Tuesday, September 19, 2000

Garden: When at last...


When at last you are come to the ocean of happiness, do not go back thirsty. Wake, foolish man! For Death stalks you. Here is pure water before you; drink it at every breath.

Next: This is the end of a path, but not the end of the garden. Return to the beginning: would you like to follow the FLUTE again, or answer the call of the VEENA?


[Source: RT 61 (partial); 1.48. sukh sâgar men âîke]

Here is the full poem:

LXI

I. 48. sukh sâgar men âîke

  When at last you are come to the ocean of happiness, do not go
    back thirsty.
  Wake, foolish man! for Death stalks you. Here is pure water
    before you; drink it at every breath.
  Do not follow the mirage on foot, but thirst for the nectar;
  Dhruva, Prahlad, and Shukadeva have drunk of it, and also Raidas
    has tasted it:
  The saints are drunk with love, their thirst is for love.
  Kabîr says: "Listen to me, brother! The nest of fear is broken.
  Not for a moment have you come face to face with the world:
  You are weaving your bondage of falsehood, your words are full of
    deception:
  With the load of desires which you. hold on your head, how can
    you be light?"
  Kabîr says: "Keep within you truth, detachment, and love."

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