kailasa, Thy home?
> In Thy hall of emeralds, rubies and gold,
> Where precious pearls and jewels unfold,
> In the company of Thy votaries who roam
> With Thee dear Sambhu, beneath Thy sapphire dome,
> Who art auspicious wisdom born of old.
> My hands I fold, raised on my head, so bold
> I salute Thee noble one with this poem.
> Oh protect me Lord Shiva, God Supreme,
> Let me spend happiness in aeon's of time
> As if they were seconds, then it would seem
> All would be bliss beneath your protection,
> So cleanse me, grant me Thy rod of correction.
>
> 25
>
> Oh Great Shiva, when shall I behold Thee,
> Who boasts a throat of precious peacock blue,
> A body that’s embraced by Uma too.
> You hold in your hand a cutting axe, so free
> To chop down demon ego’s creeping tree.
> You own a deer, seated on the mighty thew
> Of a powerful Bull so very loyal to You,
> And Thy faithful sadhus cry out, hail, hail!
> And the wicked demons all fail and wail.
> Thy divine attendants dance all around,
> Stamping on cosmic time, never to fail
> To sanctify Mount Kailasa’s sacred ground.
> Oh great Lord Shiva, what more can one say,
> I love you more and more every day!
>
> 26
>
> Oh dweller on a sacred mountain high,
> Beholding Thee and falling at Thy feet,
> Pressing them against my head, I am replete
> With love for Thee; I wish my ego so to die
> Fully surrendered in obeisance to Thy
> Holy will, which I once again entreat.
> My perverted mind, pray now defeat.
> Free me from wilful weeping and mournful cry!
> I wish to enjoy that heavenly bliss
> Which does not even come to Brahma;
> Seal my lips with Parvati’s fragrant kiss,
> So I can breath the perfume and aroma
> From her blue full blown lotus flowers,
> And bathe in blessed grace throughout all hours.
>
> 27
>
> Lord Shiva, Mountain Dweller is Thy name,
> When gold Mount Meru is in Thy hands as bow,
> When Lord of wealth Kubera, of great fame
> Stays near Thee as they slave, it is the same
> As when the heavenly trees bow down low
> And cow Nandini kneels in obeisance, so
> I wish granting gems on Thy head to glow,
> Rubies, pearls, sapphires, diamonds so bright,
> Topaz, garnet, all reflecting Thy light,
> When at Thy feet in worship, all devotees came,
> Full of devotion their sacred souls complete.
> What tribute can I hand Thee, mighty Lord?
> May my mind be surrendered at thy feet,
> I give you all the love I can afford.
> May my heart and mind be always sworn to Thee,
> Oh mighty Lord who swears to set me free!
>
> 28
>
> Shiva! beautiful Parvati’s faithful consor,
> Adores Thee, yet same and equal is Her form,
> Near Thee, as chanting praises, is Her norm,
> She shares Thy mountain home, takes careful thought,
> In sat sang with devotees who’ve bravely fought
> The hard war with ego-mind and have worn
> Thy breast plate of Sadhana, no longer forlorn,
> Filled with love and devotion as they ought.
> They meditate on Thy auspicious Name,
> Comprising all sentient, conscious Beings,
> Moving and still, while disdainful of fame,
> Uniting all seers, scenes and their seeings.
> Here, indeed my Master I’ve reached my end,
> With thanks, I bow before Thee, prostrate and bend.
>
> 29
> All pervading One, I worship at Thy feet,
> Sacred and holy as the lotus blue,
> I meditate on Thee by day all through;
> I take refuge in Thee, that art my Lord complete.
> Oh holy Sambhu! blessed Paraclete,
> With power of words I pray to Thee, so true,
> Cast Thy mighty glance of grace on me too.
> That gaze which even Gods pray they shall meet.
> Instruct my mind and make it ever cling to Thee,
> Make me worthy of Thy beneficial Grace,
> I prostrate myself, and fall to bend my knee,
> Grant me the glory of the vision of Thy face!
> Instruct in happy peace my wayward mind,
> Thou art the greatest God one could ever find!
>
> 30
>
> Oh Shiva, the One, who sports the new Moon
> As Thy crest jewel! Oh Lord of all souls,
> O Master Guru of three worldly wholes;
> If there be in my Self, light of the Sun,
> soon
> By its thousand beams I will dress you in tunes
> Of song, decked by flowers in golden bowls,
> That I may render Thee worship as my goal.
> Like Visnu, Vayu, Agni, Indra, with their boons.
> I shall offer to you as tasty fitting food
> My ego, well cooked in the blazing fire
> Of Thy Jnana, well spiced by my gratitude;
> To this consummation, I ardently aspire.
> Thou art infinity, I can only praise Thee
> Rising to the height of Gods in liberty.
>
> 31
>
> Oh Shiva! Is not this single supreme deed
> Of aid enough to praise Thy compassion?
> Residing inside Thy mountain mansion,
> With a view to protecting Thy Beings’ seed
> Moving and unmoving, yet conscious indeed.
> In Thy throat Thou swallows in Thy fashion,
> That fearful poison of unbridled passion,
> And save us from our sins of lust and greed.
> Thus Thy throat is tinted bright peacock blue,
> As a sign to all Thy children young and old,
> That thy mercy extends to all that Thou do.
> This is Thy sworn promise, so we are told,
> To save earnest devotees when ripe, in time.
> Oh mighty Shiva, Thy compassion is sublime!
>
> 32
>
> Sambhu! how did vile poison catch alight,
> Causing fear to all the Gods known by Thee?
> How was it borne in thy palm so craftily?
> Like a ripe, red rose apple; a wondrous sight
> Which thrills, blushing like dawn, after darkest night?
> Or like a strong medicine used skilfully
> By Siddhas? was it held mightily tight
> In Thy throat? Was it a gem, blue and bright
> As the sapphire sky, our dome of beauty?
> Tell me my Loved One! The ways of your duty
> Surpasses my mortal understanding.
> So my Lord, I am humbly demanding,
> Please tell me Sambhu if it’s really true,
> World poison stained your throat, a vibrant peacock blue?
>
> 33
>
> Oh my Master! Is it not sufficient
> For folk to serve Thee without frustration,
> By chanting praise and making prostration,
> Worship, meditation, are all most efficient,
> Self Enquiry, surrender, are they not sufficient?
> Hearing your story with horripilation,
> Having sight of Thee in my imagination;
> How is release possible for one so nescient?
> What’s the use of following gods who are all
> Impermanent? and to whom should we pray?
> With all my heart, Oh Shiva, hear my call,
> I yearn for Thy blessed Grace every day!
> “The answer my friend”, Great Lord Shiva said,
> “Is in thine own Self, I am That , and thou art led!”
>
> 34
>
> Shiva? What more can we say about Thy story?
> Who else possesses such courage and power?
> How can we find the strength to endower
> Ourselves with such splendid might and glory?
> World destruction, which is always so gory
> When even Gods fall, might come at any hour,
> Ascetics are seized with fear, and glower
> At such an end to their lives and history.
> Yet, Thou does revel fearless, all alone,
> In felicity blissfully dance and stamp,
> All we can do for our grave sins is to atone,
> Seeking the bright light of Thy Jnana lamp.
> Pray don’t leave us in our time of great need,
> We yearn for grace, mercy and help indeed!
>
> 35
>
> Shiva! Thou takes care of all Thy Beings,
> For their welfare and spiritual advance,
> Intent on good giving; that is Thy stance!
> Thou teaches the way of divine seeing,
> All pervading, determined on freeing
> Devotees from sad samsara’s wild prance,
> Stamping, whirling; such is Thy dance ,
> All pervading inside and out; ever revealing
> Thou art my inmost pure conscious Self,
> That I always keep in my sacred heart.
> Thou will conquer my vile demonic elf
> Before I die, and from life must depart.
> Oh Lord Shiva! Majestic King of Kings,
> Of your great glory my soul ever sings
>
> 36
>
> Entwine me with the cord of devotion,
> Fill me with the sacred waters of joy,
> The shining vessel of monkey mind’s toy.
> I whom am a devotee still in motion,
> Place two tender leaves as a notion
> Of obeisance at Thy feet, never to cloy.
> The ripe cocoanut of wisdom will alloy
> Me with Thy holy words of fervent emotion.
> Purify the house of my bodily frame,
> Thus do I perform this most sacred rite,
> Occasioning the bounty of Thy Name!
> This is the purification of that place,
> Preparing me to receive Thy boundless grace!
>
> 37
>
> Intelligence is our churning rod,
> Firmly attached to ardent devotion.
> Those of good heart churn the green-blue ocean
> Of scripture, searching for the hidden pod
> Of subtle meaning leading them to God;
> Gaining from the Moon in ceaseless motion
> The wish fulfilling tree, a happy notion
> Leading to the cow of plenty, however odd.
> The wish yielding magical ruby gem,
> The sweet ambrosia of eternal bliss,
> Goddess Parvati’s blessed garment hem.
> All pertain to Her perennial wisdom kiss,
> Churning is the essence of Self investigation
> Into our True Nature, by hard interrogation.
>
> 38
>
> When the clear auspicious silver Moon,
> Bearing the figure of the white form deer,
> Seen through eastern mountains very near
> To twinkling light of stars, so bright in June;
> Yet never, ever glimpsed at mid-day noon,
> Releasing worlds from darkness and grave fear
> Casting her reflection in blue lake so clear.
> The churned ocean swells up and very soon,
> Living becomes possible for the very good
> Diligent in sadhana, intelligent at heart.
> We offer ‘ego’ to Lord Shiva as tasty food,
> In love and surrender ‘till death do us part.
> Then pure Brahman-bliss becomes manifest,
> All sins are forgiven, being well confessed.
>
> 39
>
> When the merciful Lord of protection,
> Who wears a full Moon jewel as his crest,
> Is crowned in the celestial city, to be blest
> As King of my mind-lotus, choice election
> To show Dharma is supreme perfection.
> Sin is slain! Passions to which I’ve confessed;
> Lust, anger, pride, are successfully suppressed.
> Happiness rules as my prime predilection!
> The golden apples of wisdom and Jnana,
> Grow richly ripe, prolifically abundant.
> All is due to the profound power of Shiva,
> Evil veiling Self, is now made redundant!
>
> 40
>
> Almighty King of the whole universe,
> With Thy wondrous legends I take my fill.
> Subtle intellect is Thy water mill,
> Speech is Thy vessel, poetry Thy verse,
> Always a blessing and never a curse
> That flows through Thy channels up to the sill,
> Always auspicious and never for ill;
> Feeding crops of devotion like a kind nurse.
> How can there be fear of spiritual thirst
> When you feed us with the cup of Thy grace?
> Thou, all compassionate are truly the first;
> Grant me a glimpse of my original face!
>
> 41
>
> Shiva! Almighty conqueror of death,
> I am entreated by my wagging tongue,
> Monkey mind, head, feet, hands, eyes, ears, and breath,
> Which all participate in action, beneath
> Thy rule of Selfhood, of which I’ve sung
> As Shiva in my heart. Beneath my lung
> On the right side of the chest, in the sheath
> Of bliss, compassion and perfect peace.
> We climb heaven’s ladder by another rung,
> Those instruments of flesh all worship Thee,
> Full of praise, imploring their full release
> From bitter bondage and onto liberty!
> I pray, show me the way again and again
> To find my Self, in Her grace always to remain.
>
> 42
>
> Lord Shiva! Thou art fond of sturdy forts,
> Pray remain in the fortress of my mind,
> Whose moats are most magnificent. I find
> Its ramparts show the courage of thought
> To conquer my sins with which I am wrought.
> My royal armies are equipped with kind
> Sensory gateways far from being blind.
> My troops have always bravely fought.
> They’re provisioned with the food of Jnana,
> And are fully armed and feel complete.
> Yet I still wilt in this dungeon of samsara,
> Inspite of grace, I their General feel effete.
> I beg Thee dear Lord, teach me devotion,
> I am drowning in life’s tempestuous ocean.
>
> 43
>
> Primeval hunter, dweller in a mountain,
> You wander here and there in search of game,
> I plead, reside and hunt in me the same.
> Within the jungle of my mind’s plantation,
> Dwell wild beasts that cause me aggravation!
> Such as lechery and desire for fame.
> By slaying them, you’ll effectively tame
> These disturbances of mental infatuation.
> So relish the sport of hunting such wild beasts,
> Have the pleasure of a sport well performed,
> These creature’s egos are fit game for your feasts,
> Their brutality is speedily reformed.
> Lord Shiva, great hunter with Thy spear of gold,
> Stalk these monsters as Thou did in days of old!
>
> 44
>
> Deep down in the mountain cave of my heart
> Dwells the Great God with different faces five,
> Wielding a wild deer in His hand alive.
> Thou who has slain the elephant demon! Start
> With the tiger devil, bind him in a cart
> And drag him through the busy city’s streets
> So all may admire Thine astounding feats,
> Let all see how well Thou played the hero’s part.
> Thou art a great hunter, so where is fear for me?
> I have firm faith that you will always slay
> Demons that enter my mind and terrorise
> My better self which strives each hour and day,
> To love, adore and be fit to Self Realise.,
> That Self Awareness for which we toil and pray,
> To serve the Self, which is Shiva, in every way!
>
> 45
>
> Oh proud, preening parrot ego-bird,
> Rest always in the nest of the lotus feet
> Of Shiva, where shrewd scholars all compete
> To hearken to his every sagacious word,
> Which is eternal, and only truly heard
> By those devotees who are fully replete
> In Jnana Knowledge, wise and complete;
> Shiva’s great teaching is by them preferred.
> His soothing words remove all sad sorrow
> And shine with the bright light of felicity.
> So end stupid wandering off tomorrow,
> And enjoy the bliss of His perspicacity.
> I am sick and weary of futile pursuit,
> I love the truth of Shiva’s wisdom’s fruit.
>
> 46
>
> Oh mind, when focused, you’re a regal swan;
> Nest in His magic mountain residence,
> At Parvati’s feet, where Her sacred incense
> Curls up to heaven. Its fragrance falls upon
> All who worship Shiva, mighty as the Sun.
> Rubies and pearls encrust the golden fence
> Which hides the wives of holy saints who sense
> The wonder of Shiva, the glorious One.
> It’s at His feet that the Sages prostrate,
> Surrendering mind in fear and awe,
> Anxious to avert that terrible fate
> Of rebirth in samsara again once more.
> All pray and plead for Lord Shiva’s grace,
> And catch a glimpse of his auspicious face.
>
> 47
>
> In the radiant rose garden of my heart,
> In my sunny summertime of meditation,
> A hymnal chant I sing in adoration.
> The white lilies of devotion impart
> Their scent, welcoming an earnest start
> To prune the growths of grievous dissipation,
> Heralding the task of mental regulation,
> Then worship blooms to form a sacred part.
> The sweet apple of Self Knowledge and bliss,
> Pure Awareness, is a joyful juicy fruit
> Sealed with Divine Parvartis’ blessed kiss.
> She fulfils the magic of my Self pursuit.
> Bold beauty adorns my silent bower of peace
> In the ardent arbour of my Soul’s release.
>
> 48
>
> In the nest of mind, the best of swans,
> Cruise to the calm lake of God recollection,
> A reservoir of infinite satisfaction,
> Blossoming with water lilies, whose Sun
> Kissed blooms, welcome the Enlightened One,
> Set in the hearts of Saints, making prostration
> At Shiva’s feet of supreme domination:
> To seek His safe refuge they always run.
> His sacred waters will cleanse my sin,
> So why pollute myself in muddy pools,
> Slaving to the vile desires of stupid fools;
> A maddening pastime one can never win.
> Better to bathe in Shiva’s Godlike grace
> The effects of such folly he will soon efface.
>
> 49
>
> May the rose flower of firm devotion
> Yield me fruitful hips that I always desire,
> A bud well fed by love to which I aspire;
> An endless flow of heartfelt emotion,
> Deeper and wider than the sea-green ocean.
> The rose climbed from Shiva’s feet, I so admire,
> Rich with shoots that wind round my inward byre
> Of constancy and faithful affirmation.
> The crimson blooms cover my mental porch,
> They are without blemish and full of fire,
> Any sins and failing they quickly scorch,
> Raising my vile mind from its muddy mire.
> Why am I always in such a hurry
> Scurrying in mind’s cow sheds of slurry?
>
> 50
>
> I praise the Arjuna tree, a linga
> At Sri Saila, with white jasmine entwined
> On that beautiful mountain, on which we find
> Parvati embracing her Great Lord Shiva;
> Auspicious, like His teaching of Vedanta.
> Around His neck writhing serpents wind,
> Yet Shiva is all merciful and most kind,
> Are not his sons Ganesha and Skanda?
> Eager humming bees gather around,
> Buzzing with their truly glorious sound
> Of Om, most sacred primordial word,
> That this vast universe has ever heard.
> All join in chanting Great Lord Shiva’s praise,
> He guards and protects us throughout our days.
>
> 51
>
> Bhramarambika, all pervading Lord of ease,
> The Bee whose hive sits on Sri Saila hill,
> Dancing to the tune of Sage Bhrngin’s will,
> Who follows the lead of the Queen of Bees,
> And quelled the pride of a demon, Her to please.
> An Elephant which drank rut up to his fill,
> He wallowed in the time of spring until,
> He willed to stay at rest, at last in peace.
> The very memory of this sacred linga,
> Bestows on devotees special merit,
> For such is the grace of Great Lord Shiva,
> That with certain faith they will inherit
> The auspicious gift of Brahman Nirvana!
> That bee is a friend of the God of love,
> And sips sweet nectar from flowers above.
>
> 52
> Oh Shiva! Lord with peacock blue throat,
> I adore Thee! Thou sports snakes to boast
> And show me Thy greatness; yet divine love
> Is Lord Shiva’s chief virtue! From above
> He reigns supreme to pilot our boat
> Steering us across life’s ocean afloat
> To reach Liberation, free as a dove!
> That cosmic peacock has a crest of sky,
> Parvati is his precious pea hen,
> His teaching’s the pyre on which false me shall die,
> Om is His primordial sound emblem.
>
> 54
>
> I love that peacock blue throated wonder
> Whose scintillating dance of prancing feet
> In summer’s heat, sends rolls of drumming beats,
> Tapped by Vishnu’s rumbling clouds of thunder.
> His forked lightning frightens folk asunder,
> Clouds shed tears of grace as rain complete;
> Uma as Peahen Goddess gets from Her seat,
> Such beauty to share, joys without number.
> I sing in praise of our sage Lord Shiva
> Whom with gracious Uma as his wife,
> Upholds the righteous path of Dharma
> And ordains the Karma of earthly life.
> Such is the power of His divinity
> A guide for humanity for all infinity.
>
> 55
>
> May my humble obeisance be to Thee
> Oh Sambhu, Lord with many matted locks
> Thou art the primal cause; Thou scoffs and mocks
> At sceptics of Thy great Divinity,
> Limitless light that shines to infinity,
> Thou art recognised by red mountain rocks,
> Oh mover of psychic obstacles and blocks.
> With Thee in our hearts, we find affinity,
> Thou art sole subject of our meditation.
> The lesser Gods all praise Thy Holy Name,
> In Jnana Knowledge Thou art the summation,
> In the hearts of Devotees Thou art the flame.
> Thou art the weaver of the veil of Maya,
> Skilled dancer of the cosmos, blessed Shiva!
>
> 56
>
> Matted haired Shiva! Thou art eternal!
> Embodied in the Gunas, qualities three;
> Raw activity, dull passivity,
> And neutral clarity supernal.
> Thou art both paternal and maternal!
> The true nature of pure consciousness; free
> To create three worlds by Maya magically,
> Ending them after each era dies, terminal!
> Thou art directly perceived by Sages,
> Thou inspires each hallowed Advaitic text,
> Thou art the refuge and rock of ages,
> Oh Great Lord Shiva what follows next?
> Thou art engaged in prancing a cosmic dance,
> Freedom for devotees, is their happy chance.
>
> 57
>
> Lord of all souls, perfect pervading One!
> I flatter rich folk in my zest for wealth,
> I stuff my belly, bad for mental health,
> I wander in vain seeking futile fun,
> Avoiding right effort I run and run,
> Evading your grace by devious stealth,
> I fail to benefit the commonwealth.
> All is such vanity under the Sun,
> Yet through Thy compassion in spite of all
> Sins, through merit earned in a former life,
> As my Guru within, you prevent my fall,
> Saving me from tense trouble and strife.
> I am ever thankful for your protection,
> I prostrate to thee in grateful subjection.
>
> 58
>
> Oh Great Lord of Souls, dearest dazzling Light
> To vanquish my jet black darkness and its shades,
> Help me before my ardour fades
> Become visible, blaze with all Thy might!
> Illuminate me from Thy commanding height.
> Aid me before my ardent ardour fades.
> Sense thieves continue brazen burgling raids:
> Oh Great Lord Shiva take pity on my plight!
> Thine effulgence exceeds a crore of Suns,
> Why then cloud Thy brilliant Self from me?
> Destroy base ignorance, make vile demons run
> Away; permit my Soul freedom to dwell in Thee.
> Pray destroy my egotism and make me whole,
> Let Self Realisation be my destined goal!
>
> 59
>
> Oh Lord of Souls! Vast all pervading One,
> Worthy consort of Parvati divine;
> As Cartaka birds always moan and whine
> For heavy clouds of rain, which veil the Sun,
> And lotus tanks are yearned for by the swan,
> And Cakora birds for Moon beams; so I pine
> To touch Thy holy lotus feet sublime.
> Which will be reached by that path on which we run;
> Thy great teaching of the Jnana Marga,
> That yields the bliss of sheer perfection.
> That’s Thy blessed gift for me, Oh Shiva,
> To Thee I surrender humbly in subjection.
> By the fine example of these fabulous birds,
> Accept my sonnet’s feelings, if not their words.
>
> 60
>
> A man dragged by the current seeks the shore,
> The weary walker, the cool shade of a tree,
> The soul afraid of sin finds refuge in Thee.
> The steel magnet attracts metallic ore,
> The faithful wife to her Lord, flies in awe,
> Creepers cling to the tree, that’s strong and free,
> The river races to its source the sea;
> So I yearn for Thee Lord Shiva, more and more!
> Oh mind, reach the Lotus feet of the Lord!
> Ever stay there; that is real devotion.
> Let restless mind be held by Bhakti’s cord,
> To know the bliss of Lord Shiva’s ocean.
> Pray bless me with Thy Grace of Constancy,
>
> 61
>
> Seeds of Ankola trees stick to the tree,
> The one afraid of rain shelters under a roof,
> Guests rest with the householder unaloof.
> The poor receive from generous charity,
> Those fearful of night will light their lamps brightly,
> The cold take warmth from fire; all brings proof
> How Thy protection is beyond reproof,
> As these similes illustrate quite rightly.
> Oh mind, reach the feet of Shiva with ease,
> This will drive away all its needless fear
> And gain Thy blessing of blissful peace,
> Such is Thy boundless Grace, I hold so dear.
> Oh Great Shiva grant me Thy protection,
> And relieve me from direst dereliction.
>
> 62
>
> As a mother’s devotion guards her child,
> The roar of Shiva’s conch, all sin will efface;
> By smearing sacred ash upon one’s face
> And cladding oneself in purity mild,
> Freed from the world, by which soul was defiled.
> I’ll be cleansed of guilt without any trace!
> Such is the power of Lord Shiva’s grace,
> Formidable God so fierce and so wild.
> He gives rest in prayer and contemplation,
> The mantra of his sacred name will keep
> Away thieves which besiege meditation.
> Oh Lord Shiva I plead for just one peep
> Of they magnificent effulgent glory,
> To end the shame of my personal story.
>
> 63
>
> Kannappars sandals worn out on forest ways,
> Became his mark between the eye brows,
> Of the blessed body of the Lord of Hours.
> The libation of water held in place
> In his mouth became a bath of grace
> For the Victor of Cities whose powers
> Showed how Great Lord Shiva towers
> Overall. That huntsman took first place
> Of Shiva’s devotees; Kannappar the saint,
> Who gave Him an eye so he could rest
> In His fair breast, never prone to faint
> From weariness or fade away distressed.
> Kannappar was His servant beyond compare,
> Beloved by Shiva for such Devotion so rare!
>
> 64
>
> Oh Sambhu! Kicking at Lord Yama’s chest,
> Destroyer of ignorant Apasmara,
> Hovering around on Mount Kailasa;
> Ruffling the crowns of Gods, at Thy behest
> Worn on shaven heads for Thee to bless.
> Such is the task of Thy path of Jnana
> But is this proper, I ask Thee, Lord Shiva?
> Please wear the sandals of my mind, confessed.
> Oh dear Lord Shiva, I am now convinced,
> The fruit of ‘moksha’ is easily reaped
> Through Devotion, as Thou has evinced
> By the wealth of grace, which Thou hast heaped
> On Devotees, struggling for liberation:
> Great Shiva frees me from my consternation.
>
> 65
>
> Consort of beloved Uma, Goddess of Love,
> Nothing’s impossible for Thee, whose mind
> Worships Thy illustrious feet. We find
> Seeing Thee, Yama flees, afraid of a shove
> Which will send him flying high up above.
> The lesser Gods all wave their lamps behind
> Thee; while the gentle Mukti Bride, so kind,
> Embraces them wherever they may rove.
> The place of Devotees is above the Gods,
> Because of your loving and gracious care,
> Although that may appear to be most odd,
> It is the experience of all who dare
> To attain deliverance from dread samsara;
> Such is Thy greatness my dear Lord Shiva!
>
>
>
>
>
>
> 66
>
> Oh Sambhu! Thou creates Thy worlds in play,
> Thy inhabitants are Thy sportive game,
> Every gracious deed performed in Thy Name,
> Is for Thy pleasure alone, the Sages say,
> It’s certain, that my deeds everyday,
> Are only to exalt Thy righteous fame;
> Thy protection is all I rightfully claim,
> Oh Lord, for Thy mercy I pray, I pray and pray!
> I enquire, what’s the nature of Thy sport?
> Is it a game of love or shuttlecock?
> My reason tells me in the last resort,
> Your aim is to untie my bondage knot
> With fingers of compassionate grace,
> That one day I may view Thy eternal face.
>
> 67
>
> I seek the placid peaceful contemplation
> Of Great Lord Shiva, in the joyful land
> Of silent auspicious meditation,
> Freed from painful mental consternation,
> Where I can join that glorious band
> Of ardent loving devotees, and
> Rejoice in festive jubilation;
> Praising Thee in endless glorification,
> Knowing Thou holds us in Thy gracious hand.
> We enjoy the tears and precious thrills
> Engendered by many heartfelt delights
> Which protect us from all bodily ills,
> As Thou leads us from darkness into light.
> Reciting Thy Name is a fruitful field
> To force ego’s surrender and to Thee yield!
>
> 68
>
> Oh Lord of Souls; Oh compassionate One!
> Protect this beauteous cow of mine, Devotion.
> From Thy luscious grass, she strays in motion;
> Make her yield the delight, second to none,
> Milk of Jnana, the best beneath the Sun.
> Pardon her ignorant arrogation,
> Loving the ‘I am the body’ notion,
> Lead her to Thy feet when all is said and done,
> Devotion is the precious fruit of deeds
> Well performed in an earlier life;
> On her merit my cow earnestly feeds,
> Free her from all trouble, sorrow and strife.
> Let me churn her good milk of devotion,
> To the cream of Jnana, a potent potion!
>
> 69
>
> I’m not inert like some slovenly sloth,
> Nor impure like some smelling cess pool drain,
> Nor am I crooked like a burglar’s brain,
> Even if I be either, none, all or both,
> Oh Great Lord Shiva I’m indeed loath
> To claim, “am I not fit just the same,
> To always worship Thy sacred name
> And serve Thee as an ornamental broach?
> Oh Lord Shiva Thou sport a crescent moon;
> In spite of all my defects great and small,
> Your everlasting mercy, will surely soon
> Regard my sins as nothing much at all.
> Thou art all compassion, beyond compare,
> In Thy bountiful largesse, I wish to share!
>
> 70
>
> Whether in the open, beneath the sky,
> Or in the cloister of my closeted room,
> Thou art easy to live with: bye and bye
> Thou shall save me from false sense of ‘me’ and
> ‘my’.
> You weave time with space, on Thy cosmic loom,
> And create a world of illusion, soon
> To be destroyed, when only Thou knows why,
> When this insentient body will end and die.
> But Thy merciful grace will avert such doom,
> For your devotees brought to Realisation
> Who practice Self Enquiry and Surrender
> Finally reach enlightened liberation,
> And to Thee their roasted ego’s render.
> Oh dear Lord Shiva, Thou art beyond all praise,
> Thou brings supreme joy, into mournful days!
>
> 71
> Great Lord Shiva’s unfailing sharp arrows,
> Fixed to the bow of deepest meditation,
> Bent with the string of firmest devotion;
> For devotees with purified mind, He throws
> Enemy sinners some powerful blows:
> Gaining the balm of a soothing lotion,
> Death of the ‘I am the body notion’,
> Lord Shiva knows, he knows, he surely knows!
> We are urged to be like skilful archers
> And strike target-ego’s black bull’s eye;
> Then like resolute and doughty marchers,
> We reach the goal of moksha before we die.
> Gain a good bowman’s skilled ability,
> Shiva grants the gift of great stability!
>
> 72
>
> There are many friends who have gained their end
> And reached they beloved holy lotus feet;
> Even for Gods they’re the safest retreat.
> They wear serpents as ornaments and bend
> Their knees in obeisance to Thee, to fend
> Off demonic tendencies they may meet
> On their way to Self Realisation so complete.
> Oh Shiva, to Thee my love I now do send.,
> We find clear vision through Thy ointment
> Of meditation, breaking through the black
> Dark Ignorance,and make an appointment
> With Thee, to remedy all that I lack
> In virtue, grace, knowledge and devotion
> For Thee; who steers my craft across life’s ocean!
>
> 73
>
> Oh good mind! learn to love the lotus feet
> Of Supreme Lord Shiva; field for the growth
> Of that medicinal herb, which is both
> Release and blissful happiness complete;
> Desired by all who aren’t weak or effete.
> Oh Lord Shiva, I have sworn a mighty oath
> To obey Thy gracious rule, and ever clothe
> Thee in praise. These poems attempt this feat!
> How can I ever thank Thee for such Grace,
> Bestowed on one, unmerited and bad;
> But that single glance from Thine effulgent face,
> Has made me ever grateful and so glad!
> I salute Thee, magnificent Lord Shiva,
> Who’s willed to help and save this poor Jiva!
>
> 74
>
> May the lotus feet of the Lord who sent,
> Virtues that are north, south, east and west
> Of space, make my Heart’s sacred casket,
> Perfumed by that powerful God-like scent,
> That overwhelms the bad smell of nescience:
> Desire, greed, delusion, lust and the rest
> Of those sins, which undermine the best
> Virtues of heaven that for Man are meant.
> Pilgrim advancing on the mountain trail
> Passed a wayside flower, a bramble rose,
> He bowed and breathed its fragrance; without fail
> It cleansed his polluted mind of all those
> Vile impurities which besmirched his state;
> He thanked the Lord for such a blessed fate.
>
> 75
> Oh great destroyer of passionate lust,
> Commander of all the different worlds
> Into which the suffering soul is hurled,
> Rider of the Bull kicking up the dust,
> Restrain my mental horse as Thou must!
> Which is auspicious and is well impearled
> Without blemish like a summer rose unfurled.
> A skilled rider mounted the steed of my mind,
> And rode him swiftly to salvation’s goal.
> There, deep silence in the heart did find,
> He saved that poor perverted erring soul.
> All praise great Lord Shiva rider of the bull
> All is perfection in his sight, all is full.
>
> 76
>
> Devotion’s like a cloud sailing in the sky,
> An image of the all powerful Lord,
> Who showers love and bliss with every word,
> Removing from the mind all wail and cry;
> A lake whose mind is filled, bye and bye,
> With a white swan, a celestial bird,
> Whose song of adoration shall be heard
> By the ears of almighty God on high.
> By devotion the whole crop of life is reaped,
> Harvested by toilers in the field of life;
> The rain of grace, into the soil has seeped,
> The overwhelming flood of love is rife,
> On which the raft of liberation floats;
> The hymn of victory issues from our throats.
>
> 77
>
> Like a husband separated from his wife,
> The mind attached to His petalled lotus feet,
> Constantly remembers in to be complete
> In firmness, grasping for his dearest life,
> Walking the razor’s edge, sharp as a knife,
> Charmed by His Mantra which he does repeat,
> Om namah shivaya to a rhythmic beat,
> His heart swells with devotional praise so rife.
> Like a priest chanting sacred hymns of praise,
> He meditates on good and noble thought,
> Fond memories, sights and sounds, all his days,
> And the famous stories he has been taught.
> Lord Shiva is great in every way,
> We think on his glories throughout each day.
>
> 78
> I pray Lord Shiva every night and day,
> Uplift this turgid intellect of mine,
> As one would dress a bride in all that’s fine.
> Endow her with excellence in such a way,
> That brings it to noble service, and a ray
> That makes the light of true humility shine
> Bright, warm, compassionate and sublime,
> Fostering Good as its aim in life’s great play.
> At a wedding the pure chaste minded bride,
> Swears her allegiance to the husband in love;
> So can intellect wed the Self to confide
> In the God of power inside and above.
> This is the mystical marriage of the Sage,
> That maintains world righteousness for this age.
>
> 79
>
> Oh Shiva! Thy rosey feet ever gently tread
> On the pink lotus petals of Thy lover’s minds;
> But Thou kicked at the hard chest-door of dread
> Yama, Lord of Death, who strikes each heart and head,,
> In this dream of the weary deaf and blind.
> My mind ponders on Thy ways, yet to find
> An answer to which my errant soul be led.
> Bring Thy feet within my sight, and unwind
> Thy maze, before alas I too must die,
> And be born once more in wretched ignorance,
> To fight again in this vale of tears to sigh.
> I pray, before I leave, grant another chance
> To take hold of your precious blessed feet,
> When Self Realised, I shall be complete!
>
> These are some 79 from the 100 verses of The
> Shivanandalahari, By Adi Shankara, which I have rendered into Sonnet form with rhyme.
>
>