Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Yoga / Hindu : Shaivite (Shiva) 14th Century	About Lal Ded Timeline (14th Century)
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English version by Coleman Barks	I searched for my Self
Commentary by Ivan M. Granger Themes   Wine           Recommended Books The Ascent of Self: A Reinterpretation of the Mystical Poetry of Lalla-Ded, by B. N. Paramoo Women in Praise of the Sacred: 43 Centuries of Spiritual Poetry by Women, Edited by Jane Hirshfield	I searched for my Self until I grew weary, but no one, I know now, reaches the hidden knowledge by means of effort. Then, absorbed in “Thou art This,” I found the place of Wine. There all the jars are filled, but no one is left to drink.     -- from Women in Praise of the Sacred: 43 Centuries of Spiritual Poetry by Women, Edited by Jane Hirshfield
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Commentary by Ivan M. Granger

With just a few lines, this poem powerfully -- and beautifully! -- describes the non-dualistic perspective of realization.

One may engage in intense spiritual effort, but not experience the Divine. Ironically, it is through utterly ceasing one's effort that bliss ("Wine") is found (though strenuous effort may have been necessary to first build up the focus and "spritual steam" that is required). It is through recognizing that what you seek is already and effortlessly here, within you, within everything, that you truly experience it.

At that point, the "jars", the containers of existence, are all perceived as being full to the brim with the divine substance. But "you" -- the ego sense of "I" -- has vanished. There is now no one "left to drink" of the experience. There is only the quiet, blissful perception of the radiance of the Divine Self filling everything up.

Ivan M. Granger's original poetry, stories and commentaries are Copyright © 2002 - 2005 by Ivan M. Granger.
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