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I searched for my Self by Lalla (Lal Ded) (14th Century) Timeline English version by Coleman Barks Original Language Kashmiri Yoga / Hindu : Shaivite (Shiva) 14th Century 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 Amazon.com	Themes   Wine         Recommended Books The Ascent of Self: A Reinterpretation of the Mystical Poetry of Lalla-Ded, by B. N. Paramoo Holy Fire: Nine Visionary Poets and the Quest for Enlightenment, Edited by Daniel Halpern Lalleshwari: Spiritual Poems by a Great Siddha Yogini, Translated by Swami Muktananda Naked Song, by Lalla / Translated by Coleman Barks Poetry for the Spirit: Poems of Universal Wisdom and Beauty, Edited by Alan Jacobs More >>
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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 that the bliss of union ("Wine") is found (though strenuous effort may have been necessary to first build up the focus and "spiritual 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 - 20010 by Ivan M. Granger.
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