Even this morning, O Swan, awake, arise, follow me! There is a land where no doubt nor sorrow have rule, where the terror of Death is no more.
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, or answer the call of the VEENA?
[Source: RT 12 (partial); 2.24. hamsâ, kaho purâtan vât]
swan. This is the hamsa bird, a symbol associated with ultimate reality (Brahman) and also with moksha, release from the cycle of birth and death.
Here is the full poem:
XII
II. 24. hamsâ, kaho purâtan vât
Tell me, O Swan, your ancient tale.
From what land do you come, O Swan? to what shore will you fly?
Where would you take your rest, O Swan, and what do you seek?
Even this morning, O Swan, awake, arise, follow me!
There is a land where no doubt nor sorrow have rule: where the
terror of Death is no more.
There the woods of spring are a-bloom, and the fragrant scent "He
is I" is borne on the wind:
There the bee of the heart is deeply immersed, and desires no
other joy.
