> 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.
>
>
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